Please don’t hesitate to reach out to pawsbehaviormedical@googlegroups.com if you are having behavioral issues with your adopted PAWS dog. We strongly recommend avoiding dominance-based trainers and selecting a trainer who uses positive reinforcement, as dominance-based training is not backed by scientific research and has been shown to increase fear and aggression in dogs. Below are a few positive reinforcement trainer options. If your dog has exhibited severe or dangerous behaviors, a veterinary behaviorist at OSU or Gigi’s will be best.
If choosing a trainer who is not on this list, read this article for more info on how to tell if you are selecting an appropriate trainer and what red flags to look out for: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2016/12/how-to-choose-dog-trainer.html
If the trainer mentions shock collars, dominance, or being the alpha or pack leader, they are using outdated methods that are not supported by veterinary behaviorists.
We primarily use Gigi’s Behavior Services and Canine Insights LLC for our foster dogs.
Adopters are no longer permitted to drop off their adopted dog at “board and train” without prior permission from PAWS. The vast majority of board and train operations use outdated and potentially dangerous techniques. It is better for adopters to witness the training and learn from the trainer both for safety and educational reasons.
Gigi’s Behavior Services
behavior@gigis.org
https://gigisbehavior.org/
This training center is based in Canal Winchester but offers virtual sessions as well as in-person training. We work with Gigi’s for our foster dogs that require additional help. Services include leash aggression, fearful interactions with people or dogs, aggressive behavior at people or dogs, protective/guarding behavior, separation/isolation related problems, handling concerns, inappropriate play, unable to focus, repetitive behavior, hyper vigilant, house training, how to train, reading body language. Adopters can use the discount code found in their adoption packet or email pawsintake@gmail.com to receive the code. Gigi’s has a veterinary behaviorist on staff (DVM, DACVB), which is the highest level of training in the veterinary field, as well as multiple trainers with respected certifications such as Karen Pryor Academy Certified (KPA-CTP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) or Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and education at the master’s level.
Canine Insights, LLC
https://www.facebook.com/CanineInsights/
(207) 487-1361
This trainer is based in Maine but offers virtual dog training and behavior consulting services. We work with them for current foster dogs. Canine Insights, LLC can assist with puppy classes and manners, destructive behaviors, excessive barking, leash walking skills, recall, fear, anxiety, reactivity, cat chasing, dog to dog issues, door greetings, dogs with kids, and newly adopted dogs. This trainer is Karen Pryor Academy Certified (KPA-CTP), which is a respected dog training certification and also has a master’s degree in Anthrozoology.
OSU Veterinary Medical Center Behavioral Medicine
https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/behavioral-medicine
(614) 292-4655
Behavioral issues, including human-directed aggression, inter-pet aggression, separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination, phobias, compulsive behaviors, and cognitive dysfunction. This service is through veterinarians who are board certified in veterinary behavior (DVM, DACVB). This is the highest level of academic training in animal behavior in the veterinary field. These veterinarians can also prescribe behavior medications.
Reale Dog Training
Positive reinforcement training based in Gahanna, OH. Offers in-home and group training, as well as board and train. This is the only positive reinforcement board and train program in the Columbus area that we are aware of. This trainer is Karen Pryor Academy Certified (KPA-CTP), which is a respected dog training certification.
Central Ohio Muttesori School
Positive reinforcement training based in Worthington, Ohio. Offers group training, in-home training, behavior modification, scentwork, puppy kindergarten, etc. Has one trainer who is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Pet Sitting, Boarding, or Grooming
Check your vet clinic!
Note that your veterinarian may offer grooming or boarding. Our veterinarians at Healthy Pets of Wedgewood and Healthy Pets of Westgate offer grooming and boarding for current clients.
Camp Bow Wow
Doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, positive reinforcement training. Locations in Grandview Heights and Hilliard.
All About Pet Services (Pet Sitting)
www.allaboutpetservices.com
(614) 288-5520
Dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi, etc.