Meet Sarah Ballard | Owner and Director of Marketing/Community Relations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Ballard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Ever since my husband, daughter, and I started Dog Training Elite Denver, we wanted it to be more than just about dog training. Yes, we train dogs. Yes, we work with any dog, any breed, any age, any temperment. Yes, we have helped countless families find peace and less stress with their dog. Yes, we’ve saved some dogs from euthanasia. And the thing that is most rewarding? We’ve helped many, many clients with physical, mental, or emotional disability gain a part of their lives back, empowering them to feel good about who they are, their ability to access the community, and to feel like they belong.

But all of this impact is guided by a deeper set of values. We call them the three C’s. The first is care, which is nurturing the life-giving gift of acknowledgment in ourselves and others. We want to see others and give them a sense of dignity and respect, but also do the same for ourselves in and through our work. The second is connection, where we strive to foster meaningful relationships, activities, and passions in people’s lives. We want our clients to connect with their four-legged friends, of course, but also with other clients, with their own families and friends, and with the activities, hopes, and dreams that give their lives meaning, purpose, and goals. And the third is community, which is about creating spaces for connection and belonging in order to experience peace in the world. Through not only our approach to training (in-home, intimate, relational), but also our group classes and other events (like our regular teen service dog handler game nights), we want to create a community among our clients and our staff.

Yes, we train dogs. But dog training is our means; care, connection, and community is our end. It is how we hope to impact and offer something of meaning to our world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s hard to talk about my career without talking about my family. Here’s my best shot: I earned a counseling degree, and had a thriving practice in Colorado. After my husband earned his PhD, he was a professor of communication for many years, and I followed on his coattails and taught college courses in communication, especially in areas of conflict, interpersonal communication, and intercultural communication. But we always talked about owning a business together. Fast forward after 15 years of living in Canada, California, and even China, when our daughter’s health challenges made remaining in California a challenge, we decided to change careers and return to our roots in Colorado. Our daughter (and her self-trained service dog Snickerdoodle, a 17 lb. Border Collie/Poodle mix) were the inspiration, but it was the fulfillment of a shared dream. My husband, Bert, along with my daughter, Adria, and I run the business. Having a background in counseling and teaching as well as conflict management has helped us navigate the challenges of starting a new business! The reward comes from seeing families and people changed forever because of the training we offer!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the places, honestly, I would take them is to my parents in Estes Park. My grandfather was fortunate to purchase some of the best property that backs up to Forest Service land and has a magnificent view of Long’s Peak and the Estes Valley. I also grew up in Estes Park, so I would show them the campground I grew up helping my parents manage, the wildlife (elk everywhere!), and views of the Rocky Mountains that are to die for! We would then return to Centennial where I live and my husband would cook them a BBQ chicken, fish, and hamburger meal – he’s the best BBQer ever! I would want them to meet my family and my dogs as they all are truly my most prized treasure. We would then end with a dessert (over 21 please!) at the D-Bar, one the fabulous local dessert places (and allergy friendly too!). Family, outdoors, food, and just good conversation – that is my ideal day!. I value people, and I value beautiful places. And good food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a family-owned business, so this would not be possible without their support. My husband and business partner, Bert, who set out the vision for the business. My daughter, Adria, who in many ways was the inspiration for this work. My daughter, Kyla, contributes in so many valuable ways, including being a steadying presence. And our son, Jayden, who keeps us on our toes! But of course, our staff and trainers whose love for people and dogs keeps our venture going! They deserve the biggest shoutout!

Website: https://dogtrainingelite.com/denver

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dte_denver/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dte.denver/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqOZoLY5qJ0

Image Credits
Giles Clasen – Bert in front of sign Vin Le – headshot of Sarah Personal – 3 people in front of truck, me on mountain, me in front of tent