Confidence Building is a class for dogs that are apprehensive, unsure, or fearful of objects, surfaces (i.e. flooring), obstacles (i.e. stairs), some noises, or general environments. We work to help the dogs by gradually exposing them to surfaces, objects, and obstacles in a way that is fun and safe while also helping them develop great problem-solving and coping skills! This class can make a significant difference in your dog's ability to navigate the world! A few words from our Trainer, Amber on the importance of Confidence Building: Does your dog respond to life with apprehension, timidity, or reactivity? Does your dog seem anxious or have a hard time recovering from any given situation? They are likely lacking confidence and resilience. All dogs can benefit from confidence building: both to help prevent as well as provide healing from psychological trauma. Trauma causes stress, and chronic stress negatively impacts behavior, health, and cognition. Providing skill sets to facilitate resilience helps dogs to navigate stressful experiences as well as bounce back from them faster, which reduces their stress and behavioral challenges, improving their physical and mental well-being. 6-week class | $170 See our upcoming Confidence Building classes below: Sunday 3/3/24 @ 5:30 PM in Poland with Amber Wednesday 3/20/24 @ 12:00 PM in Poland with Amber Sunday 3/24/24 @ 5:30 PM in New Wilmington with Jenny Sunday 4/7/24 @ 3:00 PM in Warren with Heather Huff Sunday 4/21/24 @ 5:30 PM in Poland with Amber Sunday 5/12/24 @ 5:30 PM in New Wilmington with Jenny Sunday 6/2/24 @ 3:00 PM in Warren with Heather Huff
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Let us help you get prepared for Spring! |
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Join one of our Walk with Me classes! This class is for those that want to teach their dogs to walk nicely with them and stop pulling! This four-week class is open to any dog of any age. The class will be held mostly outdoors at different locations and is ALL walking work. So, be prepared to walk! Weather may cause a class to be canceled and pushed out, so this four-week class may take longer to complete if weather impedes us. Having a dog that walks nicely makes walks so much more enjoyable! 4-week class | $120 View the next start dates below: Monday 3/18/24 @ 9:30 AM in Poland with Sam Tuesday 3/26/24 @ 10:45 AM in Poland with Karen Sunday 4/7/24 @ 10:30 AM in Canfield with Karen Sunday 4/7/24 @ 10:45 AM in Hermitage with Matthew Wednesday 4/10/24 @ 10:45 AM in Poland with Amber Sunday 4/14/24 @ 2:30 PM in Poland with Dee Tuesday 4/16/24 @ 12:00 PM in New Wilmington with Jon Wednesday 4/17/24 @ 5:45 PM in Poland with Dee Saturday 4/20/24 @ 10:45 AM in Canfield with Karen Sunday 4/21/24 @ 1:15 PM in Poland with Amber Sunday 5/5/24 @ 4:15 PM in Poland with Dee
If you or someone you know is interested in attending this class, call us today to save your spot! |
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Now, let's talk about safety while on a walk with your dog! |
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From our Trainer, Heather Huff: It only takes a moment for you and your dog to be in a dangerous situation out on a walk. Driving home from work, I heard a lady yelling for help and witnessed a dog attacking that woman and her dog. The woman was on the ground, and her dog was tangled up with a loose dog in a fight. If good Samaritans had not stopped to intervene, the outcome could’ve been much worse. Folks rallied around to help the woman and her dog. A gentleman got the dog off them and made sure the dog stayed away. The woman needed to go to the hospital for medical attention. This scenario happens far too often, and people are left unprotected when trying to enjoy simple activities and much-needed exercise for either themselves or their beloved pet. Even if you are walking an area, you have always walk before and never had an issue-please take extra precaution. Purchase and carry with you an airhorn and spray shield (dog mace) to help protect you and your dog. Trust me, you would rather have it and never need to use it. |
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View Class Schedules by Location: |
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Our Students of the Month! |
