Dog Training in Apache Junction, Arizona
Personalized training for puppies, adult dogs, rescue dogs, and families—with specialized experience helping fearful and anxious dogs build confidence
Every dog has a different personality, history, temperament, and way of learning.
That's why Side by Side Dog Training takes an individualized approach rather than trying to fit every dog into the same training program.
Sherry works with Apache Junction families to build practical skills, clearer communication, and greater confidence—whether you're looking for better manners at home, a more enjoyable walk, improved obedience, or help with a more challenging behavior.
And while Side by Side works with dogs of all kinds, Sherry has a particular passion for fearful, anxious, shy, and under-socialized dogs.
Dog Training Designed Around Your Dog.
Every dog has a different personality, history, temperament, and way of learning.
That's why Side by Side Dog Training takes an individualized approach rather than trying to fit every dog into the same training program.
Sherry works with Apache Junction families to build practical skills, clearer communication, and greater confidence—whether you're looking for better manners at home, a more enjoyable walk, improved obedience, or help with a more challenging behavior.
And while Side by Side works with dogs of all kinds, Sherry has a particular passion for fearful, anxious, shy, and under-socialized dogs.
What Can We Help Your Dog Learn?
Whether you're starting with the basics or working through a specific challenge, training can help you and your dog communicate more effectively.
Puppy Training
Build a strong foundation for manners, communication, and everyday life.
Obedience & Manners
Develop reliable skills such as sit, down, stay, recall, focus, and appropriate behavior.
Leash Training
Help your dog learn better walking habits and navigate everyday environments with you.
Fear & Anxiety
Support for dogs who are fearful, anxious, shy, nervous, or uncomfortable in certain situations.
Reactivity & Behavioral Challenges
Work toward better communication and more appropriate responses to people, dogs, environments, and other triggers.
Rescue Dogs
Help newly adopted dogs adjust to their new home, build trust, develop confidence, and learn new expectations.
Not sure what your dog needs?
Specialized Support for Fearful & Anxious Dogs in Apache Junction
For some dogs, everyday situations can feel overwhelming.
A dog may hide, freeze, bark, growl, avoid people or other dogs, struggle in new environments, or become overwhelmed by sights and sounds that seem ordinary to us.
Sherry has more than 17 years of hands-on rescue experience and a particular passion for helping dogs who need additional patience, understanding, and confidence-building.
The goal isn't simply to stop a behavior.
It's to understand why the behavior is happening, teach practical skills, and help the dog and their person move forward together
Training Options for Apache Junction Families
Every dog and family has different needs. Side by Side offers several training options so you can choose an approach that fits your goals and your dog's needs.
Foundations
In-Home Training
Personalized one-on-one training in your dog's familiar environment.
Hybrid
14-Day Board & Train
Focused training combined with owner instruction to help bring new skills home.
Ultimate Transformation
30-Day Board & Train
An extended training experience for dogs who may benefit from additional time, repetition, and individualized support.
Not sure which program is right for your dog?
That's exactly what an evaluation is for.
Meet Your Apache Junction Dog Trainer
Hi, I'm Sherry, owner and trainer at Side by Side Dog Training.
With more than 17 years of hands-on rescue experience, I've worked with dogs from many different backgrounds and developed a particular passion for helping dogs who need patience, understanding, and confidence-building.
I believe effective training isn't just about teaching a dog what to do.
It's about helping dogs and their people understand each other.
My goal is to give you the skills and confidence to continue building a better relationship with your dog long after training ends.
Why Apache Junction Dog Owners Choose Side by Side
Personalized Training
Your dog isn't treated like every other dog. Training is tailored to their individual needs, temperament, history, and your family's goals.
Direct Support
You'll work directly with Sherry and learn how to continue the training at home.
Real-World Skills
Training is designed for everyday situations—not simply performing commands in a controlled training environment.
Rescue Experience
More than 17 years of hands-on rescue experience has given Sherry the opportunity to work with dogs from many different backgrounds.
Fear & Anxiety Experience
Fearful, anxious, shy, and under-socialized dogs have a special place in Sherry's work.
Family-Focused
The goal isn't just a trained dog.
It's a more confident dog and a more confident owner.
Dog Training Throughout Apache Junction
Side by Side Dog Training works with families throughout Apache Junction, helping dogs develop practical skills that can be used at home, around the neighborhood, and in everyday environments.
We frequently work with families throughout Apache Junction and surrounding areas, including:
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Central Apache Junction
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East Apache Junction
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Superstition Foothills
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Apache Trail area
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Communities near the Superstition Mountains
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Queen Valley
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Gold Canyon
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East Mesa
Whether training begins in your home or progresses into other appropriate environments, the goal is to help you and your dog use those skills where they matter most—in real life.
