What Makes Us
Different?
The Experts in Behavior!
Dogsmartz Unleashed is a premier training facility that specializes in behavior work for dogs. Our trainers are highly skilled and have many years of experience. DSU is the only facility in the area that offers a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA). DSU is also the first and most “Fear-Free Certified” trainers, as well as verified “Victoria Stillwell Professional Dog Trainers” (VSPDT). DSU also offers the most certified trainers and Fear Free trainers in the area. Many of our trainers have earned the CPDT-KA credential as well; and our trainers are always improving their craft. They attend seminars, webinars, and utilize books and other resources to enhance their skills. Why is that important? Dogsmartz Unleashed believes that we must be the best and most educated we can to better serve our clients.
OUR TRAINING APPROACH
Dogsmartz focuses on scientifically proven and pain-free methods, using a variety of facets of learning theory, to achieve results. We never use pain or fear as a method to train; and science tells us we never need to! If you have used those methods in the past (choke, prong, shock), we welcome and invite you to learn a different and more emotionally sound way to train.
Our methods (positive reinforcement and negative punishment) include a wide variety of reinforcers, or rewards; from praise and food to toys and “life rewards.” We teach our students how to fade reinforcers over time once behaviors are fluent. This is so a dog is not “dependent” on a reward. We use a variety of techniques and reinforcers to develop customized solutions and plans to meet the needs of our clients and dogs. Our extensive experience in behavior allows us to do this successfully.
So, what else is different about us? We believe in a holistic approach and work WITH your veterinarian to help resolve or manage your dog’s behavior issues when warranted. For dogs with behavioral issues, we believe that it is a team approach with client-veterinarian-trainer, and sometimes, your groomer and boarding kennel.
OUR FACILITIES
DSU has two facilities (Poland and New Wilmington) and two satellite locations (Canfield and Hermitage). Please take a virtual tour of our main facility (Poland) here. We believe in a clean and healthy environment and disinfect our facilities every day: no exceptions. Please see our cleaning procedures for more details. We maintain strict vaccine and fecal policies to keep everyone safe. For more information, please see here. We want everyone who comes to one of our locations to enjoy and feel safe when doing so.
Cleaning Policies: Please click here.
Vaccine Policies: Please click here.
OUR
SERVICES
We offer a wide variety of group classes open to dogs of all breeds and ages. The average class size is 6 dogs per class.
We also offer specialized classes for dogs with specific behavioral concerns. In many instances, a trainer will reach out to you to discuss your concerns with your dog's behavior to ensure a class setting is the best option for your dog.
For those that would be better suited to or prefer one-on-one training, we offer private lessons in-home or at one of our facilities. Our private training is conducted by one of our highly skilled trainers. We also offer our popular, “Drop and Train” program for those that may have a more challenging schedule.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
No dog is EVER turned away regardless of behavior or breed,
and no dog “fails” at DSU. Some dogs will have immediate success and others will need more time. Training is a process, and at Dogsmartz we believe in helping our students reach their goals. If a student is struggling, we will work with you to find ways to get success. If you put the work in, we will be there to support you through your training journey. Training is not a pass/fail. It is a process of acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and becoming fluent in these skills.
We believe our clients should be heard so no issue is too small!
Our clients have access to their trainer to contact them
throughout their class or after their private training. Our privates offer lifetime follow-up via phone and email, as we know it is important for clients to have the option to reach out to us when needed. And, although we may recommend future training, our trainers are always there to help.
We appreciate and are grateful for all our clients. Our amazingly kind office team will listen to you and help you through the process of choosing the best training options for your dog. When you come to Dogsmartz, you are part of our family, and we will be with you every step of the way.
DSU strongly believes in educating and helping our community. We donate our proceeds from our community seminars to local rescues. DSU donates hours of our time monthly to help shelter dogs in need. We provide free seminars and training to shelter staff and volunteers to help make their job a bit easier and the dog’s stay more comfortable. We also donate classes to help them become more adoptable. Monthly, we collect needed shelter items and donate them to those in need. We believe in helping our animal community! We love shelter dogs and those that help them!
