At The Persuaded Pooch, we specialize in:

• Dog reactivity, leash reactivity and other behavior modification issues
• Stranger danger (fear/reactivity towards new people)
• Puppy training and early socialization - private lessons and group classes
• Positive reinforcement obedience training - private lessons and group classes

We offer two distinct methods of private training:

• We Train for You - Our in-home day training programs deliver FAST board-and-train-level results with our certified trainers. Convenient, impactful, real-life behavior change using positive training AND without sending your dog away for weeks!

• We Coach You - Our in-home coaching dog training guides you through a customized training plan, personalized sessions, and proven positive techniques so you can see long-lasting behavior changes in your dog.

• • Puppies under 20 weeks:
    • Book private puppy 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 online. 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. Evaluation fee will be applied towards the purchase of a training bundle, making it FREE!
    • 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 via online booking.

• • Our "What's Best for Me?" guide can be really easy way to get started with private training.

• • 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 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.

Yes! 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 (sometimes caused by feeling too restricted by the leash)
• Fear or anxiety
• Overstimulation
• Lack of proper socialization

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

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.

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.

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

In our Essential Etiquette basic obedience class we teach:

• Sit and 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. Get started here!

We serve clients throughout most of the greater St. Louis area. Specifically, we service these areas: 

• St. Louis MO County
• St. Louis MO City
• Jefferson County MO (Arnold, High Ridge) 
• St. Charles MO Co (south of I-70/370 & east of Hwy K) 
• St. Clair IL County (west of 159 & North of 158)

Training may include:

• In-home sessions
• Neighborhood walks
• Public environments (parks, sidewalks, dog-friendly stores, etc.)
• Our classroom at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves at 10 W. Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
• Online sessions for guidance and support from anywhere

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

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

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!

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!

Absolutely, please do! You can find reviews here, as well as links to Google, Facebook and Yelp reviews.