Peaceable Paws

Business Details

30 Years

experience

Your Trusted Dog Training Experts in Fairplay, MD

At Peaceable Paws, we have dedicated over four decades to transforming the lives of dogs and their owners through science-based, positive reinforcement training. Founded by renowned dog behavior consultant Pat Miller, our approach prioritizes respect, compassion, and trust, ensuring both humans and animals thrive together. Our expertise spans advanced training, behavior modification, and educational workshops, addressing challenges from basic obedience to complex aggression. We uphold the highest ethical standards, adhering to a strict code of conduct that eliminates fear, pain, and intimidation.

With a legacy of authorship, seminars, and hands-on training, we empower pet owners globally through accessible resources like *The Power of Positive Dog Training*. Our 80-acre campus in Maryland provides a serene environment for immersive learning, while our network of certified trainers extends our impact nationwide. Committed to continuous innovation, we offer intern academies to cultivate the next generation of humane trainers. Trust Peaceable Paws to deliver expertise rooted in experience, transparency, and unwavering dedication to animal welfare.

Services

Dog Training Behavior Modification Workshops Private Consultations Intern Academies Canine Cognition Programs Aggression Management Obedience Classes Seminar Services Expert Witness Services

Details

Year established: 1996

Highlights and features

We offer 40+ years of experience in science-based dog training and behavior modification.
Our founder pioneered positive reinforcement methods adopted by trainers worldwide.
We provide immersive training at a dedicated 80-acre facility in Maryland.
Our team includes certified professionals with specialties in aggression and cognition.
We combine hands-on training with educational resources trusted by pet owners and professionals.

What people say

Excellent results Great trainer Positive reinforcement Life-changing Knowledgeable staff

Website

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Services

Dog Training

Peaceable Paws offers comprehensive dog training programs focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. These sessions address basic obedience, advanced commands, and behavior shaping for dogs of all ages. The training emphasizes clear communication, trust-building, and reward-based learning to create well-mannered, confident pets while strengthening the owner-dog relationship.

Behavior Modification

Specialized behavior modification services target issues like fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs. Using science-based protocols, trainers develop customized plans to address triggers, improve impulse control, and foster calm responses. This service combines environmental management, desensitization techniques, and owner education to achieve lasting behavioral improvements for challenging cases.

Intern Academies

Peaceable Paws Intern Academies provide immersive education for aspiring trainers in behavior modification, aggression management, and canine cognition. Participants gain hands-on experience through mentorship, practical exercises, and classroom instruction. The curriculum emphasizes ethical training standards, advanced problem-solving skills, and the latest research in animal behavior to cultivate professional expertise.

Private Consultations

One-on-one consultations address specific behavioral challenges through personalized assessment and tailored solutions. Certified trainers evaluate the dog's history, environment, and triggers to create targeted intervention plans. These sessions include owner coaching on implementation techniques, progress tracking, and adjustments to ensure effective, long-term behavior change for complex cases.

Workshops

Educational workshops cover topics like canine body language, impulse control, and cooperative care. Designed for pet owners and professionals, these interactive sessions combine theory with practical demonstrations. Participants learn to interpret dog behavior, implement training games, and apply positive reinforcement techniques in real-world scenarios to enhance their training effectiveness.

People

Pat Miller

Founder & Lead Trainer

With 40+ years of experience, Pat Miller is a certified dog behavior consultant and author who pioneered positive reinforcement training methods. She established Peaceable Paws in 1996 and has written multiple award-winning books on humane dog training practices.

Dianna Kelly

Certified Trainer

Dianna Kelly combines her CPDT-KA certification with practical expertise in positive training methods, contributing to Peaceable Paws' mission of ethical dog behavior education through hands-on instruction and mentorship.

Shirley Greenlief

Certified Trainer

Shirley Greenlief applies her PMCT1 certification to deliver effective, compassionate training solutions, supporting Peaceable Paws' commitment to science-based methods that strengthen human-canine relationships through positive reinforcement techniques.

Questions

What training methods does Peaceable Paws use?

We exclusively use science-based positive reinforcement techniques that eliminate fear, pain, and intimidation while building trust and clear communication between dogs and owners.

Do you offer services for aggressive dogs?

Yes, our behavior modification programs specialize in addressing aggression through customized plans combining desensitization, environmental management, and owner education.

Are your trainers certified professionals?

Our team includes certified professionals with credentials like CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA, ensuring expertise in the latest humane training and behavior science.

Can I attend workshops without my dog?

Yes, our educational workshops are designed for both pet owners and professionals to learn about canine behavior and training techniques without requiring dog participation.

Do you provide remote training options?

While we focus on in-person services at our Maryland campus, we offer educational resources and referrals through our network of certified affiliates nationwide.

What sets Peaceable Paws apart from other trainers?

Our combination of 40+ years of pioneering experience, ethical training standards, and comprehensive programs from basic obedience to advanced internships creates unmatched expertise in humane dog training.

Reviews (6)

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Morgan Tracey

Mar 11, 2022 Report

I could not say enough good things about Peaceable Paws! When we first started our Basic Manner class our dogs (bonded pair of Great Pyrenees) did not know any basic commands and it was hard to get them to listen. By week 4 we saw night and day difference from when we started on their obedience and listening skills. Diana sent us so much extra information on questions we had and really worked with us and our dogs at the level we needed.

I'd recommend them to every dog owner - we could not have had a better experience! The last class they even hung up a graduation banner and brought props to take pictures with, they're just so kind and genuine people!

David Barnhart

Nov 10, 2021 Report

Visited with owners to learn more about their operation. What a truly peaceful setting.meant for people who love horses and want their horses treated well.

Allison Wadding

Jan 01, 2020 Report

We took good manner 1 and 2 with Jill. She was amazing! My pup and I both learned a lot. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a good training program.

Deborah LaGarde

Apr 23, 2019 Report

The Gold Standard of dog training. We paid for 2 hours and got 2 1/2. Tons of help with our dog learning new skills and dealing with specific problems. Pat have us a huge amount of material to take home and use with our dog, plus has followed up with us several times since then. Could not recommend this service more highly!

Donna Pearman

Dec 16, 2017 Report

Awesome training available here. Well worth the trip. I've been here several times and will come back again soon.

Renee Marie Johnson

Feb 04, 2016 Report

Wonderful experience at Shaping Workshop! Pat Miller lives and breathes her philosophy of treating all animals with dignity and respect. As a newbie I was nervous but need not have been because her philosophy extends to human animals as well.