About Us

The A Sound Beginning Program is an organization of like-minded professionals who support the canine rescue community. Everything we do and the businesses and people we are affiliated with all follow the same basic principles: fear-free training and positive interactions with all the animals in our community.

The Sound Beginning Program consists of our not-for-profit, our licensed training affiliates, and important members of the rescue community including shelters and foster-based organizations.

Positive Solutions for A Sound Beginning, NFP

This is the not-for-profit arm of our organization. As a 501c3 charity, we provide behavioral education and training support for the people who work and volunteer in the rescue community.

Our volunteer Board of Directors

  • Julie Dorsey-Oskerka, President

  • Pat Rattray, Secretary

  • Candace Schulze, Treasurer

  • Jeff Joyce, Director of Shelter Behavior Program

  • Rebecca Cann, Director

Other volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and talents to support our mission

  • Liz Mishima KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), ASB Program Manager & Director of Training

  • Kristi Kaempfer CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer)

  • Amy Saletta KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), ASB Program Manager

  • Lou Ann Forbes, Blue Sky Prairie Textiles (Sniff-it creator)

Our Licensed Training Affiliates

These are businesses that follow the same training protocol as our organization. They offer 1-1 consultations providing personal support for your pet’s training and behavioral needs through in-home and online services.

How our Group Classes benefit the rescue community.

The full amount of your class purchase goes directly toward supporting local charitable organizations.

  • Geneva, IL classes directly benefit STARFISH Animal Rescue - to rescue animals from high-kill shelters, provide transportation of these animals to secure, non-kill establishments, promote and facilitate responsible pet ownership, and make a difference in pet overpopulation, one life at a time. https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/.

  • OTHER LOCATIONS receive a minimum of 50% of class proceeds to benefit our local rescue community.

Meet The Team

  • Get The Book

    Whether you’ve adopted or got your dog from a breeder, etc, the resources within this book will provide insight into behavior to prevent problems and begin a sound future.

  • Quick Start Package

    Would you like to know more about your dog? Would you like to prevent mistakes and create a positive training plan? Check out our Intro to Training (Virtual) class for free.

  • In-Home Training

    For those who prefer personalized training in the comfort of your home, we offer several options with our experienced behavioral training affiliates using only humane, science-based methods.

  • Classes

    We teach using simple, yet powerful techniques that anyone can easily master while providing clear communication and choice for the dog.