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Welcome to Paws Up Dog Training!

Welcome to Paws Up Dog Training, where unleashing the best in every paw is our specialty! We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with you and your dog companions, guiding you through the world of dog training.

Here at Paws Up, we consider that every dog is unique and believe the best approach to recognizing different learning styles is those that come with clicker training and the quadrant of positive reinforcement. We believe in creating a learning environment that is fun and engaging, promotes positive behavior, and makes the best communication and trust bonds between dogs and their owners.

My philosophy lies on promoting understanding and empathy towards dogs, considering their perspective and emotions

When I decided to start this project I had already been working as a dog trainer professionally for almost 2 years. It is definitely a scary but exciting step to take, but my goal is to help people connect with their dogs. 

A little bit about me….. 

Back in 2021, I started volunteering in a dog shelter in Orlando, Florida while I was finishing my Bachelors degree in Music Production at Full Sail University. I wished I had more time in my hands back then, but I went when I could spare 2-4 hours and it was the best experience ever. I ended up doing the course to be a foster parent … well what a foster failure I was. My first fostering opportunity came along when the shelter was at its full capacity and they were asking volunteers to see if they could foster some of the dogs for a few weeks. I fell in love with this white pitbull, and I took her home. I started promoting her adoption, constantly took her for her vet checks, and after a month I realized I just couldn’t let her go. So when the vet at the shelter told me she was good to be brought back, I decided I was keeping her. She was just the sweetest girl ever, super misunderstood due to her breed but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

Welcome to Paws Up Dog Training!
This is Perla #FosterFailure

Months after I started volunteering I started looking for a job, and I got an interview at the PetSmart in Fashion square mall. This job was supposed to be only for the winter season, but they stuck with me after that. I was just a cashier and sometimes helped with restocking.  There was this one day our store dog trainer Hannah asked me for help in one class because there was a hispanic client she couldn’t communicate with. It was great helping them through and I learned a lot by just watching her. 

When I graduated from my bachelors I decided I wanted to go back to South Florida. PetSmart transferred me to Store #0347.. Where it all started. As soon as I got to that store, the store manager offered me the position to be the store’s Dog Trainer. A few weeks later they sent me to start my training with another PetSmart trainer in Miami. I was really involved and passionate, I started growing quickly in the store and in my county , to eventually even being the lead in our region. 

Fast forward to late 2023, I started my journey to get my CCPDT certification and enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Dog Trainer Certification course (which I’m undergoing at the moment). 

Now back to the present, 2024! While I am finishing my Master’s Degree, I decided to finally open Paws Up Dog Training, to keep on doing what I’ve enjoyed so much the past few years. I have also recently connected with Dee Hoult, founder of Applause Your Paws Dog training and Magic City K9. I am now involved with the Magic City K9 Program as a trainer in the Everglades Re-Entry Center. 

Enough about me! 

I founded Paws Up Dog Training because everything should be about YOU. Catering to owners and their dogs to help them in every way pawssible (see what i did there?) 

It’s time for you to join the Paws Up Dog Training Family and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and endless paws up!

Stay tuned to our blog for expert tips, training advice, and heartwarming success stories from our clients. Together, we’ll unleash the best in your canine companion and create a lifetime of cherished memories along the way.

 

Keep Your Paws Up, 

Daniela Calicchia

Founder, Paws Up Dog Training