Dogsmartz Unleashed is your expert in behavior and we will strive to help you train your dog to be the best he/she can be. We appreciate you visiting us and look forward to working with you!
Meet Our Staff
Jenny Falvey
CPDT-KA, FFCP, CBCC-KA, & VSPDT
Trainer & Owner
Jenny is the owner of Dogsmartz and has been working with dogs for over 30 years. Jenny is the only Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) in the area and just one of 242 worldwide. She is also a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. She is the first person to earn the Victoria Stillwell Professional Dog Trainer title in Ohio (VSPDT). She was also the first trainer in the area to become a “Fear Free” Certified Trainer.
Jenny started her career working with shelter dogs and continues to volunteer her time and services for many local shelters and strongly supports animal welfare efforts.
She has an extensive background in behavior work with shelter and pet dogs and is an expert in working with fearful dogs. She has a special interest in early puppy development and works to create new and innovative programs for puppies. She teaches educational seminars for the community and has created and implemented Behavior Advisory Committees for local shelters. Jenny is currently a board member of a local humane agency.
Jenny is an AKC CGC evaluator. She is the former co-owner and co-founder of The Learning Dog Training & Enrichment Center. She is a mentor trainer for ABC training college and CATCH training academy. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and The Pet Professional Guild (PPG).
She is a mentor for the Victoria Stillwell Academy and was honored to become a Faculty Advisor for this organization in 2019; where she mentors students from all over the country.
She trains in Poland and New Wilmington and does private one-on-one training, as well as fear, anxiety, and aggression cases. She oversees the Prison Dog Training Program at Trumbull Correctional Institution, where shelter dogs are placed with inmates to train and prepare them for adoption through The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County.
She consults with many shelters on implementing training programs and protocols and is the founder of “Rescue Rehab,” an education forum for shelter volunteers and staff. She is an advocate for educating pet owners on fear and force-free training and hopes to see more people recognize that you never have to hurt a dog to train him/her.
She was raised in Southern California and moved to the area in 2001. She enjoys hiking, photography, and spending time with her dogs. Jenny serves on the boards of Animal Charity of Ohio, Love Vincent, and The Animal Protection League of Western PA.
She currently shares her home with her four rescue dogs: Josie, a 15-year-old Maltese mix; Vinny, a 12-year-old Bichon; Stuart, a 5-year-old Pitbull; and Hammy, a 3-year-old French Bulldog. She also has a black cat named Rocky.
Meet Our Team
Heather Huff,
CPDT-KA
Head Trainer
Heather is a leading expert on reactivity in dogs. She has developed comprehensive, successful strategies for dogs with mild to extreme reactivity and aggression. Heather is based out of our Poland and New Wilmington locations and also does in-home private training.
Teaches at: Poland & New Wilmington
About Heather:
Heather began working with rescue dogs shortly after bringing home her first dog as an adult. For over 15 years, she has worked in animal welfare. Heather is the former Director of a local Humane Society and a former Humane Agent. She's a proud member of Legacy Dog Rescue, where she works with their foster homes on obedience and behavior issues, and she assists in fundraising for the organization and with community outreach. Before the pandemic, she trained at the Prison Dog Training Program for the Trumbull Correctional Institution.
Heather currently teaches at our Poland and New Wilmington locations. She teaches group classes, is a one-on-one private training instructor, and is a per request “Drop and Train” instructor. Heather also offers limited “Reactive Dog Drop and Train” training for her clients. She focuses her studies on early puppy development, fear, and reactivity issues.
Heather has fostered over 100 dogs on their paths to their forever homes. Her passion for behavior was ignited by a fearful English Mastiff, whom she fostered and later adopted, named Blondie. It is Blondie who was her inspiration to become a dog trainer and to help dogs and owners work together to build a strong, positive bond. She is the proud mama of three fur kids - her dogs Venture, Bear, and Bobby. Heather is a CGC evaluator as well a CPDT-KA through the CCPDT Organization.
Dr. Karen Becker,
CPDT-KA, FFCP
Trainer
Karen teaches a variety of group classes at our Poland and Canfield locations.
