The dynamic duo at The Dog Wizard can teach any dog new behavioral tricks
By Patricia Nugent
Cutting-edge dog training has come to Medina. This month, Aurelia & Steve Martin, who own The Dog Wizard Medina training service, are opening a new Training Center on N. State Road, five minutes from downtown.
“With the record high number of canine adoptions last year due to the pandemic there is a greater need for dogs to be trained and create a harmonious family relationship” says Aurelia. “It’s always been our dream to find the right facility for us to train dogs as a complement to our mobile training and boarding. When we saw this location in Medina, we knew we could turn it into the perfect place for our needs.”
The training team will be able to hold private lessons, group lessons, day training and board and train sessions at the new facility. When springtime arrives, they plan to hold outdoor sessions on the premises, too.
How Dog Wizard Differs
The Dog Wizard training taps into the power of positive reinforcement—never punishment—to give dogs the guidance to make better choices and listen to you instead of their impulses.
“Our passion is to help people enjoy a long, happy and healthy relationship with their dogs,” says Aurelia.
In addition to programs at the center, mobile day training will continue to be a big part of their service. It’s the perfect fit for busy dog owners. A trainer shows up to your home in a whimsically decorated van to pick up your pooch for the day, training them intensely and making sure they have breaks. Then they return your pet to your home in the evening.
For a higher level of intensity, and perfect for people going on vacation over Spring Break, they can also board and train your pet at the same time.
Steve and Aurelia are magicians when it comes to troubleshooting specific bad behaviors.
“One of the most common issues people encounter is their dog jumping on people,” she says. “One trick we recommend to stop that is to keep a leash on the dog while they are around the house, and when they jump, just lightly step on the leash.”
Whatever level of training, they emphasize that the process is a partnership between the trainers, owners and dogs.
“We give owners things to work on at home that reinforce everything we do,” says Steve. “Dog training is a lot like playing the piano. You cannot do it well if you don’t practice, practice, practice.”
A Well-Behaved Pooch
There are many five-star reviews online sharing success stories of challenging canine cases that were solved by Aurelia and Steve, along with the owners.
“We needed help with structure/training for our rescue Quincy and they got it done. Quincy was very unpredictable, but now we understand his thought process and what he needs to feel safe and secure. The follow-up support was very good and we board Quincy there when we go out of town,” says Beth Wiblin.
Following any The Dog Wizard training package, Steve and Aurelia offer free bi-weekly drills for the lifetime of your trained dog.
The Dog Wizard Training Center is located at 226 N. State Road, in Medina. Canine supplements are available for purchase at the center or online. For mobile service, trainers go to homes all over Northeast Ohio. Check out their Facebook page for announcements of upcoming workshops, such as canine massotherapy. For more information, call 330-461-9287 or visit TheDogWizard.com.