Positive Training. Real Progress.
Positive reinforcement training and personalized pet care by a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, helping you build a stronger relationship with your dog and create a happier, more successful life together.
About
our company
At Paws & Progress, we use science-based, positive reinforcement training to help dogs and their people build lasting relationships. Our training is tailored to each dog's individual needs, focusing on trust, communication, and practical skills that improve everyday life. By creating a fun, supportive learning environment where dogs feel safe and successful, we help families achieve lasting results without fear or intimidation.
Our Services
Training
$110 per session | Discounted Packages Available
Every dog is different, which is why our private, in-home training is tailored to your dog's individual needs. Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, working through behavior challenges, or simply looking to build better manners, we'll create a customized training plan using science-based, positive reinforcement methods.
You'll receive one-on-one coaching, practical exercises, and clear guidance to help you build lasting skills and a stronger relationship with your dog.
Sessions are 45-60 min long
Drop-in & Train Visits
$100 per session | Transfer Sessions $95 Discounted Packages Available
Drop-In & Train Visits are perfect for busy owners who want professional training without having to be present for every session. During these 45–60 minute in-home visits, we'll work one-on-one with your dog on your training goals, whether that's loose-leash walking, reactivity, calm behavior, focus, manners, or other everyday skills.
To ensure lasting success, Drop-In & Train Visits are paired with weekly private sessions at a discounted rate. These coaching sessions help you learn how to maintain your dog's progress and confidently apply their new skills at home.
Drop-in Visits
Half Hour $30 | Hour $50
Keep your pet comfortable at home while you're away. Our drop-in visits include potty breaks, walks, playtime, mental enrichment, and personalized care tailored to your dog's routine. Every visit is provided by a professional dog trainer, so your dog receives thoughtful care while good manners and positive behaviors are reinforced along the way.
Add ons: Half Hour Training +$45 (1-1.5 hours total) Hour Training +$95 (1.5-2 hours total)
Boarding
$100 per night | Discounted Packages Available
Give your dog a home-away-from-home experience with personalized, in-home boarding in a safe and comfortable environment. Every stay is tailored to your dog's individual needs, with plenty of one-on-one attention, enrichment, exercise, and downtime. As a professional dog trainer, I prioritize your dog's comfort, safety, and emotional well-being, so you can travel knowing they're receiving thoughtful, experienced care.
Additional Service(s)
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Include your dog in life's biggest moments without worrying about the logistics. Whether it's your wedding, proposal, engagement photos, or another special event, I'll make sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and ready for their big moment while you enjoy yours.
Dog Chaperone Services can include:
Transportation to and from your event
Professional handling and supervision throughout the event
Potty breaks, walks, water, treats, and enrichment
Coordination with your photographer for photos and special moments
Outfit changes or assistance with floral collars and accessories
Boarding or overnight care before or after your event, if needed
From walking down the aisle to posing for photos, I'll take care of your dog every step of the way so you can focus on celebrating.
Contact me for a customized quote.
Client Testimonials
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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I hold several professional certifications that reflect my commitment to science-based, positive reinforcement training and continuing education:
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) – Completed an intensive program in positive reinforcement training, behavior, and effective coaching for both dogs and their owners.
Karen Pryor Academy Puppy Start Right Instructor – Certified to teach puppy socialization, development, and foundational life skills.
Do More With Your Dog Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) – Certified to evaluate and teach trick training at all levels.
Do More With Your Dog Canine Conditioning Coach (CCFC) – Trained in exercises that improve strength, balance, body awareness, and overall fitness.
In addition to these certifications, I follow Fear Free handling principles whenever possible to reduce stress and prioritize each dog's emotional well-being. I regularly continue my education to stay current on the latest evidence-based training methods, ensuring I provide effective, ethical, and compassionate care.
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I use reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods that are backed by current behavioral science. Rather than punishing unwanted behaviors, we focus on teaching your dog what to do by rewarding behaviors we want to see more often. This creates a positive learning environment, strengthens your relationship with your dog, and leads to reliable, lasting results.
