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WE EMPOWER YOU TO TRAIN YOUR DOG POSITIVELY NO MATTER WHRE YOU LIVE. IN NORTHEAST OHIO WE OFFER IN PERSON DOG TRAINING. WE ALSO OFFER LIVE PERSONALIZED ONLINE DOG TRAINING.

Group Puppy and Dog Training Classes in Chardon Ohio

Elementary Obedience Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon

I am so excited to be offering group puppy and dog training classes in Chardon. I love teaching group classes. I started teaching them in 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After I had my daughter, to be closer to my family, I moved back to Ohio. While living with my parents for two years, in Garrettsville, I expanded dog training business.

My daughter and I moved to our own apartment in Middlefield, and I expanded my business here. After years doing private dog training, I decided to do group classes again! I began my first indoor group obedience course at the Geauga YMCA. After a few months, the Geauga YMCA removed outside contractors. I was then accepted to do classes at the Chardon Recreation Center (to find the classes through the recreation site, click on the “Program Brochure”). As a result, I am now I am offering group dog training classes in Chardon, Ohio.

The courses are held at the Chardon Living Memorial Park, 220 Basquin Drive. The park is beautiful. It has a playground and sled hill. My courses are held indoors in the fall, winter and spring. During the summer, the building is used for summer camp.

My Elementary Obedience group dog training course will be held in Chardon on Tuesday evenings from 5-6 PM. The course teaches basic obedience. Your dog is a reflection of what you are thinking and feeling. Learn how to shift your thoughts and feelings and change your dog’s behavior.

What Will You and Your Dog Learn in the Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon?

After taking this course, your dog will listen to your commands reliably in your home. As your dog listens to you, you will feel secure, confident, and peaceful.

The course is broken into 5 weeks and each week, we meet for one hour. The first class, dogs are left at home. We can focus on the human end of dog training. Learn basic skills to keep the class calmer for when you bring your dog in the future. I want dog training to be fun and calm.

In this course you will learn the following commands:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Stay
  • Settle instead of jumping
  • House training
  • Go to your bed and stay until released
  • Leave it – stop chewing and play biting
  • Wait at the door to prevent your dog from bolting out the door
  • Come with low level distractions
  • Loose leash walking within the indoor class setting

What Dog Ages Can Attend the Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon?

Your dog can start as young as 8 weeks. As soon as you get your puppy, you can start training. Once their eyes are open and they are walking, they are learning. Puppies are like sponges, seize the moment to train your puppy when he / she is young.

Are you worried that your puppy might get sick? No fret, all dogs are vaccinated. The likely hood of getting sick is low. Keep your puppy up to date with his or her booster vaccinations. Your puppy is at a great learning age. When your puppy is young, take advantage of training.

Can an old dog learn too? Absolutely, I have trained older dogs. In fact, it is never too late to train. An older dog does have habits, and through training, we can change those habits.

Is it safe to have a mixture of older and younger dogs in the classes? Yes, all dogs are leashed and are spaced apart. Dogs are not allowed to greet. We want a safe environment. In class, everyone has their own space.

What Training Methods are Used?

We use positive reinforcement methods to keep your dog emotionally and psychologically healthy. The behaviors that are rewarded increase in frequency. Redirect behaviors that you dislike.

For example, if your dog jumps, turn your back and reward the sit. If your dog is barking at other dogs in the class, train leave it. This teaches your dog to look away from the other dogs and instead, to look at you. As a result, over time, your dog will quite.

Can Children or Other Adults Take the Course with My Dog?

Yes, children are welcome in my classes. I don’t have an age limit, instead, your child’s attendance is based on his / her behavior. Your child has to sit in a chair and stay away from the other dogs in class. Due to safety reasons, your child cannot wonder.

An adult child must accompany your child. The instructions are geared towards adults. As a result, the adult must relay instructions to the child. Many children have attended my group classes. It’s great having the whole family involved.

Your partner, pet sitter, friends etc. may attend with your dog. The more the merrier. We want everyone to be consistent with training. Consistency increases success. If possible, have one consistent person come for the full 5 weeks. If different people come every week and they don’t know what we have covered in the past weeks, they will be confused.

What If My Dog Gets Too Distracted?

