About Sandra Winfrey - Reward-Based Dog Training Since 2017
I believe great dog trainers never stop learning.
My continuing education allows me to combine modern canine behavior science with practical, reward-based training to better support both dogs and their humans.
8+
Years Experience
400+
Dogs Supported
15+
Courses & Certifications
100%
Reward-Based Methods
MY JOURNEY
From Germany to the UK to Colorado
My journey into dog training began with a simple goal:
understanding my own dog better. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for canine behavior, learning theory, and reward-based training.
Germany (2017–2018)
My dog training journey started in Germany with my Golden Retriever, Gin. What began as a desire to better understand my own dog quickly turned into a deep passion for canine behavior, reward-based training, and relationship building.
During this time, I immersed myself in puppy foundations, reward-based gundog training, anti-poison training, and various seminars. These early experiences laid the foundation for everything I do today: helping dogs and their humans build trust, communication, and long-term success.
United Kingdom (2018–2023)
After moving to the UK, I continued expanding both my theoretical knowledge and practical training skills.
I joined On the Scent Dog School as an assistant trainer, supporting group classes, observing private sessions, and gaining hands-on experience with dogs of many different personalities, training needs, and behavioral challenges.
During this time, I also deepened my experience in scent work, canine learning theory, behavior, and reward-based gundog training. These years played a major role in shaping my practical trainer skills and strengthening my passion for ethical, science-based training.
Colorado (2023–Present)
After moving to Colorado, I founded dreamlike4paws to help dogs and their humans through thoughtful, reward-based training and behavior support.
Today, I specialize in behavior support, puppy foundations, reward-based retriever and gundog training, K9 Nose Work®, Predation Substitute Training, and reward-based rattlesnake avoidance training.
My goal is always to support both ends of the leash, helping dogs emotionally while empowering humans with the knowledge and skills needed for lasting success.
CERTIFICATIONS & FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS
My certifications and formal education reflect my commitment to ethical, science-based training and continuing professional development.
2025 • PST-CI • Predation Substitute Training - Certified Instructor
Simone Mueller - Predation Substitute Training
Certified Instructor in Predation Substitute Training™, a reward-based approach designed to provide safe outlets for predatory behavior while strengthening the relationship between dog and human.
2024 • Higher Canine Behaviour & Psychology Diploma (Level 4)
Compass Education
Advanced diploma focused on canine behavior, psychology, learning theory, communication, and behavior problem-solving. This qualification strengthened my understanding of how dogs learn, communicate, and respond to their environment, with a strong focus on practical application and ethical, science-based training.
2024 • Rattlesnake Avoidance Instructor Training
Summit Dog Training - Amy Creaven
Specialized instructor training in reward-based rattlesnake avoidance, helping dogs safely recognize and avoid rattlesnakes without fear, pain, or aversive methods.
CONTINUING EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I strongly believe great dog trainers never stop learning.
Ongoing education, seminars, workshops, and conferences help me stay current with modern canine behavior science, ethical training practices, and emerging research to better support both dogs and their humans.
ONGOING • SoCS Behaviour Bible
School of Canine Science
In-depth continuing education and Canine Behavior Certification covering behavior, emotion, physiology, aggression, and behavior modification.
ONGOING • Canine Anxiety Certificate
Canine Principles
Focused on anxiety, emotional health, and supportive behavior change strategies.
2026 • Dog Behavior Conference (DBC)
Victoria Stilwell Academy
Participated in the 2026 Dog Behavior Conference, a leading professional conference featuring internationally recognized experts in canine behavior, welfare, and modern training. Topics included behavior science, emotional wellbeing, training methodology, and emerging research in ethical dog training.
2025 • Living & Learning with Animals (LLA)
Behavior Works - Susan Friedman
Advanced professional course focused on behavior science, applied behavior analysis, and humane teaching strategies.
2020 • Reactive Rascals
Dog Training College
Specialized professional education focused on understanding reactive behavior and supporting reactive dogs using ethical, reward-based training methods. This course strengthened my practical approach to helping dogs feel safer and more confident in challenging environments.
ONGOING • L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology
L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediation - Kim Brophey
Advanced education focused on learning, environment, genetics, and self in canine behavior.
2026 • NACSW® Training Fest Southwest
NACSW®
Advanced K9 Nose Work® workshop focused on search strategy, handling skills, search design, and problem-solving across varied search environments.
2026 • Virtual Nose Work Camp
Dogs of Course
Advanced Nose Work education focused on scent theory, search progression, handler observation, and practical problem-solving.
2025 • Dog Behavior Conference (DBC)
Victoria Stilwell Academy
Participated in the 2025 Dog Behavior Conference, an advanced professional conference focused on modern canine behavior science, welfare, and evidence-based training. The conference offered valuable insights from leading professionals in behavior, learning, and training.
2019 • 30 Days of Canine Science
School of Canine Science
Intensive training covering arousal, reinforcement, shaping, marker systems, timing, and training plan design. This course strengthened my understanding of the science behind effective, practical dog training.
MEMBERSHIPS
Staying connected with respected professional organizations helps me continue learning, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and stay aligned with ethical, science-based training practices.
NACSW®
NACSW®
Member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work, supporting continued growth and education in K9 Nose Work®.
HIGH PERFORMERS
School of Canine Science
Member of an advanced professional learning community through the School of Canine Science focused on ongoing education and development.
PET PROFESSIONAL GUILD (PPG)
Pet Professional Guild
Member of an international professional organization committed to force-free, ethical, and science-based pet training and behavior support.
BMT SLEUTH DOGS
BMT Sleuth Dogs
Member of a Nose Work and scent-focused training community supporting continued growth in search skills, handling, and scent work development.
FEAR FREE®
Fear Free
Member of a professional community dedicated to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals through education and welfare-focused care.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOU & YOUR DOG
Certifications and continuing education are important - but letters behind a name are only part of the picture.
What truly matters is how that knowledge translates into real-life support for you and your dog. My goal is to combine science, practical experience, and compassionate coaching to create training that feels clear, effective, and sustainable.
SCIENCE-BASED
Training rooted in modern canine behavior science, learning theory, and ethical best practices.
PRACTICAL & INDIVIDUAL
Every dog, every human, and every situation is different. Training should always reflect that.
BUILT FOR LASTING SUCCESS
My goal is not quick fixes, but meaningful progress, stronger relationships, and lasting success.
I believe great dog training is never just about changing behavior.
It is about building trust, improving communication, and strengthening the relationship between dogs and their humans.
When dogs feel understood and humans feel empowered, real progress happens.