Teaches at: AFA & Poland
About Karen:
A lifetime learner and pet owner, Karen began working on becoming a trainer as a “Plan B” in life. Then she adopted a fearful reactive German shepherd dog and learned a lot about patience and the benefits of behavioral non-aggressive training. A 2019 graduate of CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, she is working towards her CPDT-KA and Fear Free certification. Karen and various pets, including a rabbit with a broken leg, spent many fun-filled years doing animal-assisted therapy at St. Elizabeth Hospital and local nursing facilities. She has volunteered with Mastiffs to Mutts Dog Rescue and adopted from many local rescues. Karen brings her love of teaching and learning to Dogsmartz Unleashed, having been a high school teacher, author of two books, and working with first-year students at Youngstown State University over the last 35+ years. Karen joined the Dogsmartz Unleashed team as we re-opened after the Covid-19 pandemic, quickly becoming an advocate for including enrichment for her 4-legged furkids to continually shape happy and healthy lives.
Karen and her husband, Tom, live in Poland with their German shepherd, Colbe Jack, and their newest addition, Daisy Mae, a brindled bully-breed mix. Besides her love of animals, Karen also enjoys continuing to mentor her former 2-legged students as well as gardening, photography, kayaking, and traveling.
Samantha Ragan
Trainer
Sam teaches a variety of group classes at our Poland location.
Teaches at: Poland
About Sam:
Sam’s love of dogs started when she was young and one of her earliest memories is being excited to read the Dog of the Week in the Sunday paper. It wasn’t long after that she got Sadie, her first family dog, and started a lifelong love of dogs that continues to this day. While attending YSU to get her degree in Biology Sam worked for a local kennel and held the position until she graduated in 2014. In 2015 Sam’s brother got his dog, Riley, and she took the lead on taking Riley to training and behavior classes. It was there she met Jenny and decided to enroll in the Catch Canine Academy. She attended Catch in December 2017 and graduated in January of 2019. While attending the academy she also mentored under Jenny and spent time at Dogsmartz to learn the ropes and get some hands-on experience. She started at Dogsmartz as a trainer in March of 2019. She currently teaches classes at our Poland location. Outside of work, Sam enjoys hanging out with her dog Ellie, running, going to concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
Matthew Ward
Trainer
Matthew teaches a variety of group classes at our Hermitage location.
Teaches at: Hermitage
About Matthew:
Matthew grew up on a dairy farm surrounded by animals of all types, cows, horses, cats, chickens, and of course, dogs. His love of dogs began there, with his Labrador Retriever, Katie, which he had from the time he was a baby until he was a senior in high school. Beginning in high school, Matthew worked as a Veterinary Technician Assistant for several years. Later in life, Matthew got his current yellow lab mix River, who suffers from severe anxiety. It was because of this he sought help from Jenny, and through her guidance came to realize his passion for helping dogs with behavioral issues. After taking several classes with River, Matthew enrolled in Catch Academy and began training to become a dog trainer through Dogsmartz Unleashed. Matthew now trains at our Hermitage location where he teaches Puppy Class, Beginner Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Confidence Building, Get Control, and most other classes. He has a special interest in anxiety and fear issues in dogs. He is a CGC Evaluator and is working towards becoming a CPDT certified trainer and is a member of PPG (Pet Professional Guild). He is also a mentor for ABC College. Matthew lives with his wife Bethany, their son Gunner, daughter Oswynn, and their dog River, at their home in Cortland, Ohio.
April Courtney
Trainer
April teaches a variety of group classes at our Poland location.
Teaches at: Poland
About April:
My informal dog training journey started with rescue and fostering in 2011. I learned a lot from the different dogs that passed through my home and their journey to their forever family. I was the most challenged by a Cane Corso foster who brought me to Jenny. After a year of working with Jenny and this special girl, she was able to move on to a wonderful family. Seeing the passion and work at Dogsmartz was inspiring and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I began formal training in 2020 and continue to train while teaching my own classes. I love obedience training and watching owners and dogs strengthen their bond and confidence with each session.
Dee Franke
Trainer
Dee teaches a variety of group classes at our Poland location.
