About us

Who we are

Northbound Dog Training, LLC. was founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Sarah and Ryan Kanatzar in Detroit, Michigan. We are a majority female-owned LLC, registered and insured in the state of Washington. In 2024, we relocated to the West Coast. Together, we have 14 years of combined experience in nearly every area of the pet world—ranging from no-kill rescues and fostering, to pet sitting, doggy daycare, guide dogs, puppy raising, and of course, private dog training.

Sarah

CPDT-KA
Owner

Sarah is known for her intuitive understanding of canine behavior and her ability to build trust-based relationships with both dogs and their owners. As a certified professional dog trainer with over 6 years of experience in the industry, she brings a compassionate and creative approach to problem-solving. She focuses on the emotional and behavioral nuances that make each dog unique. Sarah has raised puppies for guide dog organizations and has experience training dogs both one-on-one and in group settings. Additionally, her work in doggy daycares has provided her with valuable insights into how dogs interact in group environments and adapt to situations without their owners.

Ryan Kanatzar

GDMI, CPDT-KA
Co-Owner

As a Certified Professional Dog trainer and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor with over 6 years of experience. Ryan’s expertise lies in helping people learn how to understand and communicate with their dogs. Growing up in a household surrounded by animals, he developed a natural understanding of canine behavior and the power of a strong human-canine bond. His work in animal shelters has given him deep empathy and understanding for dogs of all backgrounds, helping him support each dog’s unique emotional needs in even the most challenging environments.