About

Sally A. Bushwaller, CPDT-KSA, CNWI

Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed, Certified Nose Work Instructor

Originally from Bethlehem, PA, I moved to the Midwest in 1975 to attend the Medical Institute of Minnesota, where I graduated in 1977 with a certificate in Veterinary Technology. After school, I started my career in Chicago. Being a vet tech was not what I expected, and after a few career changes came full circle, back to the dog world and my dream job, dog training.

I participate in and/or serve as:

  • Weimaraner Club of America, http://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/main/index.php?lang=en
  • Member, Weimaraner Club of Northern Illinois
  • Professional Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
  • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
  • Canine Training Professional, Pet Professional Guild
  • Supporting Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
  • CPDT-KA since 2005
  • CPDT-KSA since December 2011
  • CNWI, Certified Nose Work Instructor since July, 2012, http://www.nacsw.net/
  • CSAT, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer since April, 2022
  • Member of the Moraine Tracking Club, http://www.morainetrackingclub.org/
  • Member of RPDTC
  • Trainer for classes and privates for the Wilmette Park District, www.wilmettepark.org
  • Author of numerous articles and a book about separation anxiety:       The Separation Anxiety Tool Book
  • Train and show my dog(s) in competitive obedience, agility, rally, field work, and my favorites (and the dog’s favorites) tracking, K9 Nose Work and scent work.

I am passionate about helping owners learn to correct their dog’s behavioral issues via positive reinforcement, and helping dogs learn to become responsible for their own actions. I would like to help my clients understand their dogs, learn how to read them better and work through their dog’s issues.

I love to keep up on all the latest techniques in dog training and go to many seminars so I can be on the cutting edge of the newest techniques. I am particularly interested in helping anxious and aggressive dogs, and those with separation anxiety.

Many years ago I started Sally’s Kids, a charity for children that raises money for needy kids so they can purchase the basic necessities of life–food, clothing, boots, blankets, etc. I ran this charity for 26 years in honor of my nephew who was born severely brain damaged.

Currently, my husband and I live on the Northwest side of Chicago with one rescued German Short-Haired Pointer, Nova and Weimaraner, CT Regen’s Underdog, Sweet Polly Purebred, SWN, TKN (Polly). I enjoy competition and participate in a wide variety of dog activities, including tracking, K9 Nose Work, agility, competitive obedience, rally, scent work, field work, and trick training. While I don’t hunt myself, I enjoy training my dogs to do what they are genetically programmed to do.

My wonderful dogs have helped me become a better and more well-rounded trainer, and I am thankful for each minute I’ve had with them.