Live a Happier Life with Your Furry Friend
Certified
balanced trainers you can trust
Since 2005
helping families nationwide
Lifetime Support
to keep training on track
National Network
of local trainers near you
Free Evaluation
to start your dog’s training
How It Works
We offer a wide range of dog training programs designed to fit your goals, whether you need board and train, private lessons, puppy training, or group classes. Each program is led by certified trainers, with flexible scheduling and lifetime support after graduation.
Free Evaluation
We assess your dog’s needs and create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.
Customized Training Plan
Certified trainers guide you and your dog through proven, positive methods for behavior improvement.
Hands-On Training
Choose from in-home or mobile programs designed for lasting results.
Ongoing Support
Receive tools, guidance, and follow-ups to maintain progress and reinforce skills at home.
Our Dog Training Programs
and Services
Meet Your Dog Trainers
Every dog trainer on the The Dog Wizard Westlake team is extensively trained and experienced in balanced training techniques that address a range of behavioral issues to help your dog reach their full potential.
Kurtis
Owner/Head Trainer
Meet Kurtis, the paws-itively dedicated owner of The Dog Wizard Westlake. With years of experience and a heart full of love for pups, he is best known for his effective training and compassionate approach to dogs. His expertise and leadership have helped countless owners and their dogs fetch better communication and harmony.
Savanna
Co-Owner/Operations Manager
Meet Savanna, the paw-some co-owner and office manager. With a passion for pups as big as her heart, she ensures every aspect of our operations runs smoothly.
Savanna’s love for dogs shines through in everything she does. Her wag-tastic energy and commitment to making every dog and owner feel special make her the paw-fect addition to our team!
Years of Experience: 3
Hobbies: Spending time with her family and four dogs
Notes: Her favorite breed is the Doberman because they are protective, loyal, and “big babies.” She considers herself the “Swiss army knife” of the company.
Draco & Dinah
These two furry trainers have been trained The Wizard Way to understand commands and demonstrate proper behavior, which makes them great role models for other dogs. Through their playful interactions and consistent reinforcement, they effectively teach and socialize other pups! It's truly wonderful to see how their gentle guidance helps fellow dogs learn and grow. They spread joy and wisdom, one paw at a time.
Gabby, Ocean, and Freya
Trainer
Gabby has always had a heart for dogs and a passion for helping them become the best versions of themselves. With a gentle approach and tons of patience, she focuses on building strong, lasting bonds between pups and their people. Whether she’s working on basic obedience or tackling tricky behaviors, Gabby brings positive energy and a deep understanding of canine communication to every session.
At home, Gabby is a proud dog mom to her best friends, Ocean and Freya, playful pups who keeps her on her toes and reminds her daily why she loves what she does. When she’s not training, you’ll probably find the two of them out on an adventure, splashing in the water, or curled up for a snuggle.
Gabby’s goal is simple: happy dogs, happy humans, and lots of tail wags along the way!
Megan
Trainer
Megan Twining is a dedicated dog trainer and lifelong canine lover who brings energy, passion, and proven real-world obedience to dogs and their families.
Certifications & Mentorship
-
Mentored by The Dog Wizard Leadership: Formally trained directly under Romario Romain, one of the most respected figures in The Dog Wizard history.
-
Game-Based Training Approach: Trained to adopt and apply a high-engagement, game-centered philosophy, turning obedience training into an exciting, motivating experience for every dog.
Training Philosophy & Specialty
Megan believes that training works best when a dog is fully engaged and eager to learn. Drawing heavily on the game-based methodology passed down from her mentorship, she structures training around enthusiasm, clear communication, and dynamic focus. Working alongside her own dog, Biggie, Megan uses this play-driven mindset to help dogs of all temperaments build real-world reliability, confidence, and trust with their handlers.
Beyond the Leash
A true nature junkie, Megan spends nearly all of her free time outdoors with Biggie. When she isn’t working with clients, you can find her exploring local reservoirs, hiking scenic trails, and immersing herself in the great outdoors.
See What Other Dog Owners are Saying
Dave Gipson
2 days ago
Phenomenal people and training program for our puppy. Highly recommend!
Lori Brunswick
4 days ago
Our experience with the Dog Wizard was positive and informative while meeting some loving furbabies. Gabby gave us the training and background we needed while in the process of adopting Ollie and Luna. Gabby and the team genuinely care for the dogs ❤️
Trevor Lewis
5 days ago
Gina Endreola
2 weeks ago
Thank you to The Dog Wizard and especially his trainer Gabby! Cujo came in with fear aggression and also needed help with basic commands and obedience training. After his 3 week board and train Cujo is able to go on walks and go to the park! When I picked him up they went through all the information and showed me everything to continue his training at home. Although, He is still working on his impulse control around people. It has gotten so much better! With everything they have taught Cujo and I, we are able to keep better control on his reactivity and redirect him. Our walks are now stress free! I look forward to going to support group and to continue his training! Thank you again!
