Welcome to the Pack!

This friendship is fur real! We are so glad you are here and we can’t wait to get to know you and your pup. Whether you are a new puppy, rescue, pure-bred, fearful, shy, anxious, reactive and everything in between, we want you to know you are welcomed with open paws! Thanks for sniffing by.

Our story

Welcome to Bear Down Dog Training, a place built on connection, learning, and the dogs who shaped it all.
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

I adopted my first dog as an adult in September 2010 Zeus, a 5 year old German Shepherd who became my first soulmate dog. In February 2011, I adopted Bear, a 1.5 year old giant Shepherd mix, and that’s where the story truly begins. Bear and Zeus immediately bonded, and suddenly I had my “perfect” family, two best friends who sparked a dream I didn’t yet know was coming.

I enrolled in training classes and loved every moment. Teaching my boys and watching our bond grow stronger was something I can’t compare to anything else. As I learned new ways to communicate with them, I realized my true passion in life was dog training. Before this, I worked with cars, a fun but frustrating career. I enrolled in Animal Behavior College, and everything took off from there.

Through Zeus and Bear, I learned more than I ever imagined, especially how much I was unintentionally messing things up along the way. With Zeus, I created an unhealthy separation anxiety relationship. He was my mama’s boy, and it took nearly two years of hard work to help him build confidence. Those five short years with him were the best a dog mom could ask for, and I’ll forever cherish what he taught me.

Bear, on the other hand, was strong, reactive on leash, and a dog whose trust and respect I had to earn through patience, consistency, and dedication. He was my “troublemaker” and my greatest teacher. I worked hard to become more valuable to him than squirrels, food, other dogs. Everything. One of my proudest moments came when Bear was off leash chasing a squirrel, and I called, “Bear, come!” He slammed on the brakes, watched the squirrel run, and chose me!

I was lucky to have Bear for almost 11 years. Every day with him was training, growth, and connection. He saw me through the good and the bad, helped teach countless dogs, formed strong bonds with people, and inspired me to start this business. BDDT exists because of Bear, and I want his legacy to live on forever.

Though he’s gone, he’s never forgotten. I know he’s still with me every day as I help other dogs and families build better relationships. I’m incredibly grateful to have found my true passion and to help others become the best they can be, for themselves and their dogs.

Meet the Team

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen” -Orhan Pamuk


  • Founder

    I am a certified fear free dog trainer, Canine Good Citizen evaluator, canine and feline CPR trained business owner with a love for helping people and their dogs create strong bonds and healthy relationships via positive reinforcement techniques and evidence based behavior modifications. My certifications aid families, especially with fearful and aggressive dogs, to successful happy relationships. All while focusing on animal behavior consulting, to better the human/dog relationships in the community. Helping all dogs (especially dogs in shelters become adoptable) live better lives in society, while educating people to understand how dogs think and to encourage them to listen to their dogs, is a true passion of mine.

  • Dog Training Associate

    It all begins with a boop! As a Dog Training Associate for BDDT, I provide hands-on support for training programs and happy pups alike. I assist with classes and work closely with Sara to bring the vision of BDDT to life. Whether behind the scenes or directly in sessions, my focus is always on what’s best for each dog, setting them up for success and ensuring every dog and owner enjoys a positive, rewarding experience. With a genuine love for dogs and a patient, attentive approach, I help teach humans to speak dog while making training fun and effective. A trusted partner for all your training needs, I’m always ready with a smile (and sometimes a treat!).  

Meet the Team

Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.

  • Certified Trainer

    Dan has always had a big heart for animals, especially dogs. After serving in the U.S. Navy Seabees, he rescued his first pup and quickly learned how powerful patience, love, and training can be in changing a dog’s life. That experience inspired him to foster dogs and get them more adoptable through training, and eventually led to him following his true calling as a professional dog trainer.

    Certified through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, Dan loves helping families build strong, lasting bonds with their dogs. Whether working with his own pups, Lincoln and Darla, or volunteering with the Blue Island Stray Dog Project, he believes every dog deserves the chance to feel happy, confident, and connected to their people.

    For Dan, the best part of training is seeing owners light up with pride as their dogs learn and grow. His goal is simple: to help you and your four-legged friend enjoy life together to the fullest.

  • Trainer

    I am a life long animal lover and Chicagoland native. I have a B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas University and a Master of Arts in Teaching the Biological Sciences from Miami University. I have been involved in the animal training field since 2004 and was introduced to the wonderful world of positive reinforcement training at the Shedd Aquarium where I assisted with raising an abandoned Alaskan Sea Otter pup. I went on to work as a marine mammal trainer at the Brookfield Zoo for several years and also spent time as a zookeeper in the Farm in the Zoo and the Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo.

    I have over a decade of experience in both the dog training and doggie daycare worlds, working throughout the city and suburbs helping people develop strong positive bonds with their furry family members. Outside of animal training, I am a middle school science teacher and enjoy spending time with my wife, two kids and our two bunnies.

  • Trainer

    My name is Sarah Porterfield and I have been involved with animal training for 20 years. I started my career as an intern at the Shedd Aquarium working with the marine mammals. I then moved on to work at Brookfield Zoo, the New York Aquarium and then settled at the Denver Zoo. I have worked with a wide variety of animals.  Dolphins, walruses, harbor seals, fur seals, sea lions, polar bears and a Harris hawk. The techniques that I used in the Zoo are the same techniques I use with dogs. I believe in building a good and trusting relationship with your dog.  Outside of work I share my life with my husband, two children and my fur baby Pepper.