North Coast Dogs is a team of dog trainers and pet behavior specialists serving Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Together we represent a depth of knowledge and a breadth of experience in the field of canine behavior. Individually, we are each dedicated to the strengthening and preservation of the cherished canine-human bond.
North Coast Dogs uses operant and classical conditioning to train dogs and shape their behavior. The results are impressive. And, we're happy to say, there's a century of laboratory and real-life evidence to back us up. B.F. Skinner became one of the best-known pioneers of behaviorism in the 1930s. Students of the behaviorist school took Skinner's work into the real world and trained all sorts of animals for circuses and TV. Operant conditioning has always been the method of choice for sea mammal trainers. If you've ever seen a dolphin show, they were trained the same way we train dogs!
Skinner was passionate about not using punishment while conditioning animals (or humans for that matter). North Coast Dogs shares that passion. Our methods are 100% force free. We do not advocate the use of shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, squirt bottles, air horns, shake cans, hitting, pinching nor any other form of physical or psychological attack. Dogs deserve better than that.
Laura Evans, CPDT-KA
Professional Specialties: Laura is currently teaching various classes at all of our locations. She also specializes in private training sessions both in homes and in our facilities, dealing with a wide range of issues such as basic obedience, anxiety, and aggression.
Experience: On arriving in Cleveland in 2004, Laura started volunteering at the Cleveland Animal Protective League. In this position, Laura gained extensive experience working with dogs of various breeds and temperaments. In 2006, the APL began a training program for both dogs in the shelter and families. Laura happily spent time as a volunteer assistant for these classes. In time she was asked to teach her own classes until the APL program was disbanded. She joined the North Coast Dogs team in January 2007, and purchased the company in July 2010.
Education: BS and MS from Northwestern University. Laura has attended several Clicker Expo Conferences which include such dynamic speakers as Karen Pryor, Kathy Sdao, Steve White and many more. She continues to enhance her knowledge of animal training and behavior by attending seminars and volunteering as a Canine Enrichment Specialist / Foster Parent at the APL as time allows.
Certification / Honors: Certified Evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate, Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), and Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).
All North Coast Dogs trainers adhere to the professional standards of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Each of our trainers is required to fulfill a minimum of 16 hours continuing education annually.
Last updated: 2021
