Matthew Wilson
M
y love of dogs began with my English Springer Spaniel, Nickie, the perfect nanny dog and a great hunter too. Abby the shepherd came next, a very sweet and anxious little girl. After pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Masters in International Development Studies, I moved back to my true passion and began working with dogs in a professional capacity in 2011. First working as a dog daycare attendant, I soon became involved with some local rescues and would foster different 'problem dogs' and try to get them ready for adoption. After several years of experimenting with different training methods, I decided to attend Starmark Academy's School for Dog Trainers, one of the highest rated dog-training schools in the country. I am certified by Starmark as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist, and I am a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Currently I specialize in behavior modification alongside basic obedience. I also work with Doggone Express' Big House to Your House program, which teaches inmates to train shelter dogs. I love helping dogs and their humans live happy lives together, and I look forward to working with your pack!
Sarah Dykshorn
I’ve never known a home without a dog. As a kid who moved around too much to have any real stability, our pets were some of the only constants I could really rely on. When I went to college out of state, I was struck by how quiet it was. For the very first time, I had to make a home without the collars jingling and the nails clicking on the hardwood floor. And it was HARD. I didn’t realize it at the time, but for the next few years while I studied advertising, I was almost exclusively accumulating friends with dogs. I was like the self-appointed dog walker/sitter/trainer/groomer. And I loved it. After I graduated, I got a job writing commercial scripts for Ford and knew something was missing. When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, Ford reduced their creative force and I was out of a job. I was stuck at home, and like many, I decided to bring home a companion. Unlike the dogs I grew up with, Wendy was deaf. The process of learning how to communicate with her was like putting together a puzzle. All of a sudden, that light I’d felt working with all my friends’ dogs in college sparked up again. Since bringing Wendy home, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients that need help with everything from basic potty-training to behavior modification and aggression. Wendy and I now do Search and Rescue, making her the first deaf pitbull to take on this kind of work. I have a particular love of scent work (SAR, medical alert, etc.) and behavior modification. But overall, I have a passion for helping owners understand their dogs. I look forward to helping you and your four-legged friends!
Patrick Hebert
Born and raised in Prairieville, Louisiana. I loved dogs since I can remember. My first dog was a golden retriever, named Sadie. She was alive when I was born and grew up with me. For my 9th birthday present, I received a very rambunctious Jack Russell Terrier puppy, I named her Shelby. This is about the time when I first experienced training dogs. My mom and I would bring our Jack Russell to a locally known trainer, named Dick Russel, and attend his group classes in Baton Rouge. Growing up, I held many different jobs at restaurants and call centers. I was eventually drawn back to dogs in 2017 when I started working in dog daycares. In 2020 during the pandemic I decided to enroll at Starmark Academy’s school for dog trainers. After 3 months of intense work, I received their certification as Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist. My favorite thing to teach are tricks! I am also a firm believer in that a well trained dog has a better understanding of their role in life, which helps provide a stronger bond between us and in the end leads to happier lives for everyone. I look forward to meeting you and your pups and exploring their potential.