At The Persuaded Pooch, we specialize in:

• Dog-dog leash reactivity
• Puppy training and socialization
• Stranger danger (reactivity toward people)
• Basic obedience training
• General manners

We believe training is more than just following commands—it’s about strengthening the relationship between you and your dog. Our approach builds trust, improves communication and creates a lasting bond that supports better behavior in everyday life.

Leash reactivity is when a dog overreacts to things like other dogs, people, bikes or cars while on a leash, often barking, lunging, or pulling.

Common causes include:

• Frustration
• Fear or anxiety
• Overstimulation
• Lack of proper socialization

There is hope! Most leash-reactive dogs can improve and become calmer with consistent training and patience.

Yes! We offer private puppy training, puppy socialization classes and puppy obedience classes focused on building a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Our programs cover:

• How to socialize with people, other puppies, sights, sounds, and new environments
• Building healthy routines and daily structure
• Basic obedience skills
• Problem prevention

Giving puppies the right start helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

Yes. We work with dogs that bark, avoid, or act aggressively toward unfamiliar people.

Our Stranger Danger Package helps:

• Build confidence
• Reduce barking, lunging, snapping, and other reactive behaviors
• Improve overall safety

We also provide guidance for owners on how to read their dogs, safe handling and management strategies.

Absolutely! Basic obedience is available through both private training and classes.

In our Essential Etiquette basic obedience class we teach:

• Sit & Down
• Loose leash walking
• Recall (come when called)
• Impulse control (Stay, Leave It, wait for the food bowl, etc.)

In private training:

• Obedience is customized to your dog’s specific needs and your particular situation, but often includes a lot of the same skills above.

We do not take on:

• Separation anxiety cases
• Intra-household dog aggression (dogs fighting within the same home)

These require highly specialized protocols outside our scope. You might reach out to another qualified positive dog training professional from this list to help, however.

• Karen Pryor Academy Trainer Search - choose "Search by Location" and select radius from drop-down list, then enter zip code
• Greater St. Louis Training Club Trainer List 
• Jody Epstein with Nutz About Mutz

We serve clients throughout the greater St. Louis area.

Training may include:

• In-home sessions
• Neighborhood walks
• Public environments (parks, sidewalks, stores, etc.)
• Our classroom in Webster Groves
• Online sessions for guidance and support from anywhere

Training locations vary depending on the issues, your goals and your dog’s progress.

We use positive reinforcement!

This includes:

• Focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors through rewards like treats, toys, and praise
• Clear communication and structure
• Meeting the emotional and physical needs of each individual dog (i.e. sleep, exercise, mental enrichment, stress reduction)

Our focus is on reliable, lasting results, not quick fixes.

1000% Yes! Dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors.

We regularly work with adult dogs to:

• Improve obedience
• Reduce reactivity
• Build better habits and routine

You can always teach an old dog new tricks!

• Puppies under 20 weeks:
  • Book private training online
  • Book puppy socialization class online (pups 8-12 weeks)
  • Book adolescent puppy class online (pups 13-20 weeks)
• Dogs over 21 weeks:
  • Book Private Dog Training You’ll start with an Initial Behavior Evaluation, where the trainer will review your dog’s history, discuss your priorities and training goals, and recommend the best training plan or package for you and your dog.
  • Book a basic obedience class, Canine Good Citizen prep class or a fun Special Topics class online (dogs 21+ weeks)
• We offer Phone and Zoom Consultations for dogs any age
• Reach out to us via our Contact Us page
• Please Note: Group classes are not appropriate for dogs that are excessively vocal, fearful, aggressive, reactive, or exhibit severe resource guarding. We recommend private training in these situations.

We focus on reliable, lasting results while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

What makes us different:

• Certified and Committed – Our trainers are certified and dedicated to upholding the highest standards of positive reinforcement training.
• Customizable – Private training is tailored to your specific dog and situation.
• Flexible – We come to you or wherever private training is needed.
• Ongoing Support – Most private training packages include 3 months of follow-up support via email, phone or Zoom, as needed.
• Zero-Interest Payment Plans – Life with a puppy or a dog who needs training help is stressful enough. Paying for training doesn’t have to be!