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 does not address the dog’s underlying emotional state. 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If the trainer mentions shock collars, dominance, or being the alpha or pack leader, they are using outdated methods that are not supported by veterinary behaviorists.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.
Gigi’s Behavior Services
Heather Luedecke
behavior@gigis.org
(614) 721-3382
https://gigisbehavior.org/
Services
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.
Canine Insights, LLC
https://www.facebook.com/CanineInsights/
(207) 487-1361
Remote dog training and behavior consulting services. 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.
OSU Veterinary Medical Center Behavioral Medicine
(Board certified veterinarians, can prescribe medications and have the highest level of academic training in animal behavior)
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.
Adventure Unleashed
www.adventureunleashed.org
(614) 398-2267
Puppy training, board & train, private lessons, & group classes.
All About Pet Services
www.allaboutpetservices.com
(614) 288-5520
Dog walking, pet sitting, private training, pet taxi, etc.
PosiDog Canine Learning Center
Sarah Keegans
www.posidog.org
(614) 859-5238
Puppy and dog classes including scent work, agility, rally, addressing dog and leash reactivity; private sessions also available.