Bob Minchella’s dog owner counseling

Group workshops are held weekly on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at Dogs at Play in Rochester, NY. Sessions are structured in progressive levels including Puppy Basic, Advanced Obedience I and II, and Tracking. Private lessons and phone consultations are tailored to individual dog and owner needs, focusing on environmental assessment and leadership dynamics. Programs are ongoing, with clients encouraged to continue through multiple levels for lasting results.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Clients are directed to contact for private lesson and workshop rates. Gift cards are available for purchase. No refund policy is stated, and prepayment is required for classes.

Policies

No formal cancellation or rescheduling policy is published. One review indicates no refund was provided after a client left a class. Prepayment is required for workshops. Attendance is expected without exceptions noted.

Bob Minchella’s Dog Owner Counseling is a dog training business founded by Bob Minchella, a professional dog trainer with over 35 years of experience since 1986. Bob has trained dogs in the United States, Canada, and Germany with world-renowned behaviorists and has served nearly two decades at the Humane Society of Rochester, training over 40,000 dogs. He offers group workshops and private lessons focused on behavior modification, obedience, and building trust between dogs and their owners. His approach blends positive reinforcement with proper inhibition, avoiding rigid one-size-fits-all methods. Bob specializes in helping dogs with fearfulness, aggression, reactivity, and anxiety, including rescue dogs and those with severe behavioral issues. He has trained dogs for assistance work and participated in Schutzhund competitions, earning high-level titles. Bob is nationally recognized by leading trainers like Brian Kilcommons and has inspired leadership literature through his methods.

Workshops are held at Dogs at Play in Rochester, NY, and private lessons and phone consultations are available for personalized support. Bob emphasizes owner accountability and practical home application, ensuring long-term success. He works with dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds, including those deemed “untrainable” by other trainers.

Bob’s wife, Jodi, also supports training efforts and is noted for her patience and individualized attention to challenging cases.

Accomplishments

Bob Minchella has titled two dogs to six Schutzhund titles, including two Schutzhund III titles with one earning a high score of 292 and a “V” rating. He has trained over 40,000 dogs during his tenure at the Humane Society of Rochester. He participated in rescue efforts at the Lamar Dixon Emergency Animal Shelter after Hurricane Katrina. He is nationally recognized by Brian Kilcommons and has inspired the book Why Dogs Wag Their Tails by Sherri McArdle and Jim Ramerman. His methods have helped transform severely fearful and aggressive dogs into confident, well-behaved companions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can review the workshop schedule and descriptions online, then register for group classes at Dogs at Play. Private lessons and phone consultations can be arranged by contacting Bob directly via phone or email. No formal initial consultation is advertised as free or mandatory.