Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
Paws 'n Effect Paws 'N Effect specializes in POSITIVE training of all dogs of all ages! Our state-of-the-art training facilities are conveniently located in Hamden, Connecticut at 36 Corporate Ridge Road, just off Sherman Avenue.
Follow us
Services
If you have any questions or wish to register for a class, please call or e-mail. If you get the answering machine, please leave a message with your name and phone number and a good time to return your call.
The Store at Paws 'N Effect features quality foods, specialty gifts, toys, treats, and training items, all carefully selected for safety and positive training. Come browse the kinds of treats our instructors give their dogs, the foods we feed our beloved partners, and the positive training equipment we use, along with unique, handcrafted gift items.
Experience award-winning, personalized pet styling by a nationally ranked groomer in a quiet and clean spa setting. Little Shop can be found in the same corporate park as Paws 'N Effect and offers top-notch grooming with a strong focus on your dog's comfort and happiness.
Have some online fun training with your dog! We hope you are safe and healthy. We are as anxious as you are to be together again, but in the interim, we hope you take advantage of some of these in-home training opportunities. This six-week online class will give your dog the skills they will need to start their agility career, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home!
Reviews (21)
Write a Review
Holly Basile
Feb 10, 2022
I did one of their programs and ended up only going 3 out of the 6 weeks because it seemed very unproductive. I have a very well trained dog and was hoping to touch up on some things. There was SO much down time during the training where you just sit there with your dog while you wait for your turn to do the actual exercise. There was no interaction with the other dogs- like we were blocked off from even seeing them.

I was really hoping to work on helping my dog with distractions, especially walking past other dogs and such, but this class did not help with that one bit. I stopped going because the trainer was not good. (I did the CCC program here.)
Angela Lek
Nov 14, 2021
I feel very fortunate to live close to Paws N Effect as it has become like my second home. I have taken 3 obedience classes and now attend a weekly agility class - all are top notch! Could not recommend this place more!
Caitlin Huynh
Oct 13, 2021
My agility dog has been training under Shari King for about a year now and his progress has been outstanding. We were making very slow progress with a previous trainer and since starting with Shari we've received multiple ribbons. She is very experienced and always ensures the dogs are comfortable and having fun. Paws holds multiple trials a year on site which makes it very convenient for us to participate.
D.
Sep 12, 2021
I have been coming to Paws n Effect for many years with my dogs for the special events (Agility trials) they host on weekends throughout each calendar year. Each one has been well run by club members and volunteers who are knowledgeable and helpful, fun to be a part of, and organized. The building is always clean and parking is decent. I would take training classes here too if I lived closer which is the only reason I can't give it 5 stars. I do recommend those classes to others.
J. Murloc Confidential L.
Dec 24, 2020
Actually went to the dog grooming shop, Little House of Howler's. Nice people. Edit: Also my dog is a graduate from Paw's and Effect they too are nice folks and good dog trainers.
Michele Houston
Nov 25, 2020
Very well stocked with only the best products for your dog! The store is very clean and always beautifully organized. It's a pleasure to support a small business like this!
Michael Florenzano
Jan 13, 2020
My wife and I brought our dog for training he doesn't have any experience being around other dogs or people outside his immediate circle So because of this we have been outside the training circle with the hopes that he come down. Well we have been on the sidelines by ourselves and feeling like outcasts. The trainer is focused on the other dogs and doesn't seen to be worried about including us.

Very dissatisfied. If our dog needs another approach then say so, dont leave us by ourselves like that. We payed just like everyone else. Disrespectful I feel. Bad experience
Dana Runkle
May 25, 2019
I've been going to Paws for years. They are welcoming and have helped with, my dogs and the rescues I foster. Great classes for everything from the first time dog owner yo the serious competitor in canine sports.
Victoria H.
Jan 16, 2019
I walked into a puppy kindergarten class and I was stared at by the instructors. I was told that since I have a Great Pyrenees mix that they didn't think she would be able to do the class based on her breed, and that she would never be social enough to attend a daycare or play date. Well I pulled her out after 2 classes, and had her trained and currently attending doggie daycare at Who's your a Doggie in Milford. never would I recommend paws n effect to anyone if they are a first time dog owner.
Jess L.
Mar 07, 2018
I cannot speak more highly of Paws 'N Effect. This crew is a talented, knowledgable bunch. We should have known from the beginning - as my husband and I were poised to adopt our first dog from a rescue, we emailed many trainers in the area asking for any pointers on what to do when we first met our dog. Kathy was the only person to respond to us, even calling my husband and answering his questions and giving some advice even before we signed up for classes.

