Best Paws Forward Dog Training Academy

Classes are structured as ongoing weekly sessions with small group sizes to ensure individual attention. Programs include Puppy STAR (for puppies 8-20 weeks), Basic and Advanced Obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, Rally-O, Agility, Tracking, and specialized detection and SAR programs. All classes (except First Aid) are limited in size. Private lessons available in-home or on-site for behavioral issues. Free community demonstrations offered for youth groups.

Pricing Summary

Offers discounted rates for adopted shelter dogs and active military personnel for Puppy STAR, Basic, and Advanced Obedience classes. No specific pricing tiers are listed, but group classes are described as being offered at the lowest possible price. Private lessons available upon request.

Policies

All dogs must be current on vaccinations and remain on leash unless directed otherwise by the instructor. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Best Paws Forward Dog Training Academy, located in Medina, Ohio, is run by certified dog trainer Marty Warchola, who offers a wide range of positive, family-friendly dog training programs for owners and their dogs. The academy provides group classes in Basic Obedience, Puppy STAR, Advanced Obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Rally-O, Agility, Therapy Dog training, and specialized working dog programs including Search and Rescue, Narcotics Detection, and Cadaver Detection. Marty emphasizes hands-on, small-class learning with personalized attention and has trained over 8,800 students across more than 3,500 classes since 2004. The facility is clean and welcoming, with training held at dedicated locations in Medina, and tracking classes held at Buckeye Woods. Marty is passionate about making dog ownership enjoyable and accessible, offering discounts for adopted shelter dogs and active military personnel. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and leashed unless instructed otherwise.

Marty holds certifications from the American Kennel Club (AKC) for STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen, Bright and Beautiful for Therapy Dog training, NASAR as a SARTECH III in Search and Rescue, and is a certified Red Cross K-9 First Aid instructor. He also holds FEMA 101 and 201 certifications. His personal dogs, including three rescued Newfoundlands, are active in therapy and SAR work, reflecting his deep commitment to the field.

Private in-home and on-site lessons are available for dogs with specific behavioral concerns, and Marty offers free demonstrations for 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other community groups. Classes are limited in size to ensure quality instruction, and the academy fosters a supportive environment for all breeds and ages of dogs.

Accomplishments

Marty Warchola has taught over 3,500 classes and trained more than 8,800 students since 2004. He is a certified Red Cross K-9 First Aid instructor, AKC-certified for STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen, Bright and Beautiful-certified for Therapy Dog training, NASAR-certified SARTECH III, and holds FEMA 101 and 201 certifications. His personal dogs have earned CGC and SAR certifications, including one certified therapy dog and one certified SAR dog.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact Marty via phone or email to discuss class availability, schedule private lessons, or request a free demonstration. Sign-up forms are available on the website and can be submitted online, emailed, or mailed.