Many dogs get distracted in my group dog training classes in Chardon, and that is okay. We can still help your dog focus and learn. However, we do want to make sure that your dog is only minorly stressed in a group setting. Some dogs do better with private training because they get too stressed around other dogs and people. However, if your dog is only minor distracted there are many actions we can take to lower your dog’s stress level and help them learn in a group class setting.

Train with High Powered Dog Treats in Our Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon

Changing the motivation can help your dog focus. Find a treat that your dog loves. Normal dog treats sometimes don’t cut it when dogs are stressed. Their appetite goes down. Imagine being stressed. Then someone offers your favorite food. You will be more likely to eat your favorite food. As a result, typical treats may not motivate. To increase your dog ‘s motivation, find high powered dog treats. There are many options that your dog may loves:

  • Hotdogs
  • String Cheese or Any Cheese
  • Wet dog food. Ball it up, put it on a baking tray and bake it.
  • Freshpet Dog Food
  • Lunchmeat
  • Chicken

Create Distance and Use Barriers

The closer your dog is to another dogs, the more distracted your dog will be. Being farther away from other dogs, will calm your dog. Your dog is not in a time out. Instead, I am using distance to help the dog feel more relaxed. The space away from the other dogs, allows your dog to be more calm.

Barriers can also be used. This can be a wall or a moveable blockade. Your dog can go behind this barrier to take breaks from seeing the other dogs. This can also help your dog feel calm.

When your dog is calmer, your dog can learn better. A stressed dog has a firing amygdala. The amygdala shuts down the cortex (the thinking part of the brain). We want a calmer dog , so the cortex can work.

Slow Petting or Tellington Touch

Again, a calm dog can learn much better. Anything that calms your dog will work wonders. I am certified in animal reiki, and I can use reiki on your dog. However, your involvement can help more.

When you pet your dog, pet with slow and long pets. This helps relax your dog. Fast petting, will amp your dog’s energy up. Tellington Touch (T-Touch) works wonders. Linda Tellington Jones is the founder. I find the basic touch works best! Some dogs need just a minute or two of T-Touch, while others may need T-Touch to be done for 20 min or longer.

Click here for a video that explains how to do the T-Touch.

Recently, in my group dog training class in Chardon, I had a client, Carry, that had a dog named Stella. Stella was fearful and was able to attend my group dog training class because Tellington Touch calmed her.

Training Your Dog to Pay Attention to You in Our Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon

Reward the good behavior especially when your dog is focused on you. When your dog sits or looks at you, reward your dog. Every time your dog sits and is quiet click and treat. Every time your dog looks towards you click and treat. Overtime, your dog will sit, be quiet, and look at you.

You can, also, put a treat in your hand. Put a yummy treat in your hand. Then, put your hand directly in front of your dog’s muzzle. Move your hand towards you. As a result, your hand is moving from your dog’s muzzle back towards you. If your dog follows your hand, he will focus on you. When your dog is facing towards you, click and treat.

When you have a treat in your hand and your dog is following your hand, its called a lure. Luring is a great way to get your dog’s attention on you.

I would love to see you in my Elementary Obedience Group Dog Training Course in Chardon, Ohio. Remember puppies are welcome too. If you are interested go to this link to sign up! If the class is full, contact me and I will let you know when the next class is starting. These classes are ongoing.

Intermediate and Advance Group Dog Training Classes in Chardon and Middlefield

Once your dog has completed our basic Elementary Obedience Group Course in Chardon, you can progress to our next levels:

  • Junior Outdoor Leash Walking Course
  • Senior Come Course
  • College Hiking Course
  • Meditation Course
  • Tricks Course

Junior Outdoor Leash Walking Course

In this group course, let’s train your dog in the real world together. Train your dog to walk loosely and nicely on the leash in multiple outdoor settings. We will meet at different village parks in Middlefield. These parks can include: Mineral Lake, Eagle Creek Splash Pad Park, and Tare Creek Headwaters Trail. We also meet at the Tractor Supply Store in Middlefield.

The dogs are spaced apart and on leash. We walk from point A to point B, while actively training our dogs together.

You will learn to be consistent with the training techniques that encourage your dog to walk well on the leash.