Helping Apache Junction Dogs Navigate the Real World
Living in Apache Junction can mean plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors with your dog—from neighborhood walks and community spaces to the open desert and the areas surrounding the Superstition Mountains.
Those environments can be exciting, but they can also introduce new sights, sounds, people, animals, and distractions.
For a confident dog, these experiences can become opportunities to practice skills.
For a fearful, anxious, or reactive dog, they may feel overwhelming.
Training can help you understand your dog's individual comfort level, communicate clearly, and gradually build the skills and confidence needed to handle new situations.
The goal isn't to rush your dog into an environment they're not ready for. It's to help you build the foundation that allows them to participate more comfortably in everyday life.
Training for Real Life in Apache Junction
Apache Junction offers local spaces where dogs and their owners can get outside and enjoy the community.
For dogs who are ready for those environments, these settings can provide opportunities to practice focus, leash skills, impulse control, and appropriate behavior around distractions.
Some local dog-friendly areas include:
Dutchman Dog Park
Ruff Ranch / Painted Sky Dog Park
Apache Junction community parks and surrounding outdoor areas
But not every dog is ready for a busy dog park—and that's okay.
For fearful, anxious, or reactive dogs, successful training often means learning when an environment is appropriate and when it is better to create more distance or choose a quieter setting.
That individualized approach is an important part of helping dogs build confidence without overwhelming them.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Sherry knows exactly what she’s doing and she proved it with helping us get control back from our 200Ib Saint Bernard who used to lunge, pull, and react to every person he saw on walks. We used to wait late at night/early mornings to try to avoid people to be able to walk our dog. Now we can confidently walk him without issues. We did a two week board and train and she kept us updated every day. When he was done with training she taught us how to keep up with it to make sure he doesn’t go back to the way he was. She also checks in on how he is doing and if we ever have questions or need help she would always help us. She truly loves and enjoys working with these dogs I would recommend her to anyone who ever needs help with their dogs!!!!
Belen T.
Sherry is truly incredible! She worked with my anxious dog, Stormie, and the transformation has been amazing. Stormie was nervous and unsure of herself, but Sherry’s patience, understanding, and calming presence helped her gain confidence and trust. You can tell Sherry genuinely loves what she does — she treats every dog with kindness and respect, and she explains everything in a way that makes training feel easy and encouraging.
If you have a dog who struggles with anxiety, fear, or just needs a gentle, knowledgeable trainer, Sherry is the one you want. I couldn’t recommend her more!
Tamara D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training in Apache Junction
What types of dogs do you train?
Side by Side works with puppies, adult dogs, rescue dogs, and dogs experiencing a variety of training or behavioral challenges.
Do you work with fearful or anxious dogs?
Yes. Fearful and anxious dogs are a particular area of interest for Sherry. Her extensive rescue experience has helped her develop an individualized approach for dogs who may need additional patience and confidence-building.
Learn more about Fear & Anxiety Dog Training →
Do you work with reactive dogs?
Yes. Reactivity can have different causes, including fear, frustration, over-arousal, or learned behavior. Training begins by understanding the individual dog and what may be contributing to the behavior.
Do you offer in-home dog training in Apache Junction?
Yes. Foundations provides personalized training in your dog's home environment.
Do you offer board and train?
Yes. Side by Side offers both a 14-Day Hybrid Board & Train and a 30-Day Ultimate Transformation program.
How do I know which training program is right for my dog?
Every dog is different. An evaluation allows Sherry to learn more about your dog, your goals, and the challenges you're experiencing and help determine an appropriate training approach.
Can you help my dog become more comfortable outdoors?
Depending on your dog's individual needs, training can incorporate appropriate outdoor environments and distractions as your dog develops the skills and confidence to handle them.
Should I take a fearful or reactive dog to a dog park?
Not necessarily. Dog parks aren't appropriate for every dog, particularly dogs who become overwhelmed, fearful, or reactive around other dogs. Training should take your dog's individual temperament and readiness into account rather than placing them in an environment simply because it's available.
How do I get started?
The first step is to schedule an evaluation. You'll have an opportunity to discuss your dog, your goals, and the challenges you're experiencing.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're raising a puppy, looking for better manners, welcoming a rescue dog into your family, or trying to help a fearful or anxious dog feel more confident, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Tell us about your dog and what you're hoping to accomplish.
We'll start there.
480-809-9247
Never Walk Alone.
