The Persuaded Pooch

Group classes include 6-week Essential Etiquette obedience courses for dogs 21+ weeks, held weekly at a facility in Webster Groves. Puppy programs include Puppy Socialization and Top Notch Teen classes, offered every Tuesday evening. Private training is available for puppies and adults via in-home sessions or coaching for owners. All programs use positive reinforcement and build skills progressively. An online orientation is required before group classes begin.

Pricing Summary

Group obedience classes are $225 for a 6-week program. Private training and puppy classes are available with pricing details provided after the free Initial Behavior Evaluation. Gift certificates are available in any denomination. A 10% discount at Treats Unleashed is offered as a bonus for group class participants.

Policies

There are no refunds for group classes once purchased. Missed classes cannot be made up. Clients must provide proof of vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies) at least one week before class. Participants should not attend if they are sick. Cancellation policies for private training are available on their website.

The Persuaded Pooch is a professional dog training business serving St. Louis, MO, and surrounding areas, offering positive reinforcement-based private training and group classes for puppies and adult dogs. They specialize in puppy socialization, basic obedience, and behavior modification for issues like reactivity, fearfulness, leash pulling, and resource guarding. Their trainers, Sarah Hoth and Nicole Berthold, are both KPA-CTP certified and emphasize personalized, science-backed methods to help families build stronger bonds with their dogs. They offer two private training options: “We Train for You!” (in-home training by the trainer) and “We Coach You!” (hands-on coaching for owners). Group classes are held at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves and include Puppy Socialization, Top Notch Teen, and 6-week Essential Etiquette obedience courses. They also provide specialized training for muzzle use and leash walking, along with recommended products and helpful resources for dog owners.

The business prioritizes a compassionate, fear-free approach, ensuring dogs are trained with kindness and effectiveness. They serve clients in St. Louis City and County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and St. Clair County, IL, and offer a free Initial Behavior Evaluation to help clients determine the best training path. Gift certificates are available, and they encourage clients to use their online “What’s Best for Me?” assessment tool to get started.

Accomplishments

Sarah Hoth and Nicole Berthold are both certified as KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner). Trainers engage in ongoing education and are recognized for their expertise in positive reinforcement methods. The business has received numerous client testimonials highlighting successful outcomes with fearful, reactive, and behaviorally challenged dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to use the online “What’s Best for Me?” assessment tool to determine the right program. A free Initial Behavior Evaluation is offered to help match clients with the appropriate training option and ensure a good fit between the trainer and the dog.