On the walks, you will also teach your dog basic commands such as leave, target and stay.

It’s important that you learn mental tools as well. Your mindset and emotions affect your consistency. Learn how to enjoy the leash walking journey with your dog.

Outdoor Senior Come Course

Your dog must complete the Junior Outdoor Leash Walking Course first. Do you worry that your dog will run off and nt come?

Let’s meet for multiple weeks and teach your dog to come well with distractions. Every dog will be on a long line and space apart. Dogs will not be playing in the course.

Classes are held in the real world at different village parks in Middlefield.

We will start with easy distractions and progress to harder distractions as the weeks progress. You will end up feeling more at peace because you feel confident that your dog will come.

College Hiking Course

This course is fun, and it’s brand new! Your dog must do the the leash walking and come course first.

Hike at different Geauga Parks with your dog on leash. We will be teaching your dog to walk nicely on the leash with high distractions. On the hikes, your dog will learn to listen to basic commands.

It’s time to see the world with your dog and enjoy your time together. Let it begin now with a well behaved dog!

Message us below to learn more! Or CLICK HERE to learn more about our Group Classes.

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Amy Heller
20:07 12 Feb 25
Johanna is super! We had a great time in our classes at the YMCA and learned a lot of skills to take forward with our Goldendoodle puppy! Highly recommend!
Hayley Woodside
19:21 09 Jan 25
I just finished the group obedience class at the Geauga YMCA with Johanna and had a really great time! She was very helpful and did a great job not only training my dog, but also helping me understand how I should be training. Being a first time dog owner, I didn't know what to expect and Johanna made sure it wasn't too overwhelming. I highly recommend Four Legged Scholars for your dog training needs!
D Kintop
19:10 07 Jan 25
Working with Johanna in both a private and group setting has been the best thing we could have ever done for our dog! Amren is an 8 month old small but sassy Mudi that really benefited from the positive reinforcement approach that Johanna takes. With Johanna's help Amren's recall vastly improved, we learned ways to help decrease her reactivity towards other dogs, increased her obedience skills 10x, and even went as far as beginning to teach her how to pick up sticks in the yard! But most importantly, the bond between Amren and I has grown exponentially and our time training with Johanna will always be a fond memory.
Sandy Sterrett
22:49 21 Dec 24
I am older and have an energetic beagle mix, very loving but out of co tr to the point I was contemplating returning her. Now that is t necessary as she can sit and allow me to clip her lead and wait til it’s safe to go out! She also is excellent at coming quickly to the “HERE” command which is safer for her. Thank you! A rare moment of rest after playing in the snow.
Jessica Weinman
15:28 12 Nov 24
Johanna transformed the behavior of my two large dogs. She not only helped them, but help me become a better dog mom and trainer for them. The improvement of the dogs was immense and it’s easier to handle them together now. I can’t thank her enough for the work she put in with them and me.
D Kintop
18:40 08 Nov 24
I highly recommend the personal training sessions! Johanna's approach is to teach YOU how to train your dog using positive reinforcement and she will break down all of the finer details that can really boost the effectiveness of your training sessions with your dog. All of the goals are tailored to you and your dogs needs. You will see improvements in your dogs behavior and more importantly you will feel an improved sense of connection with your dog. Can't reccomend four legged scholars enough!
Jodie Lawless
23:10 20 Aug 24
Johanna of Four Legged Scholars is exceptional. Johanna is very knowledgeable about dogs and their behaviors. I appreciate Johanna and her training of our MiniPoodle pup and us! Johanna taught us alot with patience , kindness, fun, and work! I would recommend Johanna and " Four Legged Scholars LLC" to anyone that needs help training their dogs or puppies.
Bradley Woodrum
18:38 15 Aug 24
Johanna was amazing to work with! This was my first time working with a trainer for my new puppy and she made it fun to learn alongside my dog. It was a very pleasant experience!!
Danielle Hope
13:48 26 Jul 24
After the loss of our blue heeler. We adopted a young 2 year old blue heeler that didn’t have any training. When we 1st got him he was going to the bathroom in the house, playing with humans like we were pups (strong and bitty), waking up everyday at 4am, jumped on everyone entering the house, pulling/ jumping while walking, playing tug with leash, chasing cars, grabbing food off the counter and barking at us while eating our food.

