Specialized Behavior Solutions for Complex Dogs
New client? Fill out the Behavior History Form and sign the Client Waiver and Release before your consultation.
About Sam
Hi, I’m Sam Short. As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and KPA CTP, I specialize in the behaviors that feel overwhelming.If you are dealing with severe aggression, reactivity, or complex anxiety, standard obedience training often isn't enough. I take a 'forensic' approach to behavior modification—looking deep into the why behind your dog's actions to separate environmental triggers from behavioral responses. I have extensive experience helping families navigate difficult transitions, especially with shelter rescues. My goal is to provide safe, science-based solutions to bring peace back to your home.
What I Help With
I focus exclusively on complex behavioral challenges that standard dog training is not equipped to resolve. My core areas of expertise include:* Aggression & Bite Histories: Dog-to-human, dog-to-dog, and resource guarding.* Severe Fear & Anxiety: Generalized panic, phobias, and separation/home-alone distress.* Reactivity: Lunging, barking, and big reactions on the leash or behind barriers.* Multi-Dog Household Conflict: Managing and resolving tension or fights between dogs living under the same roof.* Shelter-to-Home Transitions: Decompression and behavioral troubleshooting for newly adopted rescue dogs.
Services & Pricing
Behavior Board and Train
For fear, reactivity, and anxiety cases. Your dog lives in my home in Pataskala and trains daily with a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC), using force free methods. $1,200 per week, 2 week minimum for behavior cases. Includes daily updates and videos, a go-home handoff session, a written training plan, and one follow up session per week of stay. 50% deposit reserves your dates. Holiday weeks billed at a 20% holiday rate. Stays start with a free 15 minute fit call.
Foundation Board and Train
For core skills, manners, and confidence building. Your dog lives in my home in Pataskala and trains daily using force free methods. $950 per week, 1 week minimum. Includes daily updates and videos, a go-home handoff session, a written training plan, and one follow up session per week of stay. 50% deposit reserves your dates. Holiday weeks billed at a 20% holiday rate. Stays start with a free 15 minute fit call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you work with dogs that have bitten someone?
Yes. Aggression cases, including dogs with a bite history, are my specialty. We start with a 90-minute behavior consultation where I get the full picture, then build a plan around safety and behavior change. Everything is force-free.
Q: Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. The initial behavior consultation and follow-up sessions are available remotely by video call. I work with clients all over Ohio and beyond.
Q: What is your training philosophy?
Everything I do is force-free. No pain, fear, or intimidation. I focus on the root cause of the behavior, not just suppressing symptoms.
Q: What areas do you serve?
I am based in Pataskala, Ohio and serve the greater Columbus area including New Albany, Gahanna, Westerville, Pickerington, and Granville. Remote consultations are available anywhere.
Q: How do I get started?
Book an initial behavior consultation through the booking button on this page. New clients also fill out a behavior history form and sign a waiver before the first session so I have the full picture.
New client? Fill out the Behavior History Form and sign the Client Waiver and Release before your consultation.