Teaches at: Poland
About Dee:
I think I was born loving dogs! My earliest and best childhood memories are some of the interactions that I had with our family dogs.
I guess my dog training journey started when I was 12-years-old; with a puppy from the Mahoning County Dog Pound who we named Pepsi. I was bound and determined to train her, so I read books and tried as hard as a 12-year-old could try to do a good job. We spent hours playing in the yard and walking the back roads of Poland Township. She was my best friend.
Years later, after getting married and starting a family, my husband and I added our own family of dogs to our home. Our first puppy together as a family was a Yellow Lab named Diva, and I decided to take her to training classes. Diva was a great dog, and as a team we obtained our Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog titles. By this point I was totally hooked on dog training! Over time, multiple rescue dogs passed through our home on their ways to better lives. My goal became to offer them obedience training to ensure they stayed in the home in which they were placed. My interest in formal dog training peaked when I brought home my 2-year-old German Shepherd, Blitz, with severe behavioral issues. I needed to know how to work with him. It was this dog that made me want to pursue dog training as a career. I learned a lot from Blitz: about dogs and myself.
In 2015 I had the good fortune and opportunity to mentor under a very talented and skilled trainer, during which time I learned so much. I am so pleased to continue my training journey at Dogsmartz Unleashed with Jenny. I couldn't be happier with this new opportunity. It is so inspiring to see how positive training and behavior modification can change the life of a dog and his/her owners! One of my favorite things about being a trainer is watching people build strong bonds with their dogs. I look forward to growing and learning here!
Fun facts:
I am pursuing my CPDT.
I have two children, Noah and Leah.
My dogs are Dunkin, Mr. T., and Willow (pictured with me!).
Rachel Hammond, CPDT-KA
Trainer / Receptionist
Rachel teaches a variety of group classes at our Poland and Canfield locations.
Teaches at: Poland & Canfield
About Rachel:
Rachel grew up with a love for animals, especially dogs. As a senior in high school, she did her senior project on positive reinforcement obedience training with her new puppy, Velvet. During college, she volunteered at a local animal shelter as a caretaker and groomer for cats and kittens. She has always been a resource for friends’ and family’s pets throughout her life though, she did not start professionally training until 2012.
Rachel’s dog Mia was extremely reactive and there were not many trainers in the area that would train a reactive Pitbull without aversive methods. Rachel found help for Mia at The Learning Dog, which ultimately led Rachel to her mentor, Jenny. Rachel decided to attend CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and graduated from the program in 2014. Upon opening its doors, she began training at Dogsmartz Unleashed.
Before the pandemic, Rachel trained at our Poland location and established our Reactive and Get Control classes, which were her favorite classes to teach because of her dog Mia. She took a brief hiatus from training after the pandemic but maintained her certification and took the time to continue education and help friends and family with their dog training needs.
Rachel is a previous foster with Buckeye Bulldog Rescue, currently volunteers with the adoption process, and assists other fosters and new adopters with obedience and behavior issues. Rachel is a member of the Behavior Team at Animal Charity of Ohio and volunteers to walk dogs, do laundry and dishes, and assists in fundraising for the organization.
Rachel is currently based out of our Canfield and Poland locations. She teaches “off-site” for clients who are interested in real-world experience training. She also teaches group classes, is a one-on-one private training instructor, and is a “Drop and Train” instructor. Rachel also offers specialized “Reactive Dog Drop and Train” and “Impulsive Dog Drop and Train” programs.
She focuses her studies on relationship building and trauma and resilience, with a special emphasis on impulse and reactivity issues. Rachel has over 25-years government service in crisis management, critical incident response, Psychology and Stress First Aid, wellness and resilience, and peer support services.
Rachel holds a CPDT-KA certification through the CCPDT Organization since 2018 and is working towards her CPDT-KSA and CBCC certifications. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild, and The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. Rachel attends several educational conferences, webinars, seminars, and workshops a year and enjoys learning and staying up to date on training methodologies, techniques, and tools to help maintain and increase her knowledge and skills.
