Customized Training and Care for Happy, Healthy Dogs

Positive reinforcement training and personalized pet care services, thoughtfully crafted by a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, focused on strengthening the bond between you and your dog and paving the way for a harmonious life and lasting success.

About
our company

At Paws & Progress, we believe in fostering positive, lasting relationships between dogs and their owners through an ethical, evidence-based approach. Our training focuses on building trust, improving communication, and enhancing understanding between you and your dog.

We prioritize your dog’s well-being by using food-based positive reinforcement to create strong positive associations, complemented later by toys and praise. This approach creates a motivating and enjoyable learning environment that encourages your dog to thrive. By giving your dog choices and control during training, we foster autonomy and confidence, leading to lasting behavioral changes.

Above all, we care deeply about your dog’s emotional and physical health, ensuring that their well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is not just to train your dog, but to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, creating a harmonious and fulfilling life together.

Our Services

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Training

$110 per session | Discounted Packages Available

Our private, in-home training focuses on modifying behavior through evidence-based strategies, all centered around positive reinforcement principles. Whether you're tackling potty training, reactivity, loose-leash walking, or teaching new tricks, this service is ideal for owners committed to raising well-mannered and sociable pets. We work closely with you and your dog to develop a customized training plan that suits your lifestyle and goals.

Sessions range from 45 minutes to an hour.

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Drop-in & Train Visits

$100 per session | Transfer Sessions $95 Discounted Packages Available

Our Drop-In & Train Visits are an ideal solution for busy pet owners who want to improve their dog’s behavior without carving out extra time from their daily schedule. During these in-home visits (45 minutes to an hour long), we’ll focus on your training goals—whether it’s reducing reactivity, improving loose-leash walking, promoting calmness, or boosting focus—while you manage other tasks. This service includes weekly training sessions with you at a discounted rate to ensure consistency and reinforce the skills your dog is learning, which is essential for maintaining lasting behaviors.

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Drop-in Visits

Half Hour $30 | Hour $50

Drop-in visits are available to check on your pet in the comfort of their home. These visits include walks, mental enrichment, and personalized care, ensuring your dog stays active, engaged, and happy while you're away. All care is provided by a professional dog trainer, ensuring the highest quality service.

Add ons: Half Hour Training +$45 (1-1.5 hours total) Hour Training +$95 (1.5-2 hours total)

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Boarding

$100 per night | Discounted Packages Available

Give your dog a home-away-from-home experience with personalized boarding in a comfortable and secure environment. Your dog will receive one-on-one attention, customized enrichment, and plenty of playtime, ensuring they feel relaxed and cared for throughout their stay. With a focus on safety, comfort, and individualized care, your dog will enjoy a boarding experience in a familiar, loving setting.

Additional Service(s)

  • We provide full-service dog chaperoning for weddings, proposals, photoshoots, and private events. From pickup to potty breaks, tuxedos to treat breaks—we handle everything so your pup can shine and your day can stay stress-free.

    Our service includes:

    • Transportation to and from the event

    • On-site handling and supervision

    • Walks, water, snacks, and snuggles

    • Coordination with your photographer for perfect pup portraits

    • Optional outfit changes or floral accessories

    • Overnight care (if needed)

    Let your dog be part of the magic—We’re here to make tails wag, cameras click, and memories last.

    Contact us for custom pricing

Client Testimonials

  • Mochi

    “Seana has been nothing but wonderful to Mochi. She cares for her as her own constantly sending us updates and ensuring Mochi is well taken care of. We have a crazy schedule which entails reaching out to her at very last minute times, and she always finds a way to accommodate us and keep Mochi happy. We’ve been fortunate to use Seana’s services for over 3 years now and hope to continue doing so. As a little perk- her dog Gemma is wonderful & happens to be Mochi’s best friend!” - Jana Elkateeb

  • Darwin & Flo

    “Seana’s services are absolutely amazing. She is incredibly knowledgable and loves our dogs like her own. From our first dog interview with her, I knew our pup would be in good hands. She was very aware of dog behaviors and demonstrated her ability to monitor the situation between our dog and hers, which made me very comfortable leaving our dog at her home. When we drop off our pup, Seana sends several updates throughout the day including many photos. With these messages, I can see our dog is very happy in her home, lounging in her space and sharing toys with her dog. Seana is always quick to respond to messages, and will offer her own advice/counseling if we have behavior questions. She gladly accepted our second dog when we adopted another, and it’s such a joy to have her taking care of them. Seana has also offered to take our pup to our local vet, a 40 min drive away from her home. She even babysat our dog during our wedding, and brought her to the ceremony, which was a very precious memory. I recommend Seana to everyone who is need of a dog daycare/boarding services, 10/10 stars!” - Lilly Rego