We contacted Johanna with all of this being so overwhelming for our family.
Johanna was so much support through all the struggles and was a life saver teaching us how to how to train our young herding dog. She was friendly and understood everything going on through zoom classes. She worked around our schedule. The zoom classes were very beneficial for learning.

Thank you so much Johanna for all the support and creating peace in our home 🏠 🐕 ❤️
Cyndi Istre
14:34 20 Apr 24
Johanna has been a God send inhelping us learn not only the basic ways of dog training but in how we as humans contribute to our pups behaviors. Biting, jumping and potty training were our biggest challenges and accomplishments. Johanna provided us with the training and informational tools to be successful. She also provided guidance in changing our behavior and reactions to achieve the positive results we were looking for.
Christina Fleck
18:11 15 Mar 24
Johanna has been super helpful and knowledgeable in helping me train our puppy. We went over several techniques including practicing not pulling while on the leash. Our puppy is very responsive to the training tools Johanna has taught my children and me. She’s a wonderful person and a terrific trainer! Highly recommend!
Caleb Edwards
19:11 20 Dec 23
Working with Johanna was an absolute pleasure and my crazy Corgi Skye enjoyed it very much as well. Johanna was extremely diligent and patient with her and myself throughout our learning process. She explained the concepts very well and broke them down into simple to understand steps, which was super impactful for me. It’s a lot of information to learn at once but taking it a step at a time truly helps comprehension. She has helped us get Skye on track to being a calmer and more welcoming household dog and also helped us find better ways to get Skye’s energy out when she needs to. If you need assistance or advice on training or just being better connected with your pets, I would highly recommend Johanna!
Rosemary Krupar
18:04 01 Dec 23
Johanna's positive training system has not only helped our dog but has also helped us to be better pet owners. By learning our dog's body language and applying our own calm demeanor and positive reinforcement, we can help her maintain her own level of calmness during what used to be stressful situations for her. The knowledge and the tools we have gained with Johanna have brought about a more peaceful and pleasant relationship with our dog, Ginny. We highly recommend Johanna for your dog training needs.
Kathleen Clyde
17:25 22 Sep 23
Johanna is a really special trainer. We signed our rescue dog Scout up for training because she almost ran away chasing deer in our neighborhood. Scout also pulled really hard on the leash and I was afraid someone might fall when walking her.

Johanna helped us fix all that and more. Scout is a boxer hound mix, so her smell/chase instinct is really strong. Using all positive reinforcement, we were able to train her to go "easy" on our walks and not pull the leash. Scout also comes when we call her, even facing tough distractions like other dogs or food. We can now walk her off leash on trails and be confident she'll stay near or next to us and not run off chasing something. She also learned other commands like sit/stay, go get it, and lay on your bed.

We humans were trained too! We learned what harness and leashes to use, which treats were best, when to treat her, how to get her interested in training, how to progress through a more complex command, and more. Johanna really knows both animal and human psychology, and working with her was such a fulfilling and rewarding experience — well worth the investment. Scout loved her and we did too. We cannot recommend her strongly enough!
Cindy Sheehan
18:57 06 Sep 23
Johanna was very thorough and offered many good suggestions and examples to train for or correct various behaviors. I liked that her training methods were very positive and based on science - and that they really worked. Our dog absolutely LOVES her!
Kathleen Clyde
00:10 05 Sep 23
Johanna is a really special trainer. We signed our rescue dog Scout up for training because she almost ran away chasing deer in our neighborhood. Scout also pulled really hard on the leash and I was afraid someone might fall when walking her.

Johanna helped us fix all that and more. Scout is a boxer hound mix, so her smell/chase instinct is really strong. Using all positive reinforcement, we were able to train her to go "easy" on our walks and not pull the leash. Scout also comes when we call her, even facing tough distractions like other dogs or food. We can now walk her off leash on trails and be confident she'll stay near or next to us and not run off chasing something. She also learned other commands like sit/stay, go get it, and lay on your bed.

