Life’s A Dog

Paws ‘N Effect offers a range of dog training programs including Family Classes, Sport Classes, and Therapy Dog Classes. Family classes cover basic obedience, puppy training, and advanced skills like leash manners and recall, with options for all ages.

Sport classes include Agility, Nosework, and Rally Obedience. Therapy Dog classes prepare dogs for certification. Most classes are six sessions long, with initial sessions for some classes conducted without dogs to introduce positive training basics and facility policies. Private sessions are also available.

Pricing Summary

Classes are priced at $215 plus tax for six sessions. A $25 fee applies to returned checks.

Policies

State law requires proof of rabies vaccination for dogs over six months. Dogs with contagious diseases or female dogs in heat (without instructor permission) are not allowed. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and maintaining control; failure to do so may result in dismissal without refund.

Severe discipline, physical punishment, abuse, and the use of shock collars or ‘protection’/’bite’ work are strictly prohibited. Children must be supervised. Payment is due one week prior to class start, or by the first class. No refunds for absenteeism or scheduling conflicts, with true emergency situations handled case-by-case.

Paws ‘N Effect specializes in positive training for dogs of all ages, offering state-of-the-art training facilities in Hamden, Connecticut. They provide a variety of family classes, sport classes, and therapy dog classes.

The business emphasizes fun and positive training methods, with small group classes designed to ensure individual attention from nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainers. In addition to training, Paws ‘N Effect operates a store within their complex.

The store features quality foods, specialty gifts, toys, treats, and training items, along with a food program to help clients save money on dog food. Paws ‘N Effect also provides resources and connections to other pet-related businesses and organizations, highlighting their commitment to animal welfare and well-being.

Accomplishments

The trainers are nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT). Kathy Shea, the owner, was in the first group of trainers nationwide to successfully complete the national certification exam for pet dog trainers in September 2001. She is also Pet Tech certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, a registered Pet Partner, and a licensed Pet Partner Instructor & Evaluator.

Lil Clark has been training dogs professionally since 1972 and has competed in various dog sports with titled dogs, including several active registered Therapy Dogs. Sandy House is a CPDT, Canine Good Citizen and STAR Puppy Instructor & Evaluator, APDT Professional Member, Pet Partners Therapy Animal instructor & Evaluator, CLASS Instructor & Evaluator, and a graduate of Karen Pryor’s “Puppy Start Right for Instructors” course, also Pet Tech certified.

Shari King is a veteran agility competitor and teacher with over 20 years of experience, an AKC ACT Evaluator, and an OneMind Dogs Instructor, with her sheltie Paisley earning MACH4 at Westminster Masters Agility Championship. Brian Tippy is a CPDT, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and licensed Pet Partners Therapy Team Evaluator, with his dog Murphy being a registered therapy dog. Fran Zelladonis is a CPDT, APDT professional member, Canine Good Citizen evaluator, Absolute Dogs Certified ProDog Trainer, Certified Trick Instructor, and Certified Canine Conditioning Coach, and participates in studies at the Canine Cognition Center at Yale.

How to Get Started!

To enroll or ask questions, clients should call (203) 281-7150 or use the online contact form. For first-time clients, Puppy Kindergarten is recommended for dogs under 20 weeks, and Family Dog Training: Basics for dogs over 20 weeks.

Both introductory classes begin with a 90-minute information session without dogs. Clients can also discuss class fit by phone if they feel a different class is more suitable.