Deloris Holley
2 weeks ago
My over protective Abigail went through the 14 day training program and Gabby was a God sent. Not only did she trained Abbi but she trained me as well. We both learned new techniques that has been very positive in her learning. Gabby has the knowledge and professionalism that was need with her temperament. A job well done... Thank you Gabby 💜
Ansley Ingram
3 weeks ago
Kurtis and the other training crew at The Dog Wizard Westlake have been amazing! We recently adopted a ~2 year old Pittski+ and knew we needed help adapting him (and us) to our household. Kurtis took on Stanley's training himself and after just one or two day training sessions we saw an amazing difference in Stanley's ability to do place and chill himself out. The transitional leash works wonders for him. The added bonus was Kurtis inviting us to bring our other dog for a day session and getting the 80lb wonder dog Archie to stop pulling! There is a lot of work still to be done but the Dog Wizard gave us the tools and support to get us to a happy place with our beautiful dog pack. We are very happy with the service and highly recommend it!
bridget McGuire
3 weeks ago
Morganne Boppel
3 weeks ago
Amazing group of trainers that knows how to help dog owners connect and communicate with their dogs while dogs learn boundaries and obedience. Bobby and Megan trained our dog Hershey, and I have been very impressed with their knowledge. Hershey's biggest hurdle was his reactivity to other dogs and separation anxiety. We decided to enroll him in the 14-day training to provide longer training, practice, and exposure. Hershey has now learned that not all dogs are a threat and wants to play with many dogs as possible! And has learned boundaries at home. He's now confident of being home alone without destroying our doors and hangs out in other areas of the house while I telework! The program also provides additional support such as bi-weekly social meet ups, day care, boarding when needed. Kurtis is another staff/trainer that has always been helpful in answering any questions and scheduling. They are always there when you need them. The Dog Wizard has and continues to be wonderful!
David Stokley
3 weeks ago
Kurtis, Gabby, and the rest of the crew here are absolute legends. Our reactive dog has totally transformed under their training and leadership, and so have we as dog parents! So grateful for them!
Tiffanie Wilburn
3 weeks ago
Our 7 month old Bosco was into everything on walks and in the back yard. Also had a hard time with resource guarding. After 6 weeks training with Megan, Bosco gets compliments from everyone on what a good boy he is. Thank you everyone at Dog Wizard. 😊
Athena R
4 weeks ago
My dog did the 14 day board and train and I could tell a big difference in his demeanor before and after! He listens to me much more quickly now and follows my commands. I could tell they took great care of him. Thank you Gabby for being such a great trainer! Highly recommend.
Mackenzie Rezac
4 weeks ago
Amanda
1 month ago
I took Sky to The Dog Wizard Westlake (North Ridgeville location) for a two-week board and train with Kurtis, and we had such a great experience. What I’ve appreciated even more is that the training didn’t end when I picked her up. We’ve continued with touch-point lessons and daycare, and Kurtis has remained just as involved and available to help us work through things at home.
During her stay, they uploaded training videos and shared updates so I could see what they were working on and the progress she was making. I missed her a lot and two weeks felt like a long time, so getting to see her learning and doing well meant a lot to me.
Sky is a very sweet girl and willing to learn, but we were struggling with overall obedience, leash pulling, some reactivity around other dogs, crate training, and pretty significant separation anxiety. She knew basic commands but also knew how to test me. Honestly, we both needed more guidance and better communication with each other.
Since training, her overall listening skills have improved tremendously. Her leash work is so much better, her excitement/reactivity around other dogs has improved, she learned how to properly work with her e-collar and marker words, and she understands that a command means holding it until I release her. Walking her, especially with her brother, is much more manageable now.
I also loved that her training wasn’t limited to the their training facility. Kurtis took her on environmental training trips to places like Home Depot, where they worked around distractions, passing other dogs, and holding commands. Her place command is probably what she has mastered the most! She holds it really well both at home and in public, which has been very helpful with visitors and other distractions.
We’ve also made a huge improvement in her willingness to go into the crate & exiting the crate. Her separation anxiety is still something we’re actively working through, and anyone who has dealt with it knows how exhausting it can be, especially when crate training is involved. Kurtis has continued teaching us ways to work on it at home, including crate games and tethering work.