We humans were trained too! We learned what harness and leashes to use, which treats were best, when to treat her, how to get her interested in training, how to progress through a more complex command, and more. Johanna really knows both animal and human psychology, and working with her was such a fulfilling and rewarding experience — well worth the investment. Scout loved her and we did too. We cannot recommend her strongly enough!
Kit Blair
18:01 05 Jul 23
When our newly adopted dog started showing ‘stranger danger’ and other anxiety related behaviors, our veterinarian recommended that we contact Johanna Teresi at Four Legged Scholars. Johanna reviewed the issues we were seeing and developed a training plan. We were able to do the working sessions with her using live Zoom and videos of our ‘homework’. Johanna also has a significant file of relevant training videos that she shared to help reinforce the training modification techniques. We are following the training plan and continue to see incremental improvements in our dog’s behavior. We have also been able to apply what we learned to other issues such as separation anxiety and leash walking. We are more confident going forward with a happier dog! Kudos to Johanna and The Four Legged Scholars program.
Christi LaPrairie
17:58 16 Sep 21
I felt pressured to pay prior to services.
Donna Shaffer
19:51 04 Sep 18
Our dog, Bella, was skittish around new people. She would bark and growl. Our veterinarian recommended training. We contacted Johanna from Ohio4LeggedScholars. Johanna taught us counter conditioning and commands paired with treats. Bella has responded well to the training. She has become more comfortable with new people and new situations. We learned to watch Bella's body language to know when she is feeling confident and comfortable.Thank you Johanna!
rachel downey
19:32 23 Aug 18
I love them. Before they came, my dog max, didnt know how to sit for anything, he kept pulling on the leash when we went for walks on our road, and he kept not waiting when we tried to take him out. He would bolt out. Now he sits a waits for the leash to get it on him. Hes such a great listener now.
Stacey Brazie
00:23 26 Jul 18
We were ready to rip our hair out when I found Johanna online. I contacted her and discussed our problems with our 1 year old Lab Laney. She was jumping on us, afraid of people, barked at everyone/everything that walked by, walked horribly on a leash, and barged at the door when someone was there. Johanna immediately reassured me that she could help! She taught us the different signs that our dog gives us. She also taught us about counter conditioning. She gave us the tools we need to change Laney’s behavior. It is not an overnight fix. You need to be able to work with your pup until it sinks in. Laney has made much improvement in all areas! We are grateful to have found Johanna!!!
David McCoy
02:49 21 Jun 18
Four Legged Scholars provided our family with the expertise and guidance needed to train our new puppy Drew. Trainer Johanna Teresi was the perfect person to help us. Johanna's calm demeanor, excellent knowledge and organized approach allayed any fears that we had about dog training. Drew responded well to her weekly training visits and our ongoing daily training routines. My family wholeheartedly recommends Four Legged Scholars and Johanna Teresi as fantastic and caring solutions when one considers the best method to train your dog.
Dave McCoy Ravenna, Ohio
Karen A
20:25 10 Jun 18
I contacted Johanna when Cooper was almost 6 months old. He had major issues with jumping on people and constantly barking at other dogs. I was impressed with her persistence and patience when training. She probably spent as much time training me as we spent training Cooper. Classes are over for now and Cooper has met all but one of the goals that we set for him. Johanna has given me the tools and techniques to continue to train him, and I am confident that he/we will someday be able to walk in the park without his barking at every dog he meets. Taking the class has and will continue to benefit my relationship with Cooper for years to come. Thank you Johanna.
Sandy Bailey
00:19 12 Mar 18
Johanna Teresi with Four Legged Scholars helped my husband and I so much with our Chocolate Lab, Autumn.
It has been years since we have had a puppy and forgot how much work they can be.
Our major concern was how excited Autumn would get when we would get company or our grandchildren would come over. Autumn would jump on everyone. The little kids would get knocked down.
My husband and I finally said, we're calling for help and called Four Legged Scholars and spoke with Johanna.
Johanna was able to see what we were doing wrong and how we were causing more stress for Autumn by being stressed ourselves and within a few sessions we could see a hug change in Autumn's behavior.
Johanna showed us how to react to Autumn"s jumping on our guest. We let all our guest know how to respond if Autumn tried to jump on them and they were all great about helping with the training. We providing a video to Johanna that my grandson took while having a birthday celebration with a house full of people.
Johanna was able to look at our video and see that her techniques were working and she could see the improvement in Autumn the next time she came to our door.
Autumn's behavior is so much better and we are not afraid for guest to come over or be embarrassed at Autumn"s behavior anymore.
The leash training was also extremely helpful. Autumn was constantly biting at her leash and actually had bitten them to the point of breaking her leashes.
I was amazed at how the clicker training works, but it was great.
Thank you Johanna!
Portage Rescue
16:39 24 May 17
Johanna has been volunteering her time at the County Dog Warden for several months. I love her positive methods. She is very patient with the dogs even when they are acting hyper. Johanna explains everything to me and takes notes so I know what she has done with each dog. I strongly recommend her progressive and positive methods. She has helped me learn so much.
Jamie Flanders
19:34 17 May 17
Johanna was a mentor for me when I was first starting out as a dog trainer. I took my very first puppy class through her with my very first puppy. Johanna is unfailingly kind, not only to the dogs that she works with but the people as well, which is a great trait for a dog trainer to have. Many trainers can work with dogs but have very poor people skills but if you want to make a difference for the dog you have to be able to reach the person. Johanna helped shaped me into the trainer I am today and with her initial guidance my puppy turned into a great companion and muse.
Robyn Jones
01:26 13 May 17
Johanna Teresi with Four Legged Scholars is an incredible trainer. She constantly goes above and beyond the expectations of her clients. I watched her train her own dog in the kindest of ways. She thinks so easily from the perspective of the dog, and is always making sure that the dogs needs are being met as well as the owners needs (both emotional and the training goals). Her classes move smoothly as she is very knowledgeable about all things positive reinforcement. She uses the clicker training and it works magically. She really knows her stuff and uses those skills fantastically. She is the only trainer I'd let help me train my dog.
Ruth Weisman
20:22 12 May 17
I had the opportunity to observe Johanna's work for about two years. She is committed to ethical training through humane practices and tuning herself and her clients to their dog's behaviors and needs. In her own home she focused on addressing even the comfort level of her dog as her family grew, making sure that he felt safe with an over excited toddler as well as successful training to lessen his barking at the door. I highly recommend Johanna for both basic dog training and specific needs. She'll tailor the training to suit your pet and your family.
Angie Kieffer
16:05 11 May 17
I met Johanna about 8 years ago, and I was a full-time parent. I had four kids and four animals. One of my dogs needed training. I see my animals as equals, so I was looking for a positive way to connect with my dog that didn’t involve alpha rolls. One of my dogs, Karma, was very skittish.