  • Oscar

    “Seana is amazingly well-versed and educated in the nature of understanding and caring for animals. She is professional and reliable, and most importantly she LOVES all of the animals whom are entrusted with her care. She is the only person my wife and I trust with our dog Oscar (who is our child and entire universe), and seeing how he actively engages with her and adores her company makes it so much easier when we have to leave him home. We also know that we could trust Seana with Oscar’s health and safety, and feel safe knowing that he is in good care should anything happen. Oscar’s happiness in her company is exceedingly evident in the pictures she sends us when they are spending time together, and that proves that she is the right choice!” - Corey Gipperich

  • Lola

    “Seana has provided care for my dog Lola since she was a puppy. She is a caring and loving dog trainer. Fully certified and has great recommendations. We have always been pleased with her service and has always gone above and beyond for our dog child. She always takes the best pictures too. Thank you.” - Gustavo Martinez

  • Benny

    “Seana is the best! She has been taking care of our doodle, Benny, since he was 6 months old. We feel so at ease when we leave him with her. He is always taken care of and comes home happy and sleepy She communicates well, always sends picture updates, and has given us great advice/tips for reactive dogs. She really knows pets and how to care best for our animals. Couldn’t ask for a better person to care for our pup!” - Mercedes McGaughey

FAQ

  • Seana is a Certified Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPA-CTP), having completed an intensive, evidence-based training program focused on positive reinforcement techniques. She is also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor, specializing in early puppy development and socialization. Additionally, Seana is a Do More With Your Dog Trick Dog Instructor, certified to guide dogs through fun and rewarding trick training, and a Do More With Your Dog Canine Conditioning Coach, which focuses on enhancing strength, coordination, and overall fitness. These certifications ensure that Seana is up-to-date on the latest science-backed training methods and deeply committed to providing the highest quality service for your dog.

    Furthermore, Seana strives to follow Fear Free’s guidelines on handling to minimize stress and focus on the emotional well-being of the dogs in her care. These qualifications reflect her dedication to using the most effective, humane, and compassionate methods to help dogs thrive.

  • We only use reinforcement-based training methods, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors to encourage them in the future. Our approach is grounded in an evidence-based framework, meaning we rely on scientifically-supported techniques to ensure the best outcomes for your dog. We are committed to ethical training practices, ensuring that all methods are humane, effective, and designed to build a positive relationship between you and your dog.

    We do not use any aversive techniques or tools, such as shock collars, prong collars, or martingales, as we believe these can harm the trust between you and your dog and hinder the learning process.

  • Positive reinforcement is an effective, humane, and scientifically-backed method that encourages desired behaviors by rewarding them. This approach helps build a strong, trusting bond between you and your dog, as it focuses on rewarding what your dog does right rather than punishing mistakes. Positive reinforcement creates a positive learning environment, making training fun and engaging for your dog, which improves retention and long-term behavior. It also reduces the risk of fear, anxiety, and confusion that can arise from punitive methods. By focusing on rewards, positive reinforcement helps your dog feel confident, motivated, and excited to learn, making the training process more enjoyable and effective for both of you.

  • The number of sessions needed will depend on your dog’s behavior, age, and your specific training goals. Every dog learns at their own pace, and some may show progress in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term training.

  • Training sessions usually last between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your dog’s needs and your goals. For example, puppy sessions may be shorter to account for their limited attention spans and developing brains. Sessions with anxious or fearful dogs may also be kept shorter to ensure we end on a positive note and prevent overloading them. Overtraining can turn a fun and engaging experience into something tiring and stressful.

  • While we do not offer a specific guarantee, we are committed to working with you and your dog to foster progress and help you achieve success. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and ongoing support necessary for lasting results.

  • At this time, we only offer private lessons. Private sessions allow us to focus on your dog’s unique behaviors and goals. While group classes may be considered in the future, our current focus is on providing individualized training.

  • In the beginning, treats are essential for building a solid foundation of behaviors and creating strong positive associations. As your dog progresses, we work on gradually reducing reliance on treats. However, to maintain behaviors and keep your dog engaged, treats can still be a helpful tool, especially in new or challenging situations. The goal is to ensure that your dog learns to respond reliably, even without constant reinforcement.

