About applaud the dog

Positive training for reactive dogs

applaud the dog is a Guilford-area training business for fearful, reactive and impulsive dogs, holding customized group classes at Parkview Plaza on Boston Post Road in Guilford. Owner and head trainer Kelly Leisten describes herself as a certified professional dog trainer in Madison. She is a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy (graduated with distinction), a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, a supporting member of the IAABC and a member of the Pet Professional Guild, and she is a former head trainer who taught reactive dog classes at a major animal rescue organization in Manchester.

How it works

Training is reward-based positive reinforcement, tailored in private sessions (in-home, out and about or in the classroom) and group classes. Kelly works on attention around distractions, lunging, barking and growling, leash pulling, aggression toward dogs and people, guarding of food, toys and space, mouthing, jumping, digging and chewing, and riding in the car, and her classes are built for dogs who might not normally do well in a class. She serves Shoreline towns including Branford, Clinton, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

What owners say

One owner wrote, "He is much less anxious and more confident," and another said, "Kelly's calm in class is truly a gift to the dogs."

What to ask

Ask about class schedules and pricing.