Canine State Of Mind

Apr 2023

Sasha is an absolute master at her craft. Not only is she a phenomenal dog behavioralist, but she so deeply understands the human psychology and the intricate connection between them both. You can feel her passion for her work in her love for dogs and in her love for educating, guiding, and empowering you to lead. Through her holistic approach, she examines all dimensions of behavior - mind, body, spirit - to bring all aspects into harmony and balance. I have had the most incredible experience working with Sasha, and hold her in the highest regard. She is a powerful leader and teacher, ushering in a new paradigm of the human-canine relationship. Her work is deeply transformative and will leave you feeling empowered as the alpha that you are meant to be!

Jul 2022

I thought I had enrolled our 18-month old cattle dog mix, Miller, in a two-week Board & Train at Canine State of Mind. What I quickly realized is, I had enrolled MYSELF in an program that would completely reconfigure my concept of communication and care for my dog. I was the student. Miller was along for the ride, ready to reap the benefits of me becoming a better Alpha of the pack.A lovable, but highly-reactive rescue dog, Miller was a laundry list of maladaptive behavior- barking at stimuli outside our windows and doors, separation anxiety, lunging on leash, insisting behaviors such as demand barking and herding us, barking at human-to-human behaviors such as hugging and horsing around. The two-week boarding program at Canine State of Mind was Miller's hard reset. He got to experience pack life as it should be, and he returned to our house transformed-relaxed, street-free and ready to relinquish all responsibilities to me. This is where the real work began. Miller would stay in this optimal state ONLY IF I WAS READY TO CHANGE MY THINKING AND MY BEHAVIORS. The most important work to be done wasn't with Miller. It was with me.Through Sasha, I am totally learning a new way to love and care for my dog. I can now see the world from his point of view, and understand his needs. Small moves, that seem so little to me, have become the most impactful way to say "I love you," "I've got you," and "You're safe." As I have learned new behaviors, I have earned Miller's trust. And his problem behaviors have fallen away, one by one. He is confident, relaxed, great with house guests and so trusting of my leadership.This is unlike any training program I have participated in, and I highly recommend, if AND ONLY IF you are up for the following:1) During Boarding, trust your dog is being well-cared for, and don't expect lengthy daily updates. Sasha is giving 100% of her focus to your dog. She will give 100% of her focus to YOU once your dog is back home. You'll probably get a picture texted to you once a week. Look at the dog's body language, you will see everything you need to know about healthy and happy your dog is.2) Be flexible and adaptable with pick-up and drop-off dates. The shuttle service from Chicago to the farm is a unique perk, and dates and times might shift in order to better accommodate the dogs' needs on the farm.3) Once you dog is home, BE READY TO WORK. Your dog risks slipping back into old behaviors, if you aren't rising up to meet your dog in a different way.4) Commit to becoming more present, more curious and more consistent with your dog.5) Use the at-home support offered by Sasha. Her voice memos and Zoom meetings have been integral to my evolution as a dog owner. (Her assistant Jasmine will schedule any meetings you need)6) This program only works if everyone in the household is ready to play by the same rules. If someone is the house insists on doing things the old way, your dog will get mixed messages and the good work falls apart.This program has been a game-changer for us. Like any self-improvement course, you get out of it what you put into it. It has been four months since Miller went to Board and Train. Each day, I am showing up for my dog in better and more meaningful ways. I am understanding so much more about him, myself and the world around us. All of our gratitude to Sasha and Canine State of Mind! Y'all will be a consistent part of our lives from now on.

Jun 2022

I found Sasha through a random search as I knew I was getting a puppy in a few weeks and 6 weeks in, I had a 2 week vacation planned. I wanted him to stay somewhere safe but also get trained. Jordy did the 3 week board and train program and I can't express how happy I am with what work Sasha has done. I was also not sure what to expect based on her approach but you just need to trust the process! My puppy was already a great puppy but he has come back an immaculate puppy. My pup is just turning 5 months next week and I can leave him alone and free in my apartment for 4+ hours and he's a saint. I never dreamed this could happen so young. The work Sasha did turned puppy behavior into what feels like a 6 year old dog, he is that chill. He is so well behaved, it's beyond belief. People comment on it all the time. This isn't obedience training, it's how to connect with your dog and vice versa. How to shift behavior into an amazing pet and best friend. Sasha has very strong beliefs but that's because she truly cares about animals and your dog. She wants only the best. I plan to board Jordy on long trips moving forward as I know he loved the farm and Sasha!!