I do not use aversive tools or training methods, including shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, or slip leads used for corrections. My priority is helping your dog learn through clear communication, trust, and positive experiences while always considering their emotional and physical well-being.
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Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach new behaviors while building trust and confidence. Instead of focusing on mistakes, we reward the behaviors we want to see more often, making learning clear, enjoyable, and motivating for your dog.
Research has consistently shown that reward-based training is highly effective while reducing the fear, stress, and anxiety that can be associated with punishment-based methods. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, understand what's expected of them, and are excited to participate.
My goal isn't just to teach commands—it's to help you build a strong, lasting relationship with your dog based on trust, communication, and mutual understanding.
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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.
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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.
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Because every dog, family, and situation is unique, I can't guarantee specific training outcomes. Lasting behavior change depends on factors like consistency, practice, and your dog's individual learning style.
What I can guarantee is my commitment to providing personalized guidance, evidence-based training, and ongoing support. I'll work closely with you to create a training plan that fits your goals and gives you the knowledge and skills to help your dog succeed.
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At this time, I only offer private lessons. Private sessions allow me to focus on your dog’s unique behaviors and goals. While group classes may be considered in the future, my current focus is on providing individualized training.
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Treats are an important part of the learning process, especially when teaching new skills. They help create positive associations and clearly communicate to your dog when they've made the right choice.
As your dog becomes more reliable, we gradually transition to a variety of rewards, including praise, toys, play, access to the environment, and other things your dog enjoys. Just like people, dogs appreciate being rewarded for a job well done, so treats may still be used from time to time—especially when learning something new or practicing in more challenging environments.
Our goal is to build behaviors that are reliable in everyday life, not to have your dog dependent on treats forever.
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Booking is easy! You can call or text me at (616) 558-9763 or fill out the contact form below. I recommend booking in advance, especially during holidays and other busy times.
If I don't answer, please leave a voicemail. I'm often working with clients or caring for dogs and will return your call as soon as I can.
To help me get started, please include:
Your name and preferred contact information (phone number and/or email)
Your city or location
Your dog's age, breed, and any relevant medical or behavioral history
The service(s) you're interested in
Your training goals or concerns
Preferred dates or availability (if applicable)
Anything else you'd like me to know
I look forward to meeting you and helping you and your dog reach your goals!
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Paws & Progress is located in Farmington Hills, MI, near the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road.
I 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 I cover your area, please contact me, and I’ll be happy to confirm!
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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.
At the time of service: 100% 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 14 days: Deposit is non-refundable.
Early termination of the contracted time will still incur full charges for the booking.
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Yes! I work with dogs experiencing reactivity, fear, anxiety, and other behavior challenges. Every dog is different, so I create a personalized training plan based on your dog's individual needs, triggers, and comfort level.
Using positive reinforcement and evidence-based training methods, my goal is to help your dog build confidence, feel safer in their environment, and develop the skills they need to navigate the world more comfortably. Progress takes time and patience, but with consistency and the right approach, meaningful, lasting change is possible.
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Yes! I work with some forms of aggression. Every case is different, so I'll first assess your dog's behavior to determine whether it's within my scope of practice.
If your dog is experiencing more severe or complex aggression, I'll refer you to a qualified behavior specialist who has the expertise to provide the level of support your dog needs. My priority is always the safety and well-being of your dog, your family, and everyone involved.
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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.
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To ensure every dog receives plenty of individual attention, I only accept 1–2 boarding dogs at a time. Before booking, I carefully evaluate each dog's temperament and compatibility to help create a safe, low-stress environment for everyone.
My goal is to provide a true home-away-from-home experience, where each dog receives personalized care, enrichment, exercise, and plenty of one-on-one attention.
In addition to client dogs, I also have my own dog, Gemma, a friendly 5-year-old Standard Poodle.
Contact Us
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about my services, want to schedule an appointment, or simply need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact me in the following ways:
Phone: (616) 558-9763; calls or texts
(Please note that I operate via a voicemail system. Leave a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.)
Email: info@pawsandprogresstraining.com
Alternatively, feel free to use the contact form and I’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
I look forward to connecting with you and helping your dog thrive!