About Sandra

Sandra Carbonell lives in Chatham, Illinois, and has been assisting with the instruction of puppy, obedience, and agility classes since 2009.  

• In October 2016, Sandra started instructing Nose Work classes in Springfield, Illinois.  

• In January 2017, Sandra became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) through Do More With Your Dog! in January 2017.  

• In April 2017, Sandra became an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA), Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU) and Dog Tricks.   

• In June 2018, Sandra attended National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) Nose Work Instructor Training.  In January 2019, Sandra became a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI).  

• Sandra opened Pawsitive Training Zone in Chatham, IL in July 2018.

• In May 2021, Sandra became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer  (CPDT KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCDPT). 

Additionally, Sandra is a Judge for AKC, CPE, C-WAGS, UKC Nosework.  Also an NACSW Odor Recognition Judge.

Representing Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), Sandra is a Tester/Observer and currently has one therapy dog - Stuart.

Sandra enjoys working with clients and teaching positive reinforcement methods for training dogs.  Having a shelter dog who gained confidence through Nose Work and also training with her own dog who has reactivity issues, Sandra understand a variety of needs of clients and their pets.   Her goal is to provide the dog owners with the building blocks to a better relationship with their dogs.  

In her free time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her husband and family, as well as competing in nose work with her own dogs.