Meet Sherry
The person behind Side by Side Dog Training.
Dogs have always been more than just animals to Sherry.
They've been teachers, companions, rescue stories, and relationships that have shaped the way she sees the world.
With more than 17 years of hands-on rescue experience, Sherry has developed a particular understanding of dogs who need patience, confidence, and a little extra help finding their way.
It Started With a Love for Dogs. It Became a Way of Life.
For more than 17 years, Sherry has been involved in hands-on dog rescue and has had the opportunity to work with dogs from all kinds of backgrounds.
She's seen confident dogs, timid dogs, misunderstood dogs, dogs who needed a second chance, and dogs who simply needed someone willing to slow down and listen.
Those experiences taught her something important:
There isn't one approach that works for every dog.
Every dog has a different personality.
Every dog has a different history.
And every family has different goals.
That's why Sherry approaches training with patience, understanding, and a focus on building communication between dogs and the people who love them.
A Special Place for the Dogs Who Need a Little More Understanding
While Sherry works with dogs at all stages of life and with a variety of training goals, she has a particular passion for fearful, anxious, shy, and under-socialized dogs.
These dogs can be misunderstood.
A dog who barks, growls, freezes, hides, or reacts to other dogs may not simply be "misbehaving."
Sometimes they're overwhelmed.
Sometimes they're afraid.
Sometimes they haven't yet learned how to navigate the situation they're in.
Sherry's rescue experience has given her a deep appreciation for these dogs and the families trying to help them.
Her goal isn't to change who a dog is. It's to help that dog become more confident in the world around them.
More Than a Dog Trainer
Training isn't just about teaching a dog to sit, stay, or walk nicely on a leash.
It's about communication.
It's about understanding.
It's about helping owners recognize what their dogs are telling them.
And it's about creating skills that work in real life—not just during a training session.
Sherry believes the best training happens when the dog, the owner, and the trainer work together.
Side by side.
How Sherry Approaches Training
01 — Understand
Before deciding what needs to change, we need to understand the dog in front of us.
02 — Communicate
Clear, consistent communication helps dogs understand what we're asking of them.
03 — Build Confidence
Confidence comes from successful experiences, appropriate challenges, and trust.
04 — Teach
We teach practical skills that dogs and their owners can use in everyday life.
05 — Support
Training doesn't end when the session does. Owners need the tools and understanding to continue helping their dogs.
Never Walk Alone.
That's more than a slogan to Sherry.
It's the philosophy behind Side by Side Dog Training.
Your dog shouldn't have to navigate a confusing world alone.
And you shouldn't have to figure out how to help them alone, either.
Whether you're raising a puppy, teaching an adult dog better manners, welcoming a rescue into your family, or working through fear and anxiety, training is a journey.
We're here to walk it with you.
The Goal Isn't a Perfect Dog.
There is no such thing as a perfect dog.
And Sherry isn't trying to create one.
The goal is a dog who can better understand what's being asked of them.
A dog who has the skills to navigate everyday life.
A dog who can communicate with their person.
A dog who can become more confident in situations that once felt overwhelming.
And an owner who feels confident helping their dog.
That's progress.
Experience You Can Trust
17+ Years
Hands-on rescue experience
Personalized
Training built around the individual dog
Family-Focused
Teaching owners how to continue the work at home
Real-World
Skills designed for everyday life
Compassionate
Patience and understanding at the center of the process
See Side by Side in Action
The best way to understand Side by Side Dog Training is to see the relationship between Sherry, the dog, and the owner.
Let's Take the Next Step Together.
Whether you're bringing home a new puppy, looking for better manners, welcoming a rescue dog into your family, or struggling with fear or anxiety, you don't have to figure everything out alone.
Tell us about your dog and what you'd like help with.
We'll start from there.