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From Shadow's owner: The story begins nearly 11 years ago when I brought home my first rescue dog named Nosey Rosie Posie, otherwise known as Rosie. A 4-year-old Siberian Husky. During the time Rosie was coming close to the end of her life little did I know there was another young husky who was experiencing her own crisis. A dog with no known name and a past known only unto herself. A history she could not share except through exhibiting learned and/or reactive behaviors. It is unknown as to whether she got loose, ran away, or was left off on the side of the road. In September of 2023 she was discovered lying on a homeowner's property and not moving. He said she "looked as if she was waiting for someone to come and get her". The property owner discovered she had a bad cut under one of her paws making her unable to walk. He contacted ORCA for assistance. ORCA intervened, got her the required veterinary care, and attempted to find her owner by advertising on Facebook and other various types of communication but the dog with no name and an unknown history was not claimed by anyone. They then proceeded to put her through their adoption process. While the dog with no name was being cared for, she lost all she had ever known and all with which she was familiar. I on the other hand, was still grieving for my own loss. Despite a couple attempts to search online for another husky I was unable to bring myself to complete a search. After a few months I decided to resume my search online and saw the picture of the dog with no name. When I saw her picture, I saw in her eyes the same connection that Rosie and I had developed and shared over the years. This time I felt a bit more confident about adopting an adult husky. After a 6 1/2-hour drive to do a meet and greet, once again, I found myself riding home with a dog. They told me they named her Shadow because she would follow one of their workers around and lay by her feet when she worked at her desk. Continue reading by clicking the button below A few words from our Trainer, Matthew: When Shadow first arrived in my Beginner Obedience class, she was very shy and very nervous. Donna and I struggled the first few weeks to get her to do very much in class because she was just a little too stressed (especially "downs"). However, as the class has moved on and Donna and Shadow's bond has grown, Shadow has really come out of her shell. She will now lie down in class completely on her own and is much more comfortable and relaxed. Shadow and Donna will be moving on to our Confidence Building class where I expect great leaps forward! It has been an honor and a privilege to see Donna and Shadow's relationship grow as the weeks have passed. Donna has only had Shadow for a very short time, but I can already tell that one day they will make the perfect team! |
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From Waylon's owners: My finance Brandon and I have been the proud pet parents to our 2 1/2-year-old European Doberman, “Waylon.” He spends most of his time sucking on his blankey and following his parents around the house with a ball in his mouth. I’ve never owned a dog before and wanted to learn more on how to strengthen my bond with our dobie. I also wanted to make myself a more confident pet parent and to have a better relationship with him. I initially was nervous when attending the Beginner Obedience class because I knew nothing when it came to training a dog. Dee was an amazing dog trainer to say the least and gave us the building blocks to boost Waylon’s confidence. She also helped him develop new skills to make sure that he is able to keep from getting into dangerous situations. Waylon is now well trained and developed new skills that are much needed for everyday life. He has learned so many cues such as sit, leave it, look, stand, stay, drop it, leash walking, etc. Not giving up and staying consistent is what developed a bond between myself and our dog. This has become my new hobby of choice because of how much fun and interactive these classes are for us! I even signed him up for advanced obedience classes this March because he is doing so well with the program and retaining what is being taught in class!