Rachel and her husband live in Salem with their four bulldog rescues: Reginald, an English Bulldog from AWL; Remington, an Olde English Bulldog from Buckeye Bulldog Rescue and a dually-certified therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Akron Children’s Hospital; and George and Cece, bonded English Bulldogs from Animal Charity of Ohio. In her spare time, she enjoys therapy dog visits with Remington, hiking, gardening, swimming and spending time with family and friends.
Cassidy Piskorick, CPDT-KA
Trainer
Teaches at: Poland
About Cassidy:
Cassidy Piskorick is a compassionate, science-based dog trainer with a strong background in animal welfare and behavior.
Before focusing on training, she worked for several years with a large national animal welfare organization and other shelter medicine programs, supporting teams that cared for and rehabilitated animals from challenging situations.
Cassidy specializes in helping fearful and anxious dogs build confidence through patient, positive, and effective training. She uses reward-based, force-free methods to help dogs and their families build confidence, communication, and trust.
Whether you’re raising a new puppy, managing reactivity, or fine-tuning manners, she creates individualized training plans that fit real life — and help both ends of the leash thrive.
Jennifer Unger
Trainer
Teaches at: Poland & New Wilmington
About Jennifer:
My journey to becoming a dog trainer began with a deep love for dogs and the special role they play in our daily lives. I always knew I wanted to build a career centered around helping dogs — and the people who love them.
After attending Dogsmartz Puppy Socialization and obedience classes with my own dog, Tito, I realized even more clearly that training was something I was truly meant to do.
Inspired by my experience, I reached out to Jenny, the owner, to learn how to pursue my passion for dog training — and the rest is history!
I look forward to continuing my mentorship with the Dogsmartz team while furthering my education through CATCH Canine Academy.
I’m excited to work with you and your pup to build communication, trust, confidence, and positive behaviors. My goal is to make training effective, fun, and a rewarding experience for both you and your dog!
Angel Stambaugh
Administrative Lead
Angel found a love for dogs when she became a first-time puppy owner, which changed the course of her life. That puppy, Bear, led to new interests, new friends, and a new career, starting her down the path to Dogsmartz Unleashed. She enjoys spending time in nature, cross-stitch, and reading. Angel and her husband live in Hubbard with their two cats Hazel and Hunter.
Miranda Smith
Behavior Assistant/Social Media
Miranda had worked in the veterinary field for many years prior to making her way to Dogsmartz Unleashed! She found her love for dogs at a very young age, always standing up for the underdog and wanting to save them all; but it really started when an abandoned Cane Corso, who she later named Duke, came along. Miranda currently resides in Trumbull County with her husband, 2 sons, 1 daughter, and 3 rescue dogs: Gigi, Eli, and Benny! She also has a 2 rescue cats: Tuna and Rudy! She’s so honored to be a part of such an awesome team at Dogsmartz Unleashed with wonderful individuals that share the same passion as her!
Julie
Office Assistant
Julie is one of our receptionists at our Poland location. She keeps phone calls and emails answered and helps clients with anything they need!
Hammy
Helper Dog
Hammy is a 3-year-old French Bulldog who belongs to our owner, Jenny. He was adopted from the Mia Foundation, which operates out of Rochester, NY. Hammy, also known as Sir Hamilton Franklin, helps shy and reactive dogs to become more comfortable with other dogs. He enjoys long snoozes, treats, and his favorite flirt pole! You may see him sashaying around our Poland office with his little trot.
Venture
Helper Dog
Venture is a former Youngstown street dog who ran the streets for a year before he was caught and taken to Mahoning County Dog Pound. Once there, he spent nearly another year until he came to live with Heather H. Venture has assisted Heather in helping countless fearful/reactive pups starting in their training journey. When not working, Venture enjoys soaking up the sun on nice days, chew bones, cuddles, and pup cups! 🐾
Bear
Helper Dog
Bear is a newer member of Heather H.’s team of fearful/reactive dog assistants. At 10 years young, this little jumping bean joined Heather’s household over 4 years ago. As he has gotten older, he likes going to work to hang with his human and help where needed. When not at work, he LOVES riding shotgun on road trips, playing ball, ear rubs, and almost any treat you could possibly give him! 🐾
