Carol with Teddy
Hi, I’m Carol Sumbry. I work with dogs and their people across Southeastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and virtually with clients throughout the U.S.—and even internationally, including the U.K. Many local veterinarians refer their clients to me for both training and behavior support.
I am a Certified Behavior Consultant, Force-Free Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Trauma-Informed Approach Professional, Therapy Dog Evaluator, and Family Dog Mediator™.
My approach is holistic, humane, and science-based. I consider the dog’s emotional world, physical health, environment, and learning history, and I do not use pain, fear, coercion, or intimidation. I coach people on how to have the best relationship with their dog!
What Is a Holistic Approach to Behavior?
A holistic approach means looking at the whole dog, not just the surface behavior. Undesired behaviors are often symptoms of a deeper need, emotion, or imbalance.
I look at the full picture:
✅ Physical Health
Pain, illness, diet, genetics, and more can impact behavior. A dog who hurts or feels off may struggle to learn or regulate their emotions.
✅ Emotional Well-Being
Fear, anxiety, stress, and past trauma shape how a dog interacts with the world. Emotional safety is the foundation of true behavior change.
✅ Environment & Lifestyle
Routine, enrichment, sleep, stimulation, healthy outlets, relationships and the home environment all influence behavior and stress levels of our dogs.
✅ Communication & Relationship
Training succeeds when trust, understanding, and choice are present. Good communication and a strong human–dog bond makes everything easier.
How I Can Help
Want a great relationship with your dog?
Wonderful! I love helping families build connection through fun, engaging training that improves focus, cooperation, and communication.
Have a high-energy dog?
Enrichment and breed-specific outlets can transform your dog’s behavior. As a Certified Family Dog Mediator™, I help you understand your dog’s needs through the lens of their genetics and instincts.
Experiencing behavioral concerns?
I am best known for my work with:
• Anxiety & stress
• Fearful or shy dogs
• Big Emotions (often called Reactivity)
• Aggression
• Trauma histories
• Puppies with early emotional challenges
Many veterinarians and professionals refer cases involving fear, anxiety, aggression or trauma to me because of my background and advanced credentials.
My Professional Background & Certifications
Associate Certified Behavior Consultant (IAABC)
I am part of a very elite group—there are only about 200 IAABC-certified behavior consultants in the entire U.S., and only 4-5 in Wisconsin.
This credential required hundreds of hours of behavior work, advanced case studies, education, and demonstrated expertise.
Trauma-Informed Professional – Canine
Dogs experience stress and trauma much like humans do—through loss, chronic stress, early deprivation, painful experiences, or frightening events. Research suggests up to 70% of dogs struggle with some level of anxiety.
I specialize in helping dogs regulate emotions, lower stress, and recover confidence through humane, science-based methods.
Certified Family Dog Mediator™ (FDM)
The FDM program deepens the holistic approach by integrating applied ethology and the L.E.G.S.® model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) created by applied ethologist Kim Brophey. This model is endorsed by leading canine scientists and is transforming how we understand and support our dogs.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT)
With several decades of hands-on training experience, I’ve fostered hundreds of dogs and served over 20 years as the Dog Training & Behavior Manager at a local humane society.
Additional Roles
- Voted Top Trainer, Milwaukee Journal’s “Top Choice Awards”
- Therapy Dog Evaluator – Alliance of Therapy Dogs
- Foster/Rescue work – Wisconsin representative for Whippet Rescue and Placement, Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue, and support for multiple rescue groups
- Certified Medication Teacher
Contact me to see what options are best for you and your companion’s needs.