About Us

Welcome to a Sound Beginning

Our staff of credentialed and experienced behavioral training specialists have the knowledge and expertise to modify existing problems, while also teaching you how to prevent and manage your pets during the training process.

We work closely with veterinarians and veterinary behavorists, working as a team to enact training protocols to ensure the services we provide are the source of help for your pets – we work with dogs, cats, exotics and birds too!

Since our program has many trainers on staff, we are able to provide you with one best suited for you and your pet’s individual needs.

Our Methods

We are 100% positive-reinforcement trainers that use only gentle methods based on proven science and how dogs learn best.

Research has shown that dogs are more likely to learn and repeat behaviors that result in consequences they desire and enjoy. Our methods get results without ever using force or fear.

Our dedicated staff walk, talk and speak the language of dog with credentialed knowledge in dog behavior. The A Sound Beginning team includes Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified trainers as well as trainers with Masters and Bachelors degrees in animal behavior and numerous other certifications in the world of dog and animal training.

We are committed to helping you to understand exactly what your dog is telling you and to teaching you how to shape behavior and build a lifelong relationship with your dog that is based on mutual trust.

The bottom line is that training should be fun for both you and your dog. It should be a bonding experience. This relationship begins the moment you decide to bring a new dog into your home.

We will help you to avoid common mistakes and guide you through laying a great foundation where your new dog can thrive. Along the way you will learn how to speak dog language too and you will be amazed how quickly your dog will respond to our positive training methods.

We have expertise in working with shelter and rescue dogs and we are very experienced in working with dogs that are shy, nervous or fearful. But anyone who wants to build a great relationship with a new dog can benefit from our program.

We are not your average dog training program. We are about setting you and your new dog onto a path for success. All great friendships should start with a sound beginning that continues for a lifetime.

Our Team

A Sound Beginning began with a book that was created to help people learn how to appreciate and enjoy the full length of the journey that begins from the day they bring their newly adopted dog home and their special relationship begins. It has evolved into a fully packaged training program that is completely positive in its approach.

Our staff of behavioral trainers is passionate about our mission to keep dogs forever safe and sound, and our experience and qualifications are of the highest caliber.

Cassie Williams


Marta Dzundza


Jeff Joyce


Julie Dorsey-Oskerka



Laura Young


Maggie Fahner


Erica Kendzora


Jordan Michaels