When we were ready to bring our dog to group training, unfortunately he did not react well to their facility. It's just one of those things you can't predict and is likely a reflection of something with his past. Fran and Stephanie were understanding and were able to make some modifications for small improvements, but they were also able to facilitate a transition from group to solo classes.

Being able to work with Fran in our home has made a world of difference for our pup. She is a great support and has given us lots of tips and resources to continue this journey.
Amanda B.
Feb 25, 2018
We loved our experience at Paws n Effect. Wish we lived closer so we could attend more classes here! We did a Canine Good Citizen class with Sandy and were impressed by the organization, communication, and running of the class. The facility is large, clean, and spacious, across two buildings. The store on site was a nice perk, if you were interested in purchasing food/treats/toys/accessories.

All the staff and volunteers were interacted with were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Most of all, our dog had a lot of fun and learned a lot! Would highly recommend!
Tamanna R.
Jan 15, 2018
We are very pleased with Puppy Kindergarten at Paws'n Effect! We did another puppy class already at another place and our puppy learned NOTHING, so we started another class here and it's been awesome. The class sizes are small, all the training is on leash with puppies far apart so they can work on their own tasks, and the trainers give good feedback about what they are observing you do with your dog. It's a great combo with Puppy Social which we also bring our pup to each week. Puppy social is GREAT for teaching your dog to listen in the midst of distractions, socialize appropriately with other dogs, and the trainers do a wonderful job of monitoring during the sessions and giving feedback to owners about what we are seeing.

They also keep things from getting out of hand - at puppy social at another class, our dog was badly bitten by another puppy and the trainer just seemed overwhelmed and did not seem competent in knowing how to intervene. We will definitely be continuing advanced classes with Paws'n Effect for our dog
Jared V.
Nov 06, 2017
I was skeptical of Paws'n Effect due to bad reviews here on yelp. Fortunately, I saw their very high reviews on google and facebook and decided to give them a chance. Before taking my puppy here I spoke with my local vet and learned that not only did my vet take their dog here for agility, but several other members of the staff; all giving rave reviews.

We started by attending the puppy socials that were run by Lil, she was very helpful and cautious with our new puppy and provided constant feedback and support to help our little puppy ease into the situation. After the positive experience with the puppy socials, we decided to sign up for puppy kindergarten. Training is all done using very positive methodology and I've found the trainers to be very skilled and helpful with problem-solving.

Little Winston hasn't graduated puppy kindergarten but when he does we will be sure to return to Paws'n Effect for additional dog training classes. These people truly care about the dogs well being and also have a shop filled with toys and treats cheaper than what I can buy them for on amazon or PetCo. Be warned that dog-training is not over-night though and does require patience and practice at home.
Kaylie W.
Aug 11, 2017
I have been bringing both of my cavaliers here for almost two years, one got certified as a therapy dog, the other does agility. Safe to say I am there twice weekly for classes and or trials. I have been to a lot of training places this one is by far the most successful and when I see a well trained therapy dog, they are trained from paws n effect!

Very nice people it is like a community and I am glad to be a part of it! Thank god for my agility instructor shari, without her I would be totally last and she has been such an asset to me and my dog!
Lisa S.
Apr 17, 2017
Best dog school in the area.all trainers are great with the dogs & want each dog to succeed. Highly recommended!
Becca B.
Mar 02, 2016
I have a shy dog and was looking into the nose works class as I was told it could help him build confidence. Through the 'contact us' section on their website I filled out my information and asked for more information about the class in the section to add a message. Days later I had not heard back so I gave them a call. The woman who answered the phone was very abrasive and said she had no idea what I was talking about with their website. Anyway, I told her the class I was interested in and left all my information again.

I was told the trainer that in is charge of the class would contact me. I never heard back. At least I didn't waste any money on this class! Update- I saw on their website that they offer rentals for all 3 of their areas (2 indoor spaces and 1 fenced outdoor area). I was interested in renting an area to practice agility with my dog and wanted to know their hourly rates.

