Welcome! I am Sara Maasen. I am the founder of The Whole Family Dog Training. But more than that, I’m a mom, a lifelong dog lover, and I enjoy working with kids. I believe a safe, happy home starts with trust between dogs and kids.
My journey began with my Australian Shepherd, Presley, who taught me how powerful trust and understanding can be in the bond between humans and dogs. Presley made every transition in life easier because our relationship was built on safety, compassion, and connection.
That experience inspired me to help other families build the same kind of connection. With over 18 years of experience raising and training puppies; I also specialize in supporting households with both children and dogs.
Why puppies? I love puppy training. I’ve raised three of my own puppies, all alongside kids, as well as fostered and trained puppies for other families. Since I was 15, I’ve worked training dogs in all kinds of experiences: from agility dogs to therapy dogs, from easygoing companions to reactive pups. No matter their background, I always come back to the same approach: play. I believe dogs (and kids) learn best when learning is fun.
Why families? I’m not just a dog trainer, I’m also a mom of two, a former behavior interventionist for children with autism, and a retired volunteer at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, where I visited for nine years with my own therapy dog, Presley. My life has always blended dogs and children, so it’s only natural that my business does the same.
I know firsthand how chaotic a home with kids (and dogs) can feel. With the right guidance, training, and outlets, I can help make your home calmer, safer, and more connected — for both kids and dogs.
My goal is simple: to give families the tools to create calm, confident homes where kids and dogs thrive together.