There have definitely been days where I’ve sent Kurtis a long, frustrated text because I’m exhausted and feel like we aren’t making enough progress. He always reminds me where we started and how much progress we actually HAVE made. “Stacking wins” is something we talk about a lot, and he helps me recognize those smaller wins when I’m too focused on what we’re still struggling with. He answers my questions, helps me adjust what we’re doing, and if we need another lesson, we schedule one and keep working.
One of my biggest concerns when choosing a program was that Sky would come home after two weeks and we’d be left to figure everything out ourselves, and I’ve never felt that way with Kurtis and his team.
They also offer free support group ( structured pack walks, training w. The group etc) for life, which I love because we can continue practicing everything she learned. Sky sometimes goes there for daycare too, where they reinforce her training while still giving her time to play and socialize. She comes home tired & still listening, so it’s a win for both of us.
Sky has made so much progress, but equally, so have I. Before her program I was overwhelmed by all the different training information out there and constantly questioning if I was doing the right thing. Training isn’t one-size-fits-all, and having someone who knows Sky and can tell me what to work on with her has made such a difference.
We still have work to do with her separation anxiety, but for the first time I genuinely feel like we finally have the right tools and a plan to get there. I have hope that we WILL get there. I’m incredibly grateful for how available, patient, and encouraging Kurtis and his team have been throughout this process. Sky is a more confident and manageable dog, I’m a more confident owner, and we’re still learning together. We absolutely recommend The Dog Wizard!
Becky Bartnicki
1 month ago
We sent Poppy for a 2 week board and train and could not have been more pleased with results! At 12 weeks we dropped her off having just started to be potty trained and knowing her name. Picking her up was a totally different dog! She knows her name, commands and polite leash walking! We are looking forward to bringing her to the Saturday group classes to continue her learning! Thanks Megan! You’re the best!
Tamara Fischer
2 months ago
Ellie May has come out a new dog. She’s learned so much and we are learning along with her. I love that there are support groups that we can come to to continue on the journey. Thank you for everything!
Devona Thorne
3 months ago
I couldn't be happier with my experience at The Dog Wizard. They worked with my dogs Luna and Eb because I needed help successfully integrating them into the same home and the results have truly exceeded my expectations.
From the very beginning, Kurtis went above and beyond. I was bringing Eb in from out of state on a very tight timeline and Kurtis was incredibly accommodating in squeezing us into the training schedule. He understood how important the timing was and approached the entire situation with compassion and flexibility, which immediately put me at ease.
Bethany was Eb and Luna's assigned trainer and she was absolutely wonderful to work with. She takes the time to understand every dog's personality, she explains training processes clearly and she gives you the knowledge and confidence to continue reinforcing everything at home. She taught me how to be a better handler, but what meant the most to me, was the patience and encouragement she showed throughout the process. After a traumatic and heart-breaking experience around dog aggression, I've carried a lot of anxiety, especially about introducing Luna and Eb. Bethany was sensitive, anticipated my worries, helped me understand what I was seeing, and gave me the confidence to trust both my dogs and myself. She didn't just train Luna and Eb... she helped me heal too.
I'd also like to recognize the kennel technician who greeted us every day during our board and train. I feel terrible that I can't recall his name, but he was always friendly, welcoming and genuinely excited to see my dogs. My morning interactions with him made every drop-off and pick-up a positive experience and reflected how much the entire team truly cares.
Today, Luna and Eb are living together successfully and I'm so grateful for The Dog Wizard for making that happen!
Janet Graff
6 months ago
Beau graduated from training! We are all getting there after two years since the trauma. It’s a blessing to have come this far in such a short time.
Only a few people truly understand what I have been through and the dogs as well. It’s unconscionable to believe my story but it happened. God redeems and He is the final judge.
So very thankful for The Dog Wizard Westlake (North Ridgeville) Kurtis and now Megan. They say you have golden connections that are God’s way of matching you up when you need it. Kurtis talked to me on the phone at my worst time just months after the departure of my “residents” and Abbie was as broken as I was, tense and so full of anxiety from all the screaming and yelling for four years. She actually was protecting me going behind me on the couch just above my head and I never knew that is what it meant. We were all on eggshells every day and it was in my house! I own it, I pay for it, I pay the utilities but it was destroyed by people who didn’t care and wanted to live like pigs and do it on my dime.
Well, it’s a new season. Two years ago, this Sunday there was a new life coming and we have done a lot of work. Abbie, me and Beau. Samuel went through it just as bad and he was my champion.