I called and was told they do not rent out their space. Obviously they need to be more aware of what is on their website. I definitely will not be looking into this training facility anymore!
Jennifer K.
Oct 17, 2014
After several recommendations from friends, we signed up for the Puppy Kindergarten class with our 4 month old beagle mix puppy. The classes are small with multiple instructors. Of course, you can probably find most of the information we learned on the internet, but we really enjoyed the personal service we received. While working on commands, they would help you tweak how you were giving them to ensure that your dog is really learning properly. Plus- it was really fun to watch the other dogs learn and grow over the 6 week class.

At the end of each class, they would allow puppy free time for them to run around in an enclosed, controlled environment and have puppy interactions to help with social skills (and burn energy!). They also introduced some agility training opportunities at the end of each class which was cool. This included, running through tunnels, jumping through hoops, walking up ramps, etc. Paw n' Effect believes in positive reinforcement to train the dogs, which was something we really enjoyed. Also- they did not presure us into buying any products or signing up for other classes, like other businesses try to do. Overall- we had an extremely positive experience and would highly recommend Paws n' Effect to all our friends and family.
Lori N.
Mar 25, 2014
I've taken many classes over the years at Paws N Effect. I find the instructors very knowledgeable. It does involve doing homework. One six week class is not enough to train a dog. You get out of it, what you put into it. My dog has passed his CGC and has went on to become a very well behaved therapy dog. I am now training a new puppy at Paws, and am having the same wonderful experience with my young dog.

I do practice several times a week at home also. When I run into a problem, they are very helpful in finding a way to resolve whatever that may be. I do train with treats, and my dogs respond very well. My older dog can do all commands with or without treats. I highly recommend taking classes at Paws.
Erin M.
Feb 15, 2014
I have been taking classes at Paws for several years now. Their classes are fun, informative and reward centered. Kathy, the owner, has got to be one of the nicest most genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of doing business with. I highly highly recommend them for any of your dog training needs. The only time I have heard of unsuccessful stories was when the owners expected the training classes to teach their dog everything when in fact the training classes are meant to train the owner to equip them on how to handle situations at home.

Practice at home is what makes training successful and I fear too many don't realize that. All this to say I love Paws N Effect and look forward to bringing my pets there for years to come!
Keri U.
Oct 21, 2013
I have to say our experience with Paws n Effect was awesome! We rescued a dog who was very dominant and pushy. We paid for another training program that did NOT work (was a 'lifetime' training pkg) but they did NOT know how to handle our dog's behavior. We then hired a personal trainer for him. Very pricey and the trainer upon the second visit was criticizing me instead of teaching me.

We reluctantly gave Paws n Effect a try. It worked! Our boy is MUCH better, he has learned "with me" and "leave it" very well and is better when walking and having distractions. He isn't perfect, but if we let up on the training it isn't his fault now is it? I will say that our dog is very food motivated so this worked in our favor, but they believe in this type of training (positive reinforcement) and so do we. This program has saved our relationship with this dog and made his life much happier! He had a rough start and deserves a happy life! THANK YOU!
Luna M.
Aug 21, 2013
We found Paws N Effect to be unsuccessful for our dog. He still has many of the same bad habits and we were not pleased with the program. I brought my dog here for the six week family obedience training and this is one of those places that believe in treat training your dog. By the third class my dog became food aggressive and was snatching food out of my hand.

The family obedience training is a group training class that involves other dog owners and their dogs and the instructor basically gives you commands and you try to make your dog do the command while luring him or her w/treats. It was difficult for me not only to stand there in a designated spot for an hour with a hyper puppy but to keep up with the commands the instructor was giving.

My dog was very excited about the presence of other dogs and they do not allow the dogs to interact so this was very hard on my dog. By the time I left there my dog was a nervous wreck with blood shot eyes and had a stomach full of treats that he wouldn't want to eat the next day. They pretty much teach you basic commands and provide you with general information that you can easily get online for FREE instead of paying $170 for six weeks. Also, note even though this is a "family" training class, only ONE family member is allowed to perform the commands at time while other family members sit on the sidelines watching.