I had Johanna come to my home. She taught me that my feelings of anxiety were being projected on my dog. I learned to shift and let go of my thoughts and emotions especially around fear and anxiety. I was then able to be more present and focused with Karma. She was able to release her anxiety. Karma has gained more confidence around people, places, dogs, grooming, and other animals such as horses and cows. Johanna taught me how to allow Karma to have her own experience and to not project my own life experiences and thoughts onto my dog.

Working with Johanna was a rewarding opportunity. I would recommend Johanna to anyone looking for a successful option to positive reinforcement training with their dog.
Susan Steinwand
17:28 10 May 17
I volunteered with Johanna for about one year, attending and assisting in her group courses. Having met numerous dog trainers using varying training techniques, I can say with confidence that Johanna truly cares about her clients, both human and canine, and will work together to ensure a happy, understanding relationship between pet and owner. She teaches with positive methods that help owners understand how to effectively and kindly communicate with their dog, which results in better training outcomes. One thing that makes her training unique is that she not only focuses on how to modify the dog's behavior, but also helps owners understand how their actions can affect the dog's behavior, and how changing them can help the dog to learn more quickly.

I have been using Johanna's training methods with my own dog, Aspen, and in the short time we have had her, she has already learned so much and we have clear, mutual understanding of each other. Whenever I have difficulty with training a behavior, or get frustrated, I think back to Johanna's words and am able to re-approach the situation and get better results.

I highly recommend Four Legged Scholars for anyone seeking help training their dog. Johanna creates an open, fun, and accepting environment where owners can learn how to have a loving relationship with their well-behaved dog.
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