We had pup cups tonight to celebrate Beau’s great work. I had to work on what the trainer did every morning and night and it was hard work. Now we continue the work with The Dog Wizard group walks every other Saturday and continue the growth journey.
I am truly grateful to God for bringing such wonderful people into my life. We are now part of the pack.
Erin Webber
6 months ago
Incredibly knowledgeable and patient staff! Gabby was fantastic with our extremely anxious dog. She was patient and kind with him and treated him like her own. He is much more relaxed and focused and we are so grateful for the help! Also very excited about the support offered after training is finished. True professionals - highly recommend!
Anamaria Massier
7 months ago
Our first rescue was very nervous and we knew we needed help when we adopted our second dog. We took them to Dog Wizard in North Ridgeville, OH, where Kurtis did a wonderful job helping them become more balanced and accept each other. We did the 6 day program and we saw progress after each class. After they finished, we are at home together, no more fences or on leash in the house, finally becoming friends. We were very impressed with these great results in such a short period of time, obviously the training was first class, done with love and respect for the dogs, and they reciprocated. We also got a lesson after each class that was very helpful to understand dog behavior and how we can help them thrive at home. Another great perk is that you can bring them after completing the training to the support group - the every other week dog walks where they continue to learn with lots of dogs around. We highly recommend Kurtis and his wonderful team at DW in North Ridgeville!!!
jill rosenwald
7 months ago
We are so grateful to everyone at Dog Wizard Westlake. My mom and her cockapoo moved in with us and our 3 golden retrievers . My older goldens were ok with her reactive cockapoo but we recently added a golden puppy. Bentley, the cockapoo was very reactive with the puppy. I was at my wits end and called the Dog Wizard. Kurtis returned my call and was so knowledgeable and kind. We made an appointment to come in and we knew this was the place for Bentley and us as owners. Bentley worked with Bethany the most. You could notice the difference in his behavior on day one. We reached out after the program because Bentley was still not dealing well with Bear. Bethany worked with Bentley and Bear on Wednesday. We are working hard to reinforce what she taught the boys and the last two days have been so much better. We had a great experience from day one. Thank you for adding us to your pack. We know we found the best pack around!
Delaney McCoy
7 months ago
I’m so thankful to The Dog Wizard Westlake for all their hard work with my giant puppy, Bodie. From the start, Kurtis was so helpful and accommodating which only continued throughout the 3 weeks. Everyone I met during our time was wonderful and eager to help in any way they could. We couldn’t have asked for a better and more patient trainer than Megan. She loved Bodie like her own and taught him (and I!) so many valuable things that we will carry into the rest of his life. She gave us the control and confidence to be around dogs and people and enjoy ourselves while doing it. I’m so happy with the results and so proud of all their progress. Thank you Megan and the Dog Wizard team for everything. I would recommend over and over!
Ashley Mitchell
8 months ago
Recommended by a friend. This whole process has been flawless.Since the first prompt and thorough phone call with Kurtis to our pup Putter graduating his jump start program with Gabby- we have been nothing but impressed. Not only is there guidance to what happens during the training - but also WHY. Everything made sense and gave us confidence as pup parents to continue to enforce behaviors because we knew WHY we were doing it and how it would help our Putter. Based on science, wolf/canine history, and experience, the Dog Wizard program is thorough, consistent and with an obvious love for the dogs who come in. Our trainer Gabby was phenomenal. She gave Putter so many wonderful experiences and built his confidence in ways we could not have anticipated. We are so grateful for her! Check-ins, videos of training and the option of lifelong support group just solidify this mentality that we have become part of the pack! Everyone in the family, parents, kids, Putter, and visitors are happier and more confident because of this training.
John Collins
8 months ago
These Wizards can indeed work magic! Bethany was awesome in shaping my young Stanley into a proper gentleman. They not only helped my dog, but gave me the tools and knowledge i needed to continue training, communicate and work *with* my dog. Wonderful folks!
Molly Pascoe
9 months ago
Bethany from The Dog Wizard was incredible to work with. After six full-day training sessions, Frankie made huge strides, and the ongoing guidance we received helped us confidently reinforce everything at home. The combination of professional training and owner education made all the difference. Highly recommend!
IFBB Pro JordainSue
10 months ago
i cannot express enough how amazing The Dog Wizard Westlake was for Roxy and I. They taught her so many commands and she came back so incredibly smart. Gabby is wonderful and even took Roxy a couple extra days because she needed a little extra special attention. They even helped me switch her over to new food knowing that process can be difficult in tummies! I cannot wait to come back for even more training and Roxy loved being there!
amy reichelt
11 months ago
Although my puppy Beni trained at the Medina location, we were incredibly fortunate to work with Gabby while she was assisting there.