A few words from our Trainer, Dee: I chose Jessica because she came to Beginner Obedience having never trained a dog before and she had a really big Doberman!!! She was a little nervous about starting classes, but Jessica was determined to learn how to train and develop a relationship with Waylon. She never gave up and she worked so hard from the start. I’m so happy that this team is continuing into advanced obedience next month. I can’t wait to work with them again. |
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KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, SHADOW AND WAYLON! |
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March 2024: Fear Free Focus Behind the Scenes - The Special Love of Therapy Dog Teams ~Karen Becker, Ph.D., M.Ed., CPDT-KA, FFCP This month’s Fear Free Focus is dedicated to and celebrates the first anniversary of Wags ‘n Wishes Therapy Teams – a special thank you to Lori Hainer, Martina DiNello, and Jenny Falvey for their initial support. Our group is currently 24 teams strong and with many teams in training. In the 7 months since Daisy and I have been a certified therapy team with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, I often reflect on and cherish the special bond formed between the teams and the staff. These are as important if not even MORE important than the folks we “trained” to visit. It’s the smiles on teacher’s faces, nurse’s faces, librarian’s faces, and administrator’s faces which make the visit even more gratifying. The science is clear, showing animal therapy is beneficial, including in the workplace. Continue reading by clicking the button below |
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Behind the ScenesMeet the Office Team at Dogsmartz Unleashed |
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| | Angel I like working at Dogsmartz, because when my first dog and I started on the path of training the entire trajectory of my life changed; working here reminds me of that and of him. I also love dogs, and I like helping people start on their own path of training and building their relationship with their dogs.
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| | Colleen I like working at Dogsmartz because it is such a positive atmosphere. The trainers and other staff members I work with always have great attitudes about dogs. At Dogsmartz, we all truly believe that every dog can be helped! I also like the fact that the trainers take a positive approach to training. The thought of hurting a dog to "get it to do what you want" is not something that sits right with me. I love that there is a positive reinforcement approach to training. I also like that my little Charlie bear can come to work with me! Jenny is truly one of the BEST bosses I have ever worked for. She is a huge reason I love working at Dogsmartz. |
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| | Miranda I like working at Dogsmartz because it's great to work with people that share the same passion as you! Everyone is a team player and will immediately jump in to help one another. I also feel that I learn something new about dogs and their behavior daily! Being able to help out on the behavior side of things, as well as run the social media accounts is the best of both worlds! Jenny is truly amazing and puts her heart and soul into Dogsmartz! Our work with the local shelters is also so important to me as I love my two rescue pups and I can only hope that all of the dogs in the shelters find their forever homes! I brag about Dogsmartz any chance that I get and I'm truly so proud to be a part of such as great place! |
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| | Julie The best part of working at DSU are our students. I love to see the transformation from week one until graduation. They leave here strutting their stuff and that makes me happy. |
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| | Alicia I enjoy working at Dogsmartz Unleashed because the staff genuinely cares for the people and dogs that have placed their trust in the staff helping them. Their support and care extend out to their employees as well, as they foster a safe and nurturing training and work environment.
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| | Jessalyn I like working at Dogsmartz because I have always been in love with dogs. Growing up, my family always had at least one. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with like-minded people. I enjoy my workplace’s environment and the opportunity I am given to learn about dogs. Dogsmartz reputation in the community is unmatched and I’m happy to be part of it. |
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Every Dog Matters - Adoption Event! Join Every Dog Matters at our Poland location for an adoption event! This is your chance to meet some of their dogs in person and interact with them! If you're interested in meeting one of their dogs, you don't want to miss out on this. Come and support Every Dog Matters Rescue. When: Saturday, March 23rd Where: Dogsmartz Unleashed in Poland - 5191 E. Western Reserve Rd. Poland, OH 44514 Time: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
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Friends of Fido - Spring Vendor Show There will be more than 45 Vendors, a huge basket raffle, lunch, cash bar, and a gorgeous venue. Come support Friends of Fido and shop for some last-minute Easter basket fillers! When: Saturday, March 23rd Where: Tippecanoe Country Club - 5870 Tippecanoe Rd. Canfield, OH 44406 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
