Connected Canine LLC, Dog Boarding and Training in Phoenix,
Our Passion
At Connected Canine, we believe real impact isn’t measured in titles or trophies; it’s measured in trust, transformation, and tails that wag with joy. Founded by Sara and supported by a small, passionate team, we’ve dedicated our lives to helping dogs, serving rescues, and building a community rooted in compassion. We’re here to create lasting change for dogs and their families. This is training with heart, care with purpose, and connection that lasts a lifetime.
It’s Not About Being #1 — It’s About Doing What’s Right
Tired of the endless “#1 in Phoenix” or “Best in the Valley” claims? So are we. If you believed every billboard, Facebook ad, or website, Phoenix would have dozens of “#1” dog trainers — which makes you wonder… how many “number ones” can there really be?
We don’t play that game. Titles and trophies don’t train dogs; time, skill, and compassion do. At Connected Canine, we measure success in the ways that actually matter: the once-fearful rescue who learns to trust again, the overwhelmed owner who finally feels confident, and the lasting bond built between you and your dog. Those are victories no award can outshine.
We’re not chasing a crown, a plaque, or a hashtag. We’re here to do the work that matters — with clarity, consistency, and compassion — whether anyone is watching or not.
Serving Rescues, Building Community
Connected Canine is proud to partner with local rescues, offering training, rehabilitation, and boarding to help dogs find — and keep — their forever homes. Many of our most rewarding success stories start with a rescue dog who just needed patience, structure, and the right environment to thrive.
Our commitment to community doesn’t stop there. From alumni pack walks and training refreshers to ongoing support calls, we stay connected long after your dog’s official program ends. We believe that by supporting owners and building a network of like-minded dog lovers, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and responsible ownership that benefits the entire Valley.
Led by Sara — Backed by a Team Who Cares as Much as You Do
Sara is more than the founder of Connected Canine — she’s the heart of it. With decades of hands-on experience in dog and horse behavior, managing high-volume facilities, and specializing in small-group, results-driven training, she’s seen what works, what doesn’t, and why the difference matters. Sara has trained service dogs, sport dogs, and family companions, but no matter the title, her approach stays the same: meet the dog where they are, earn their trust, and build from there.
Her leadership style is grounded in humility and high standards. She hand-picks her trainers not just for their skill, but for their character — because in this work, compassion, patience, and integrity are just as critical as technical know-how. The Connected Canine team includes professionals with diverse specialties, from advanced obedience and behavior modification to puppy development and service dog preparation.
What unites them is a shared commitment:
- To train with intention, not ego
- To treat every dog as an individual, never a number
- To keep learning, adapting, and growing in service of the dogs and people who trust us
When you work with us, you don’t just get a trainer — you get an entire support system. A team that celebrates your wins, sticks with you through challenges, and treats your dog like family from day one.
Meet our trainers!
The Suters
The Suters
The Suters
CEO & Master Trainer of Connected Canine LLC. She is also an APDT and IACP member, LIMA-compliant trainer, and graduate of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. With nearly two decades of experience spanning horses, working dogs, and companion animals, she specializes in complex behavior cases—rehabilitating dogs labeled “unadoptable
CEO & Master Trainer of Connected Canine LLC. She is also an APDT and IACP member, LIMA-compliant trainer, and graduate of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. With nearly two decades of experience spanning horses, working dogs, and companion animals, she specializes in complex behavior cases—rehabilitating dogs labeled “unadoptable” and supporting rescues across the Valley. Sara’s philosophy is simple: train the dog in front of you. By blending science, ethics, and hands-on experience, she’s built a trusted reputation for helping families and their dogs succeed through customized, compassionate, and results-driven training.
JJ
The Suters
The Suters
Assistant Kennel
Manager, joined Connected Canine in 2024 with no prior dog experience but quickly discovered a passion for the work while training under Sara Suter. Her keen eye for detail and natural empathy make her exceptional at observing dogs’ behavior, tracking progress, and sharing thoughtful updates — often paired with the cutest
Assistant Kennel
Manager, joined Connected Canine in 2024 with no prior dog experience but quickly discovered a passion for the work while training under Sara Suter. Her keen eye for detail and natural empathy make her exceptional at observing dogs’ behavior, tracking progress, and sharing thoughtful updates — often paired with the cutest photo pup-dates for owners. JJ has grown from Part-Time Kennel Tech to Assistant Kennel Manager while pursuing her degree in Social Work at GCU, and she recently took her love for rescue work to heart by fostering (and maybe foster-failing) her favorite pup, Manu.
Blake
The Suters
Blake
Seasoned dog trainer, AKC Evaluator, a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification. She is a lifelong animal advocate with over 12 years of experience, seven of those spent specializing in service dog development. From working as a veterinary technician to training rescue dogs for veterans at Soldier’s Best Friend, he
Seasoned dog trainer, AKC Evaluator, a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification. She is a lifelong animal advocate with over 12 years of experience, seven of those spent specializing in service dog development. From working as a veterinary technician to training rescue dogs for veterans at Soldier’s Best Friend, her path has always been guided by compassion and purpose. Blake’s LIMA-based approach blends empathy, structure, and trust to transform both behavior and relationships.
Jada
The Suters
Blake
Jada is a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification while studying under industry leaders like Sara Suter. With over a year of professional experience and a lifetime spent around dogs, she specializes in helping rescue dogs, reactivity, and aggression cases through individualized, trust-based training. Jada believes
Jada is a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification while studying under industry leaders like Sara Suter. With over a year of professional experience and a lifetime spent around dogs, she specializes in helping rescue dogs, reactivity, and aggression cases through individualized, trust-based training. Jada believes lasting results come from building relationships first, not relying on one-size-fits-all methods. Her goal is to empower dogs and their families with tools, clarity, and confidence so they can thrive together.
Alex
Ranger Suter
Alex
Alex is a dedicated trainer and AKC Evaluator with over a decade of experience helping dogs—and their people—build lasting, trust-based partnerships. With a background in veterinary medicine and a passion for service and therapy dog development, Alex blends structure, empathy, and flexibility to meet each dog where they are. Rooted in the
Alex is a dedicated trainer and AKC Evaluator with over a decade of experience helping dogs—and their people—build lasting, trust-based partnerships. With a background in veterinary medicine and a passion for service and therapy dog development, Alex blends structure, empathy, and flexibility to meet each dog where they are. Rooted in the LIMA framework, Alex’s approach prioritizes communication, emotional regulation, and real-life results.
Erin
Ranger Suter
Alex
Erin, is a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification while studying under industry leaders like Sara Suter. With over six years of experience in the dog world: including veterinary assistance, daycare management, and professional training, she specializes in helping fearful, shut-down, and rescue dogs build confiden
Erin, is a LIMA-compliant trainer working toward her CCPDT-KA certification while studying under industry leaders like Sara Suter. With over six years of experience in the dog world: including veterinary assistance, daycare management, and professional training, she specializes in helping fearful, shut-down, and rescue dogs build confidence and trust. Erin’s calm, observant style blends medical knowledge with behavioral insight, allowing her to create individualized training plans that prioritize patience, progress, and connection. Passionate about long-term results, she is especially dedicated to rehabilitation work and hopes to expand into service dog training in the future.
Nala Suter
Ranger Suter
Ranger Suter
Nala has been Sara’s right-hand partner for over 8 years and is truly at the heart of Connected Canine; literally, as a photo of Sara and Nala is the company’s logo. At 9 years old, she has worked with hundreds of rescue puppies and fearful dogs, serving as the steady, confident presence they needed to thrive. Nala has been a demo dog, a
Nala has been Sara’s right-hand partner for over 8 years and is truly at the heart of Connected Canine; literally, as a photo of Sara and Nala is the company’s logo. At 9 years old, she has worked with hundreds of rescue puppies and fearful dogs, serving as the steady, confident presence they needed to thrive. Nala has been a demo dog, a neutral helper in reactivity cases, and an active Therapy Dog with Pawsitive Friendships. Despite being deaf and partially blind, Nala never misses a beat, continuing to inspire dogs and humans every day with her resilience, patience, and unwavering spirit.
Ranger Suter
Ranger Suter
Ranger Suter
Ranger is an 8-week-old Australian Shepherd and the newest member of the Connected Canine team. Bred from a respected local breeder known for producing confident, reliable Aussies, Ranger is already showing the sharp mind, big personality, and quick learning that make him a natural fit for the work ahead. As Nala begins her well-earned re
Ranger is an 8-week-old Australian Shepherd and the newest member of the Connected Canine team. Bred from a respected local breeder known for producing confident, reliable Aussies, Ranger is already showing the sharp mind, big personality, and quick learning that make him a natural fit for the work ahead. As Nala begins her well-earned retirement, Ranger will follow in her pawprints as Sara’s next demo dog, helping to guide, teach, and inspire the dogs and families we serve. With his bold spirit and boundless curiosity, we’re confident Ranger will grow into a standout working partner and beloved ambassador for Connected Canine.
Our Paw-Tners
Join our Community!
ACCREDITATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS!