  • You can easily book services by calling or texting us directly at (616) 558-9763 or by filling out the contact form below. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, particularly during peak seasons such as holidays.

    Please note that we operate via a voicemail system. Leave a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

    Please include the following in your message:

    • Your name and contact details (phone/email)

    • Your location or city of residence

    • Your dog’s breed, age, and any relevant health or behavioral information

    • The services you are interested in (training, boarding, daycare, etc.)

    • Any specific goals or concerns you would like to address

    • Preferred dates or times for service (if applicable)

    • Any additional questions or details you think we should know

    We look forward to connecting with you and helping your dog thrive!

  • Paws & Progress is located in Farmington Hills, MI, near the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road.

    We provide training and pet care services in the following areas:

    • Farmington Hills

    • Farmington

    • Novi

    • Livonia

    • Southfield

    • Many of the other surrounding regions

    If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to confirm!

  • Training and Drop-in Visits
    Cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice. The late cancellation policy is as follows:

    • Within 24 hours: 50% of the scheduled service cost.

    • 24-48 hours: 25% of the scheduled service cost.

    The late cancellation policy applies even in the case of weather-related issues.

    Boarding
    Due to limited availability (2 dogs max at a time), a 50% deposit is required to reserve boarding. The cancellation policy is as follows:

    • Within 7 days: Deposit is non-refundable.

    • 7-14 days: 25% of the total booking cost will be charged; remainder of deposit is refundable.

    • Early termination of the contracted time will still incur full charges for the booking.

  • Yes, we work with dogs experiencing reactivity, anxiety, and/or fear. Using a tailored, positive reinforcement approach, we help dogs build confidence, reduce stress, and improve behavior in various situations. Each dog’s unique needs are carefully considered to ensure effective, compassionate, and lasting results

  • Yes, we can help address aggressive behaviors using positive, reinforcement-based methods. However, for more severe cases of aggression, we may refer you to a behavior specialist who has more experience handling these types of challenges. Our goal is always to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being, as well as that of others.

  • For training sessions and drop-in visits, I require that all dogs be up-to-date on their core vaccinations, including:

    • DPP with Adenovirus (Distemper, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza) – 1 or 3-year vaccine required

    • Rabies – 1 or 3-year vaccine required

    Puppy Exception: Puppies must be on track with their age-appropriate vaccinations for training, including core vaccines (DPP and Rabies). If they are still in the process of completing their vaccination schedule, they can still participate, provided they are up-to-date for their age.

    For boarding, the following are required:

    • Bordetella – Required every 6 months (or as required by local law), and at least 48 hours before check-in to ensure maximum protection against Kennel Cough. Please note, this vaccine is often given by request from your veterinarian.

    • Canine Influenza – Required annually

    • Leptospirosis – Required annually

    • Flea & Tick Prevention – All pets should be flea and tick-free and currently on heartworm and flea/tick medication. Boarding and daycare guests with signs of fleas and/or ticks will be turned away.

    • Negative Fecal Test – All pets require a negative fecal test performed within the last year.

    Lyme Vaccine: While not required for training or boarding, it is recommended due to the presence of Lyme disease in Oakland County.

    Ensuring your dog is properly vaccinated, parasite-free, and protected from fleas/ticks helps maintain a safe and healthy environment for all dogs involved in training and boarding.

  • To ensure each dog receives the attention and care they deserve, we typically have 1-2 boarding slots at a time. All dogs are temperament tested, and compatibility between dogs is carefully considered to ensure a safe, comfortable environment. This small ratio allows for individualized care and ensures that each dog’s specific needs are met.

    In addition to client dogs, I also have my own dog, Gemma, a 35lb, 5-year-old poodle.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our services, want to schedule an appointment, or simply need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact us in the following ways:

  • Phone: (616) 558-9763; calls or texts

    (Please note that we operate via a voicemail system. Leave a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.)

  • Email: info@pawsandprogresstraining.com

Alternatively, feel free to use the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Please include the following in your message:

  • Your name and contact details (phone/email)

  • Your location or city of residence

  • Your dog’s breed, age, and any relevant health or behavioral information

  • The services you are interested in (training, boarding, daycare, etc.)

  • Any specific goals or concerns you would like to address

  • Preferred dates or times for service (if applicable)

  • Any additional questions or details you think we should know

We look forward to connecting with you and helping your dog thrive!