Dog Training, Done Right at The Dog Wizard Cincinnati

Cranston is what we would consider a serial dog-loving entrepreneur. He has definitely taken the hands-on approach to where he is today. Way back when, he knew a career in dogs was in his future in some way, shape, or form. Not knowing where to start, he decided to start at the base of learning and spend years on the play lot of a dog boarding and daycare facility. This experience taught him a lot about dogs and how they interact organically. At the same time, he experienced a lot of behavioral problems and wanted to be able to help these dogs and owners. So, Cranston decided to dive into the training side and contacted The Dog Wizard in Charlotte, NC, about working and learning how to help dogs with behavioral problems. This was where he found his passion and knew he wanted to do this for the rest of his life.

Fast forward a couple of years, Cranston opened his own Dog Wizard franchise in Columbia, SC, that became a great success with a lot of hard work, passion, and dedication to his clients. Several years later, Cranston was pulled back into the corporate side of the business to help new trainers and franchisees achieve their dream of a successful dog training business. Although successful, there was something missing on the corporate side of the fence for Cranston. That something turned out to be the daily contact with the dogs in training. Cranston missed the interaction and satisfaction of helping owners and dogs on a daily basis, so he decided to turn in his corporate office for face time back with the dogs and owners.

Today, we are happy to say Cranston is back where he belongs and has the best of both worlds with The Dog Wizard Cincinnati. “I feel lucky to be a part of such a business-minded team at The Dog Wizard Cincinnati,” says Cranston, adding, “The expansion plans and daily interaction with clients, dogs, and trainers are exactly what I love, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Cranston also enjoys art, stock market trading, music, and just enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Gina has been training dogs professionally in the Dayton area for the last 6 years teaching group classes, private lessons, and managing a board and train program. Her lifelong passion for dogs led her to pursue competing in various dog sports since the age of 12.

Currently, Gina breeds, raises, and trains her ever-growing family of Border Collies. Among her accomplishments are 25 different titles in conformation, agility, dock diving, tricks, and therapy work. She will also take regular herding lessons and has qualified for dock diving nationals twice.

Her passion and goal are to help owners become better trainers and help dogs become better citizens by having fun, learning new things, and working as a team.

The best thing that my mentor ever told me was to always “Make Your Dog Successful”. If the dogs are successful, then the owners will be happy, and I can go home with a smile on my face knowing that I have made a positive impact.

Pam has always had a passion for animals large and small. Originally from the Chicago area, Pam began her career working with pets in an established boarding/daycare facility. She moved to Cincinnati in 2014 and joined the Pet Nation Lodge family.

Quickly, Pam grew into a leadership role and became Head Team Leader. Her dedication and commitment opened Pam up for an opportunity to shadow a dog trainer. For several weeks, Pam continued working at Pet Nation while shadowing a dog trainer. She was able to receive hands-on experience with different breeds and behavioral issues.

Pam quickly realized how enjoyable dog training is to her. The difference she is able to make in each dog’s life and their owner’s is extremely satisfying to her. Pam is an invaluable asset to our Pet Nation Lodge & Dog Wizard family.

The Clegg family has been active in breeding, showing, training, and conditioning dogs for over 40 years. Their love and devotion to the preservation of Golden Retrievers and Kuvasz (a Hungarian guardian breed) has led them all over the world as judges, competitors, and breeders. They have bred over 100 champions and piloted many successful careers to top in their breed, group, and all-breed status as professional handlers and members of the Professional Handlers Association.

Daughter Caroline earned her first championship on her beloved Golden, Bella, at the age of six. Today, she is the youngest and most successful junior of all time, achieving over 10 Best in Shows, two group placements at the coveted Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and holds the record for the winningest Kuvasz female of all time.

Their passion for caring for pets with their needs in mind rather than the bottom line led them to develop Cincinnati’s premier pet care facility, Pet Nation Lodge in Loveland, Ohio, which offers personalized lodging, daycare, and grooming services as well as the super fun dock diving pool!

Together, they bring years of valuable experience to the Dog Wizard family and are excited to offer this incredible training program to the Cincinnati community.

Rachel began training animals at a young age working and showing horses across multiple disciplines. She began training professionally over 15 years ago while working with exotic and domestic animals for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. She made the switch to working with dogs over 14 years ago.

Rachel has experience teaching a wide variety of private and group classes — everything from manners and tricks to competition obedience and high-level agility. She has also worked extensively with aggressive and reactive dogs. In her spare time, she trains and competes with her dogs in conformation, agility, barn hunt, nosework, rally, obedience, heelwork to music, tricks, and parkour.

Rachel is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, an Animal Actor Certified Evaluator, a Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach, Stunt Dog Judge, AKC Fit Dog instructor, a Drink With Your Dog instructor, and is an Evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, and Temperament tests through AKC. She is currently undergoing training to become a Canine Parkour instructor and certified behavior consultant.

Katie has always had a passion for training animals, both small and large. After growing up working and training horses since she was four years old and going to college for an equine-based degree, she found her way into dog training in 2014.

Katie enjoys training dogs and coaching people to help improve the relationship between dog and owner. There is nothing like a well-behaved dog that you are proud to have as a part of your family.

Katie has a background in horse training, service dog training, pet dog training, and aggression and behavioral cases. She worked in veterinary medicine for two years as a vet assistant, but never stopped training and returned to training full-time in 2022.

After his time working as a kennel assistant, Alex expanded his scope and joined our team as a trainer. He never tires of learning new things, and he has an immense love for dogs. He enjoys having the chance to make a difference in so many dogs’ lives through the Dog Wizard. He is proud to help each of his clients live happier, more fulfilling lives with their dogs!

Mike Walsh is a passionate dog trainer with The Dog Wizard, having joined the team in 2024. Born and raised in Connecticut, Mike grew up in a multi-dog household, which fostered a deep love and understanding of canine behavior from an early age.

Mike is dedicated to helping dog owners create lasting bonds with their furry companions. With a focus on basic obedience and clear communication, he tailors training to meet the individual needs of each dog and owner. Whether working through behavioral issues or helping dogs and owners develop a deeper connection, Mike is committed to fostering trust and harmony between families and their pets.