Meet The Team

Sara Barsky is an accomplished professional with a distinguished background in Youth Counseling, holding a degree from Seneca College in Toronto. Her career took flight within the non-profit sector, where she demonstrated a remarkable knack for crafting trauma-informed treatment plans that significantly enhanced the lives of program participants. Simultaneously, her unwavering devotion to animal rescue emerged as a guiding force, propelling her to extend compassion and second chances to dogs grappling with severe behavioral challenges.

 

Synthesizing hands-on experience with her academic grounding, Sara astutely identified an intricate interplay between her leadership acumen and a profound grasp of animal behavior. This revelation precipitated her evolution into a devoted dog trainer, firmly grounded in the science-based tenets of positive reinforcement techniques.

 

Harnessing the efficacy of positive reinforcement, Sara adeptly guides diverse dogs of varying breeds and ages, expertly nurturing favorable behaviors through judicious rewards and unwavering encouragement. This approach, beyond shaping canine manners, engenders resilient bonds of trust, cooperation, and emotional well-being between dogs and their human counterparts.

 

Sara's extraordinary contributions encompass not only training but also her ardent involvement in the realm of animal assistance. As a current member of the Association of Professional Dog Training (APDT) and the Association of Animals Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAIP), her dedication is evident. Further exemplifying her commitment, Sara is certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to proctor Good Canine Citizen tests and instruct their Urban Pet and Star Puppy classes.

 

In the present milieu, Sara's mission unfolds with unwavering enthusiasm as she employs her personalized, science-based methodologies to empower pet owners, cultivating enriched family lives and nurturing symbiotic relationships between humans and their beloved canine companions. Her dual expertise in counseling and dog training forms the bedrock of a holistic perspective that not only fosters harmony and trust but also radiates enduring happiness within domestic environments.

Tiffany McKillop stands as a distinguished figure in veterinary medicine and canine services. Having built her career since 2005, her journey spans over a diverse range of areas including general practice, emergency medicine, integrative medicine, ophthalmology, purpose-led breeding, and renowned success in guide dog training and canine behavior. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the concepts of neonatal handling and early puppy socialization with her comprehensive expertise. 

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Notably, her role as an Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer allowed Tiffany to delve profoundly into the intricacies of canine behavior, leading her to mentor ten dog-handler graduate teams. Fueled by a commitment to excellence, she earned the titles of Board Certified Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), thereby demonstrating her prowess in both veterinary science and canine behavior.

 

However, Tiffany's journey is far from static. She currently takes the helm at Liberation Dogs, where her focus lies in the neuroscience of dog training. Through her efforts, she pioneers a scientific understanding of canine behavior, shaping the trajectory of this field.

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Tiffany's footprint is equally influential in holistic veterinary medicine. Her role at Liberation Dogs has witnessed a fusion of her vast veterinary experience with holistic practices, resulting in an integrated approach that addresses the holistic well-being of dogs. Her unique approach involves bridging traditional medical techniques with alternative therapies, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced approach to care.

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With an innate sense of behavior dynamics, Tiffany integrates behavioral principles into her veterinary practice, offering holistic care that caters to both medical and psychological dimensions. This holistic approach extends to her contributions in the service dog industry, where she has significantly impacted both behavioral and medical capacities since 2010.

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Tiffany McKillop's dedication to guide dog training, coupled with her extensive expertise in veterinary medicine, canine behavior, and holistic care, epitomizes her commitment to enriching the lives of both dogs and their human companions. Through her multifaceted approach, she continues to cast an enduring influence on the intersecting realms of veterinary medicine, canine behavioral science, and holistic well-being.