Paws N Claws Academy, LLC

Programs include 4-week Puppy Socialization, 6-week Beginner’s Obedience, 5-week AKC CGC/Therapy Dog Prep, Agility, Rally, and specialty workshops. Classes are structured to build foundational skills, proof behaviors in distracting environments, and strengthen the human-dog bond. Private training is available for dogs with behavioral or medical issues. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and are designed to be progressive, with ongoing education encouraged.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website; clients are directed to check the schedule or contact the academy directly for class and private session rates.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

Paws N Claws Academy, LLC, located in Streetsboro, OH, is a professional dog training business founded and led by Hollie Gesaman, CPDT-KA. The academy offers positive, science-based training programs designed to build strong bonds between dogs and their owners through humane, reward-based methods. Services include group classes for puppies and dogs of all ages, private in-home training, and specialty programs like AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog preparation, agility, rally, and nosework. Hollie specializes in behavior modification for issues like aggression, fear, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization, and she tailors training to each dog’s personality and the owner’s goals. The business emphasizes education for owners, helping them understand canine behavior and adjust their own actions to support learning. Classes are held in Streetsboro, Twinsburg, and Alliance, and private sessions are available for dogs with medical or behavioral challenges that prevent group participation.

Hollie is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and co-founder of Northeast Ohio Positive Dogs Trainers. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and has trained her own dogs to the highest levels in obedience, agility, and rally, with certification as therapy dogs. Her approach is grounded in current research, and she frequently attends seminars and collaborates with veterinarians and behaviorists to stay current. Clients praise her clear communication, effective techniques, and ability to make training fun and accessible.

In addition to training, Hollie has appeared on WKYC’s Good Company Today as a dog expert and has presented to veterinarians, rescues, and city officials on canine behavior and safe handling. The academy also offers workshops and specialty classes periodically, and all training uses positive reinforcement with tools like clickers, food rewards, and harnesses—never aversive methods.

Accomplishments

Hollie Gesaman is a CPDT-KA certified trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and co-founder of Northeast Ohio Positive Dogs Trainers. She has titled her personal dogs in the highest levels of obedience, agility, and rally, and her dogs are certified therapy dogs through Therapy Dogs International. She has appeared on WKYC’s Good Company Today and speaks to veterinarians, rescues, and other professionals on canine behavior.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to review the class schedule and prepare using the class prep sheet. Registration is done online through the blog page. For private training, clients are advised to contact the academy directly via email or phone to discuss needs and availability.