Areas We Serve

Meet the Sit Now Stay Dog Training Team:

Brianne Durham

LVT, VTS(ECC), CDPT-KA - Owner

Sara Swanson

Operation Manager

Lauren Harlacher

Senior Trainer

Kat McClain

Senior Trainer

Sammy Hellums

Associate Trainer

Jacob Dunlop

Apprentice Trainer

Denise Maley

Canine Handler

Our team of highly-trained and experienced dog training professionals are here to provide you with the best possible dog training experience.

Our dog training team is dedicated to helping you and your pup build a strong bond based on trust, respect, and understanding. Our dog trainers are passionate about helping dogs and their owners, and strive to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dog training world. From leash pulling, running away, and housebreaking to dog behavioral problems, we are here to offer you our many years of dog training experience and education in order to help you have a reliable and obedient dog.

At Sit Now Stay, we are committed to providing the highest quality of dog training services. We understand that every dog is different, and we will work with you to develop a personalized plan that works for you and your pup. We are here to help you build a strong and lasting relationship with your pup, and to help you and your pup reach your goals.

Book a Free Consultation with Sit Now Stay today and get your puppy or dog enrolled in our fun-loving, results-driven programs!

BRIANNE DURHAM, LVT, VTS(ECC), CDPT-KA - OWNER

Brianne grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and spent her summers at her family cabin in northern Michigan collecting frogs and chasing wildlife. She attended a private college in Denver, CO, and obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology, later becoming board certified in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.

Brianne began competing in dog sports, which in turn led her to fall in love with dog training. She attended the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in California and received her dog training certification with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Brianne also became a certified Canine Fitness Coach, Trick Dog Evaluator, AKC Evaluator, and Stunt Dog Judge. As a final goal Brianne completed an extensive course in Service Dog Training and became a Certified Service Dog Trainer.

SARA SWANSON - SENIOR TRAINER (SHE/HER)

Sara got her start in dog training when she was 12 years old by joining her local 4-h dog project, starting with showmanship, obedience, and agility. From there it blossomed into a beloved hobby of hers, and she continued competing in dog sports in AKC and ASCA. In 2019 she turned her hobby into a career when she joined Sit Now Stay. She has five Australian Shepherds and loves training and competing with them in herding, agility, conformation, rally, and obedience.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology
  • Master of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Science
  • Working Dog Training Internship at Penn Vet Working Dog Center
  • Attendee Art and Science of Animal Training Conference at the University of North Texas
  • Attendee Penn Vet Working Dog Conference
  • Attendee Michael Ellis School’s Behavior Modification Course
  • Attendee of Ivan Balabanov’s Training Without Conflict Pet Trainer Workshop

LAUREN HARLACHER- SENIOR TRAINER (SHE/HER)

Lauren Harlacher’s Science Fair projects in elementary school fostered an already growing love and knowledge of animals. This was further enhanced by working for several years as a vet assistant, caring for dogs in pet resorts, and being an assistant to a field dog trainer.

Lauren graduated with her Dog Trainer Certification from Starmark Academy in Hutto, Texas, and has been involved in dog training for fifteen years, working with a multitude of dog breeds and ages. Outside her work as a trainer, Lauren has competed in Disc Dogs, Dock Dogs, Agility courses, and most recently Dryland Mushing events. Lauren continues pursuit of growth in education and experience regarding dog training.

KAT ARTE - SENIOR TRAINER (SHE/HER)

Kat has been a passionate member of the dog industry since 2019. She began her journey as a trainer through an apprenticeship at one of the top dog training facilities in Kansas City and joined the team at Sit Now Stay in early 2022. Kat has worked with many dogs of all different needs and breeds and is experienced with puppy raising, obedience, and behavior modification. By her side is her own dog Rogue, a rehabilitated rescue that now joins Kat as a working partner in the many training classes and lessons she instructs.

SAMMY HELLUMS- SENIOR TRAINER (SHE/HER)

Sammy is a Kansas City native and grew up in Raymore, Missouri. She began dog training in the shelter world and enjoys working with puppies and high drive dogs. Sammy has 2 Labs and enjoys doing AKC Trick Dog. In the future she would like to get involved with agility, dock diving, and disc dog.

JACOB DUNLOP- ASSOCIATE TRAINER (HE/HIM)

Jacob started out training horses in his youth, and has since transitioned to dogs. He began his dog training journey doing decoy work for his local IGP / Schutzhund club, where he has become a certified helper. He joined Sit Now Stay in order to hone his training skills with a wider variety of dogs.

DENISE MALEY - CANINE HANDLER (SHE/HER)

Denise went to school for baking but has worked with dogs for the past 4 years, which has been a passion of hers for many years. She has 3 sisters and a niece who she enjoys spoiling. In her free time she is spending time with her 4 labs, ‘Sebastian’, ‘Sadie’, ‘Hank’ and ‘Gracie’.