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Easter Egg Hunt at DSU The hunt is on! Celebrate Easter with your dog in a scent-sory search for treat-filled eggs to win prizes. Your dog will have ten minutes to find a dozen eggs within your search area (weather dependent, we may set up outside or indoors). This activity is great for dogs of all ages and a wonderful way to bond, letting your dog’s nose take the lead: great exposure for younger dogs, great exercise for adult dogs, and great mental stimulation for senior dogs! When: Saturday, March 30th Where: Dogsmartz Unleashed in Poland - 5191 E. Western Reserve Rd. Poland, OH 44514 Time: 2:30 PM |
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The Shock of it All- Saturday 3/16/24 @ 4:30 PM with Heather Constiner at our Warren location Understanding a Dog's Body Language- Monday 3/4/24 @ 11:00 AM with Heather Constiner at our Warren Location Dominance Theory in Dogs, Truths and Myths- Thursday 3/21/24 @ 4:30 PM with Heather Constiner at our Warren location NEW! Why Dog's Bite- Saturday 3/9/24 @ 10:00 AM with Jenny at our Warren location Saturday 3/16/24 @ 12:00 PM with Jenny at our Poland location Saturday 3/23/24 @ 10:00 AM with Jenny at our New Wilmington location All seminars are $10, and you must call to register! |
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Our local rescues and shelters are in dire straits! They are filled to the max with dogs and are running out of supplies. Please consider helping this month by donating puzzle toys or games (can be used). We want to be able to provide enrichment to the dogs in the shelters! You can drop it off at our Warren or Poland location. |
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Kong Wobbler The KONG Wobbler™ is an action-packed toy that is a mentally stimulating food dispenser. The KONG shaped toy sits upright until nudged by the dog’s paw or nose, dispensing tasty rewards as it wobbles, spins and rolls. The unpredictable movement stimulates natural instincts keeping even the most seasoned users challenged. The KONG Wobbler™ can also be used as an alternative to a dog bowl to help extend mealtime while providing exercise for your dog. Trying to get your dog to lose a few unwanted pounds? The KONG Wobbler™ is a great way to keep dogs moving while making them work for their food. From our trainer, Matthew: I recommend the Kong Wobbler to all of my clients as it is my favorite mental stimulation toy. When my dog was a puppy, I would always feed her dinner in it at night, and by the time she was done eating she was worn out and ready for bed. This product is great mental stimulation and it's also a great item to slow your dog's eating if they eat too fast!
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Freedom Harness From our trainer, Dee: The Freedom Harness is my pick for product of the month. This is simply my favorite no pull harness and I've been using it to train loose leash walking for many years now. The harness is simple to fit and simple to put on the dog, having only 4 areas to fit, and 1 closure on each side of the dog. If fitted properly, the freedom harness doesn't twist the way that some other no pull harnesses do. This harness also comes with a double ended leash and a front clip ring that greatly reduces the amount of force that the dog is able to pull with, making it easier and safer for you to walk your dog, A no pull harness is so important if you have a dog that is a strong puller. Regular flat collars put pressure on your dog's trachea as they are pulling possibly resulting in permanent injury. And for you, this harness saves your shoulder and your back. A no pull harness is a must for strong pulling dogs while learning to walk on a leash nicely, but this harness can be used for life when going on walks. This product is one of my favorite training tools! |
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Private Training Sessions Privates can be done for specific behavior issues such as but not limited to fear, anxiety, aggression or if basic training (obedience/manners) is desired. The initial private session is 90 minutes long. Based upon the information provided to us on our behavior history form, we will prepare a preliminary plan. Upon arrival, we will first observe the situation, implement management changes and teach new skills sets. After the visit, we will provide a typed Behavior Treatment Plan for you to keep and use as a blueprint to work from. For any behavior issues, we will also send letter to your Veterinarian (if you approve) to advise them of our observations and our plan moving forward. We will work closely with your veterinarian in cases that require this. The plan will be adjusted accordingly based upon our observations and may be further adjusted as we discuss progress in the weeks ahead. You will have access to us for the lifetime of your pet after your visit via phone, text or email for any questions and/or concerns. We request you provide us updates weekly or however often is needed via phone, email or text.
If you attend a private session at our facility, we do require your dog to be vaccinated with the following: Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper and a negative fecal.
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