Synapse Canine Learning Center

Our sweet Willow had a very traumatic puppyhood and we were desperate to help her gain more confidence and work through some of her fears. When Googling dog behaviorists I found Stasia and wanted to give her a chance to help us and I'm so glad we did. Not only is she an expert in her field but she also takes the time to get to know the owners on a personal level. She is very patient with Willow and is amazing at reading dog body language. I have learned so much. Willow still has a way to go but I have seen great improvement in her and really hope that we can work with Stasia again in the future!

From Rescue to Search and Rescue In April 2019, I rescued Miah, a German Shepherd when she was approximately 6 months old. She had not been properly socialized and was very reactive with people and especially with other dogs. After several months of trying to train Miah on my own I realized I needed professional help. The first trainer that was recommended did not work. Then Stasia came into my life. After speaking with Stasia on the phone we set up an evaluation for Miah. Initially I was thinking about private lessons but after the consultation Stasia recommended a board and train program. This program addressed specific behavioral issues-reactivity, aggression, general mayhem-while teaching on-leash and off-leash obedience and helping me with a deeper understanding of Miah’s thought process! On pick up day I was given two uninterrupted hours of one on one including exactly how Stasia worked with Miah and then hands on with Miah. Stasia was very detailed in discussing Miah’s training and provided a video of the training process. It was apparent how much Miah enjoyed being with Stasia. Not long after finishing obedience training, Miah and I began Search and Rescue training with Stasia. Miah seemed to always have her nose to the ground so I thought SAR training would be an opportunity for both of us to learn. Through carefully planned steps Stasia taught us to work together as an integral team. Miah was exposed to many distractions, both sight and sound and to varying conditions while learning to be steady and dependable in any situation. Miah was taught to work around other dogs, ignore critters such as livestock and deer and to search under control both on-leash in urban settings and off-leash in wilderness settings for live find and area search. Over time Stasia taught me how to read Miah and to watch for subtle changes in her body language, such as the position of her tail and ears; her gait change or her head held differently when she picks up a scent. All these subtleties are alerts and must be watched for during a search. The words “Trust Your Dog” takes on a whole new meaning, which is one of the patches on Miah’s harness, as it is Miah who is depended on to make the find. Recently Nina has become part of the family. Nina is a 3 month old DDR German Shepherd ball of fire. Soon she will be starting the Puppy Foundations 101 program with Stasia, then on to obedience and SAR. I have been training now with Stasia for over 4 years and I cannot recommend her enough. If I could give Stasia more than 5 stars, I would. Don’t hesitate. This dog-whisperer knows her stuff.