At Yooper Paws we use positive reinforcement, games based training because we believe that everyone learns better when they are having fun.

We do not use tools or methods designed to cause pain, force dogs into compliance or generate obedience based on fear/respect for humans.

Our Lead Trainer and Certified Behavior Consultant, Penny Beeman, specializes in large breed hunting, herding and other working breeds and mixes. Penny also specializes in fearful and fizzy, overly reactive dogs using SAFE resources for dogs and their owners. (SAFE- Security, Attachment, Function, and Enrichment)

Positively Pups Trainer Tammy specializes in smaller breeds, supporting their needs. Tammy also teaches many of our basic obedience and nosework classes.

All dogs over 6 months of age start with a Behavior Evaluation Session where a trainer will spend time observing the dog, at first behind a safety barrier then building up at the dog's pace to see what previous training has been done. During this session, the trainer will spend lots of time asking the owner questions about their dog and the behaviors they would like help with.

At the end of the Behavior Evaluation, the trainer will suggest a training plan based that is individualized to your family's needs. This plan may be given orally, via email, or printed copy at the request of the owner.

At Yooper Paws we believe that behaviors are communication from the dog, telling us what they need help with and when we are doing something they do or do not like.

We do our best to make sessions as stress-free as possible for both owner and dog.

Behavior change only leads to lasting change when we create positive associations during training.

We use a teamwork approach to dog training! Your dog's success depends on the owner being present for most if not all of the training. Our goal is to teach dog owners what they need to know live successfully with their dog as a member of the family.

Support is always available!

We suggest clients email or message us between sessions if they have additional questions or need some clarification.

Once a package is complete, we are still happy to support via email or message within reason. We will always share info about things we covered during our sessions together including links to videos recorded and printed materials that may be of assistance.

If the dog owner is experiencing a big issue with lots of complicated parts, we will like suggest some follow up sessions for continued support.

We start all new training in the controlled environment of our training room, or your home in special situations. However we also work to teach you skills that have real world benefits and will help you transition from our training center to outdoor environments and pet friend locations if desired.