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I know you’re busy, but you still want the very best for your pup. Let me take off some of the pressure, by offering you training solutions including supportive group classes as well as personalized private in-home training. 

I use force-free, positive reinforcement training methods not just because they’re effective, but because I also want the best training possible for your dog.

Private Puppy Training

Learn how to properly socialize your puppy while introducing manners, basic obedience, and those troubling puppy behaviors. In our private training sessions, we’re able to work with all the members of your family, at your pace, to make training effective, easy and long-lasting. 

Group Classes

Group classes are great way to build your skills alongside other dogs and people. Your dog will learn to work around distractions and you enjoy the comradery of other dog owners. We keep class size small to be able to offer individualized attention.

”5 stars for sure”

Bryony is so amazing to work with! She is so patient and clearly loves her job! She not only trained our Rosie, but trained us how to train her! We love that she did training in our home environment but also out in the real world. 5 stars for sure to Sandy Paws Dog Training! - Irene  (Rosie, mixed breed)

Bryony Aviles, Owner/ Head Trainer

Bryony, Founder and Owner of Sandy Paws, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a graduate (with honors) of the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy. She also serves as a mentor trainer for the Catch Canine Trainers Academy, educating trainers of the future. Bryony is educated in the Family Paws Parent Education program as well as The Family Dog program, both focused on helping families with dogs and children.

Bryony likes to refer to herself as a “recovering attorney,” having practiced law for over 5 years in Denver, CO. She left the practice of law behind when she and her husband moved back to the east coast, and took the opportunity to follow her dream of working full time with dogs.

 Bryony has volunteered countless hours with local and state rescues and shelters, helping families find a perfect match for their family. Bryony also stays busy at home with her husband and their two young daughters, their senior black lab mix, Luna and 2 adopted kitties, Nugget and Neko. 

Credentials:

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • Honors Graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy
  • Mentor Trainer - CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
  • Professional Member APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainer)
  • Supporting Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Veterinarian Recommended
  • Go-to trainer for families with kids and dogs.
  • Expert in dog play and body language 

Train Together.  Our family-friendly training is lively and interactive and meets all learners where they are, humans and canine. You will feel empowered, motivated and on the path to a more polite dog.

Vet Recommended.  Our rewards-based approach is veterinarian-recommended, and dog approved. 

Peace of Mind.  You and your dog deserve a professional trainer who is committed to the study of dog behavior and learning. We are committed to continuing education and active membership in professional organizations to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date and backed-by-science training methods. 

areas we serve

We serve the CT shoreline towns of 

Madison, Guilford and Clinton.

Let's get started!

What my clients are saying...

I had no idea how much my dog and I would bond...

Megan (Louie, Golden-Lab Mix)

“ Bryony is someone I whole-heartedly recommend for anyone with a dog (puppy to senior)! I always knew training was important for basic obedience and manners… I had no idea how much my dog and I would bond through training! I even started bringing my senior dog to classes so we could have that time together, and he absolutely loved it (my old dog absolutely learned new tricks!). “ -Megan (Louie)

... an excellent trainer and focuses on the positive rewards approach...

Jordan (jupiter, goldendoodle)

I have been incredibly happy with the training the Bryony and the Sandy Paws team has given to our puppy!! Bryony is an excellent trainer, and focuses on the positive rewards approach. This philosophy is extremely effective when done under Bryony’s direction. And despite the challenges of COVID, Bryony has incredibly responsive, creative, and thoughtful about how to continue training. We have done Zoom calls (surprisingly effective!), and after each session, Bryony has provided detailed outlines of topics covered and recommended exercises to complete. I find this approach to be incredibly thoughtful and hands on. FIVE STARS!!

... an amazing guide - for the dogs and us humans.

Michelle (winston, cavapoo)

Bryony is an amazing guide – for the dogs and us humans. She approaches the training sessions with knowledge and expertise yet maintains a sense of humor as we (dogs and humans) learn. I always looked forward to working with Bryony and I know our dog Winston does too.

...easy to work with and enormously helpful...

Caitlin (rupert, goldendoodle)

Bryony is a wealth of information! She has been easy to work with and enormously helpful in guiding us through puppy training. She keeps it fun and positive. Bryony has been very perceptive and as a result, we have been able to implement new techniques tailored to the particular needs of our dog for playing, eating, tricks, and nipping/nibbling behavior. After our sessions she sends helpful summaries with more tips and resources to further our training. We got the 4 session package and highly recommend!”

Positive dog training group classes and private lessons for you and your dog along the CT shoreline. Specializing in all things puppy training, including basic manners, house training, socialization, and combating problem behaviors. Dog training in Guilford, Madison, and Clinton.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

  • 203-689-2011

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