Meet Our Certified Trainers

Her inspiration came from training her own dog, “Tia, her beloved Boxer/Bulldog” who struggled with fearful and reactive issues.

Nancy takes pride in teaching positive reinforcement/force-free methods. She feels it is the best way to build confidence, trust, and enhance the human-canine bond. Nancy believes that Dog Training should be a positive experience that teaches the dog to think for itself, and to choose the right path to succeed. Her style is to utilize motivational techniques to teach in a calm and collected way.

Her roots stem from helping those with anxiety, separation, reactivity, and fearful behaviors.

Nancy teaches good manners classes along with puppy socializing classes. She also offers one-on-one private lessons and consultations.

In addition to teaching, Nancy has fostered and placed over 200 dogs and puppies, including hospice, critical care, behavior issues, and handicapped dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes.

She is also certified in CPR for Dogs Society.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo, Max is a distinguished graduate and Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy, along with being a Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge and Skills assessed accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Additionally, Max boasts certification as a Fear Free Professional and has completed the esteemed Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashlo.

His versatile background spans various realms of the dog world, from orchestrating engaging playgroups for daycares and shelters to nurturing and grooming young puppies. Max’s dedication extends to conducting behavior assessments for local rescues and serving as a foster parent. Passionate about education, he actively contributes to community outreach efforts, delivering insightful presentations on dog-related topics at local correctional facilities through Toledo’s PET Bull Project. Max also spearheads the Teachers’ PET class, empowering local teens to train foster care dogs.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Max finds joy in outdoor adventures, relishing walks and hikes with his beloved canine companions, Clover, Lilly, and Ash. He dedicates time to Rally Obedience training and husbandry practices. An avid enthusiast of nature, he explores the scenic landscapes of the U.S. through backpacking expeditions and embraces his musical side through guitar playing during his leisure moments.

Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Training Partner at Karen Pryor Academy and a Certified Fear Free Professional, Cory is the only Family Paws Certified Educator in Northwest Ohio! He believes education and learning are the basis for us to better engage ourselves with our animals.

When Cory is not helping people and dogs communicate, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Mechelle, and his two dogs, Coda and Fidget. He has two turtles and takes great pride in decorating their tank with different themes. Enjoys backcountry backpacking, landscaping, and tying knots in paracord.

Megan currently works at Hartman Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary assistant. Education is one of Megan’s passions, and she enjoys helping clients understand how health and training come together to affect an animal’s behaviors. Throughout her life, Megan has worked for the Toledo Animal Rescue, where she trained the shelter dogs, helping them learn good manners and behaviors to make them more adoptable. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at Westside Veterinary Hospital. Megan has also worked in multiple doggie daycares, running playgroups, and worked in a canine hydrotherapy clinic. Megan has a passion for and has been involved with the rescue world from a young age. Her family has adopted and fostered dogs since she was a young girl.

When not working with shelter dogs or assisting with group classes and private training, Megan enjoys hiking with her dog Ivy, reading a good science fiction book, and binge-watching Gilmore Girls.

As he explored his place within the animal-welfare community, Chris spent three years working in dog daycare and two years as a veterinary assistant, gaining hands-on experience with canine behavior, health, and care.

After returning to his hometown of Toledo, Chris began assisting in classes with his lifelong friend Cory at the Pet Bull Project and is currently teaching a beginning good manners class. He is currently preparing to sit for his CCPDT-KA exam and is excited to continue growing within the behavior-modification field. His long-term goal is to become a trusted professional who helps dogs overcome challenges and successfully transition into their forever homes.

This passion has led them on a remarkable journey filled with accomplishments and invaluable insights into the world of animal behavior.

With their extensive experience, Krystal has honed their ability to understand and communicate with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. They believe that every dog is unique, and their training methods are tailored to the individual needs and temperament of each furry friend. This personalized approach is what sets Krystal apart and has garnered them a reputation for transforming even the most challenging canine behaviors.

Krystal also possesses a wealth of knowledge in training exotic animals as well, including pigs, parrots, and even wildlife. This diverse experience has given them a deep understanding of animal psychology, enabling them to apply innovative and effective techniques in their dog training.