Our Approach
Sunnyside School for Dogs was created with a clear intention: to offer a more thoughtful, individualized approach to training—one grounded in daily living, not high-volume routines. This is a private, in-home training program where structure, consistency, and calm leadership are part of everyday life. Dogs are not rotated through a facility—they live within a carefully managed environment that reflects their homes.
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We intentionally accept only a small number of dogs at a time. This allows for focused attention, precise observation, and a training process tailored to each individual dog. Our approach is balanced and structured, centered on clear communication, fair expectations, and consistent follow-through. The goal is not temporary obedience, but lasting behavior—dogs who are calm, reliable, and easy to live with.
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Each dog follows a deliberate daily rhythm that includes training, supervised interaction, and real-world exposure. This creates results that are not only effective, but stable and transferable to your home.
About the Owner & Primary Trainer
I’m Lili Bergquist, the owner and primary trainer, and I work hands-on with every dog in the program.
My connection to animals—especially dogs—has been lifelong. Over the years, I’ve raised and cared for my own dogs while continuing to deepen my understanding of behavior, communication, and what dogs need to feel secure and responsive in a home environment. More recently, I’ve expanded that foundation through hands-on fostering work, caring for dogs with a range of temperaments and needs. That experience has shaped a training approach rooted in patience, clarity, and consistency—focusing on building trust and reliable behavior over time.
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Training takes place within my home, allowing me to closely observe each dog and adjust their training in a way that fits their individual temperament and pace. This level of attention is only possible because the program is intentionally kept small.
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On a personal note, I’m married with grown children, and this work is intentionally woven into my daily life. My husband and I share our home with a small, well-managed group of animals—including chickens, resident and foster dogs and cats, an African Grey parrot, and an aquatic turtle.
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This environment provides dogs with thoughtful, supervised exposure to a variety of real-world stimuli, helping them develop calmness, neutrality, and appropriate behavior in the presence of other animals. All interactions are carefully managed to ensure safety, structure, and positive learning experiences.
Dogs here are not rotated through a facility—they are part of a consistent, stable environment where they are seen, guided, and cared for throughout the day.
