Pack of Paws Training Center · 529 Ashland Ave (Route 131) · Southbridge, MA · (508) 248-4677

 

We're Good at What We Do!

 

Donna Savoie, CPDT, CBATI

Owner, Certified Trainer
Certified by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Certified TAGteach International Level 1
Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI)
Pet Professional Guild, Full Member
Animal Behavior College, Honor Graduate 
APDT, Professional Member
(Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
AKC CGC Evaluator #34524
Doggone Safe, Member
Dogs & Storks | Dog & Baby Connection

 

Meridith Hallisey 

Child Safety Program Director
APDT, Full Member
(Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
Doggone Safe, Member & Licensed Presenter
Dog & Baby Connection Licensed Presenter
Dogs & Storks Licensed Presenter
AKC CGC Evaluator #71703
Pet Professional Guild, Member
Massachusetts Canine Professionals Club, Member
Certified TAGteach International Level 1

Meridith's extensive experience as a teacher makes her the perfect trainer and coach for working with young children and their interactions with their dogs.

 


Laurie Merritt, MEd CPDT

Multiple Obedience & Rally Titles
CDX's, CD's, RN's
Sled Teams Amateur Class
Freestyle Qualifications and Title

 

Lisa Ruthig

Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist, Certified Equine Massage Therapist, Reiki Level II Practitoner

Director of Animal Programs at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy,
Anatomy and massage instructor.
Owner, Lively Dog Massage Therapy.
Member of the Board of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage.

 

Mary Jo Lavin, BA

is a seasoned national competitor whose strengths as an instructor come from her success and the hurdles she has overcome. As the co-owner of Homestead Farm Agility, Mary Jo has 15 years of teaching agility to students with all breeds. Mary Jo carries a full toolbox of techniques, tips and strategies. Her skill lies in detecting the minute details of handling and helping handlers be more precise. Mary Jo is a master at developing potential into proficiency and getting results beyond her students’ expectations. Mary Jo’s strength is teaching others how to build and train strong foundation skills in their budding agility dogs. She has an analytical approach and a gift for breaking down complex concepts into understandable lessons. Her training is based on positive, motivational methods for both dogs and handlers.

Mary Jo started agility in 1989 with her rescue Tibetan Terrier ADCH Scamp CDX MX MXJ and remembers when agility trials had a total of 30 runs for the whole trial! Scamp and Mary Jo were one of New England’s top teams for ten years. Scamp’s USDAA accomplishments include: Steeplechase Champion, three-time Grand Prix finalist - placing 2nd, 5th and 6th, Top Ten List and multiple Team Tournament placements. Retired Portuguese Water Dog, Ozzie AAD OA OAJ, also rescued, taught her patience and how to motivate and show a low drive dog.  Mary Jo currently has 3 competition dogs. Border Collie, ADCH MACh True GM JM RM MX MXJ, an accurate, fast, and honest dog who has many local tournament wins and has competed at the USDAA Nationals for the last four years. True is has also made the Top Ten List and has either Bronze or Silver distinctions in all the USDAA classes with limited showing.  Aussie, Nell MAD AX AXJ, a.k.a. the “party girl”, is happy to enjoy agility as long as it is fun. Nell is an anchor dog in agility and in life – steady and strong.  She likes to work around the home doing chores and caring for her family. Mary Jo’s newest agility prospect is Border Collie, Peg, who is currently in training and just starting competition. 

 She is the agility contributor for The Australian Shepherd Journal.     

 

Lauren Shelley-Cannon

Animal Behavior College Graduate with Honors
AKC CGC Evaluator
Active in Conformation Show Ring
Registered Service Dog Trainer: Certified through Ecad and registered with SDR and USSD
Professional Memberships: APDT, IACP, IAABC, Guardian Angels

 

Deborah Taylor

Has been actively competing in flyball for 7 years and has traveled all over the country to learn the newest techniques in flyball training. Focusing on high quality training, teaching solid foundational skills and maximizing each dog’s performance.


Diane King, CPDT

Diane has been training dogs since 1991. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Diane has put multiple titles on her Beagles in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Rally-O as well as one dog that went on to become a working therapy dog (TDI).

Presently, she shares her home with three rescue Beagles (one who was adopted from a research lab).


 

Pack of Paws Dog Training is recommended by local veterinarians, animal control officers, trainers and other animal professionals for puppy classes, obedience classes and for problem solving. We are dedicated to helping owners understand the benefits of training by keeping our training programs simple, applicable and totally doable for any pet owner no matter the challenges that are presented. Open the doors of communication between you and your dog. Understand your dog and help your dog to understand you!

Our techniques make problem solving easier, improve the bond with your dog and create a self-confident and dynamic dog who is willing to learn anything!

Our trainers inspire fun while teaching the dog and the owner. We maintain a library of books and DVD's and we continue to participate in seminars from the top names in animal behavior research. We also have a team of professionals ready to design a custom training program for your needs.

Other trainers may be interested in "filling the room", but at Pack of Paws Dog Training, we are interested in small, personal classes, tailored to individual needs. Even group classes are not "canned", but are designed to help everyone in class achieve their goals!

Training is a life-long commitment to your dog. Why not start now with a custom designed program just for your needs?

CALL US TODAY!

Why Choose a Certified Professional Dog Trainer?

You care about your dog. You want a positive experience for both you and your four-footed friend. Whether you are looking for a training class or private training, you are looking for a high-quality, safe, and effective training experience.

When you choose a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, you can be confident that you are working with a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to make your investment in dog training safe, effective, and even fun! Certified Professional Dog Trainers have dog training skills as well as instructor skills to enhance the experience and success for you and your pet dog.

Certified Professional Dog Trainers have earned this credential by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in dog training. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer stays informed of current knowledge in the field and is familiar with the latest, most effective training techniques and equipment. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer adheres to a strict Code of Ethics.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is committed to maintaining rigorous testing and recertification systems to provide dog owners with information to help them make an informed choice when selecting a dog trainer.

CCPDT Trainers - Trainers of Distinction

Because you care about your dog, you want to be confident that you are working with a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to make your investment in dog training safe, effective and FUN! Certified Professional Dog Trainers have dog training skills as well as instructor skills to enhance the training experience for you and your canine companion.


 

The Pet Professional Guild believes that dog training should be fun for both you and your pet dog and that pet care services should be delivered at the highest standard possible.

The Pet Professional Guild also represents pet care providers who are trained in dog behavior, understand how to recognize signs of stress and know how to meet the individual needs of your pet. Guild member pet care providers and dog trainers adhere to a strict code of conduct.


 

What is BAT?  BAT stands for Behavior Adjustment Training.

Behavior Adjustment Training, or BAT, rehabilitates dog reactivity by looking at why the dog is reactive and helping him or her meet his needs in other ways. In a nutshell, BAT is a dog-friendly application of ‘functional analysis’ that gives the dogs a chance to learn to control their own comfort level through peaceful means. It’s very empowering to your dog, in a good way.

BAT reduces reactivity by giving dogs socially acceptable ways to communicate their needs. BAT Takes a Functional Approach to desensitize the dog to stimulus that causes aggressive behavior or fear.

To learn more about BAT, visit www.functionalrewards.com


What is TAGteach?

TAGteach is a teaching and training technology based on the application of the science of behavior that focuses on the structured application of positive reinforcement.
 
TAGteach is clear, concise for the learner. 
 
Learn more about TAGteach at www.TAGteach.com


Donna D. Savoie, CPDT, CBATI

 

Our Certifications

Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner