Paw In Hand, LLC is devoted to keeping good pets in good homes through the training of cats and dogs and the education of owners. Mel specializes in working with family pets and with fearful or reactive dogs.

Contact Mel any time at mel@pawhand.com or 563-663-7554 for help with your pet!

Paw In Hand, LLC is a pet training company based in Dubuque, IA and serving the surrounding Tri-State area. Mel helps you train your cat or dog by enhancing communication between owner and pet. By building a better understanding, we can strengthen the relationship and fix the problem behaviors simultaneously.

While training with Mel, you will benefit from clear, patient instruction, unlimited support by email or phone, and flexible scheduling. Mel will do everything in her power to help you fit training seamlessly into your life.

Mel uses “marker training”, telling the animal when they get it right and when they get it wrong. The positive marker is often paired with access to something the animal wants, which then increases motivation. Throughout training, we’ll keep an eye on building the relationship and increasing self control while decreasing stress by giving clear direction.

In short, Mel will teach your pet the same way she will teach you- by telling you when you have it right, and helping you correct it when you get it wrong. With clear communication, owners and pets improve quickly and steadily while having fun!

By enhancing communication and focusing on respect (both dog to owner and owner to dog), we build a stronger relationship and greater trust, which then allows for better communication and increased respect, all in a positive cycle.

Ready to get started?

Check out our new Structured Walking Options for dogs!

Also browse our Behavior Education Center for video and resource help for Conditioned Relaxation, Basic Obedience, Puppies, Dog Body Language, and more!

Don’t forget to check out Mel’s training manuals, both available as ebooks or paperbacks.