Gabby spent time with me after every session to explain the training exercises and make sure I felt confident practicing them at home. Her follow-up emails, videos, and guidance were so helpful. I especially loved the videos she posted on the private Facebook group so I could see Beni’s progress during the day.
She also took us to real-world locations like Home Depot and Marshalls, which made such a positive impact on Beni’s confidence and ability to focus around distractions.
Gabby is patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to the dogs she works with and Beni absolutely adores her! I am so grateful for the time and care she put into his training. I highly recommend her to anyone considering The Dog Wizard.
Sarah Gibson
11 months ago
I could rave for HOURS about this place. I can't even begin to explain how great of an experience my partner and I had with our dog Manny. We did 5 sessions of private training with Bethany and while Manny learned a lot and responded well, my partner and I learned the most. We feel super equipped to continue training with Manny in our own time. Bethany was so patient and kind, and she explained each training exercise in a way that was really easy to understand. She was always very receptive to our questions and made us feel very comfortable and confident dog owners! We paid around $1,000 for all 5 sessions but I can genuinely say it was worth the investment. Now that Manny graduated, we can participate in Saturday meetups with other dogs for life which really made the cost extra worth it for us. I know that what we invested will not go to waste and Manny will continue to grow in his training and behavior. Highly recommend all around!!
Tristandoss Davis
12 months ago
Bethany did a wonderful job with our very reactive dog. My girlfriend and I opted to do the day board combined with training afterwords. We have tried to get our dog trained through PetSmart and another private trainer and never really had success. Bethany did a great job helping us with our insecurities as dog owners, but also did a great job building our dog’s confidence so she could be less reactive to the things of the unknown around her. Whilst teaching us a few things at a time, she was teaching our dogter all the tools necessary to be successful. Our dog has had reduced anxiety, is more confident, more obedient, and Bethany even was able to get her to be playing around other dogs. The dog wizard is the BEST handsdown and I truly believe that their pricing is beyond worth it due to the success that we have seen. We are even going to start partaking on the every other Saturday dog support that they provide for a lifetime after you purchase their training program. The one we paid for costed us $2100 which felt steep, but now seems was underpriced for the results we got! Great job Bethany and thank you to all of the Dog Wizard team for taking care of our puppy, reassuring our validity as dog parents, and always being on top of communication in a kind and warmly matter.
Rachel Citak
1 year ago
We were lucky enough to work with Bethany for our black lab mix Phoenix (1.5 years old and has a lot of energy!). We chose the 6 day-day train and were impressed every evening after her training when she returned home and showed us what she learned. Our Phoenix came to us from the shelter and has a lot of fear around men, including my partner. Bethany’s work with Phoenix had helped her feel safer with him and we’ve seen a marked improvement in her comfort level when I’m not home. We still have a long way to go, but I’m very thankful we chose The Dog Wizard for our training.
Barbara
1 year ago
Highly recommend the folks at Dog Wizard Westlake. Kurtis and his staff are obviously committed to bringing out the best in every dog they train. Kira has been wonderful working with Poppi, the little mixed breed that I adopted three months ago. Thanks to private lessons with Kira, Poppi is learning to be the best version of herself. I love that the lessons are tailored to an individual dog’s needs and not one-size-fits-all. For instance, Poppi gets the chance to meet other dogs in a controlled, safe environment and is learning not to react aggressively when she’s on her leash. Perhaps just as importantly, Kira is teaching me to be the kind of “mom” that Poppi needs!
About The Dog Wizard Westlake
Our dog training goes beyond basic commands like Sit, Come, and Down. Our approach focuses on helping your dog make better choices and respond to you instead of their impulses.
We cover all the essential obedience commands you need to communicate effectively with your dog. But more importantly, we teach your dog to stay engaged and follow through with these commands, even in the most distracting environments.
Our goal is to enhance your dog’s understanding of obedience, making it a natural part of their behavior, not just a few tricks they perform when they feel like it.
Why Choose The Dog Wizard
Magical Methodologies
All of our trainers use balanced training techniques that are proven to be effective in and out of the classroom.
Everywhere Dogs Are
With over 100 locations — the majority of them being mobile — we have the ability to bring balanced dog training right to you.
Trained to Transform
Our knowledgeable trainers complete a rigorous dog training curriculum through The Dog Wizard Academy that teaches them methods that truly work
A Lifetime of Support
Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support.
