Dog Training in Port Richey, FL

No More Puppy Blues

Confused on where to turn with your rambunctious new puppy?

Struggling with a leash-pulling, guest-jumping, pup that doesn’t listen?

Look no further!

Start their transformation today!

7+ Years experience

Real-life results

One-on-one guidance

Owner, Isabella holding her Australian shepherd, Indie in her arms on a mountain

ABOUT

Hand & Paw Dogs

Hi, I’m Isabella, the trainer behind Hand & Paw Dogs. I help dog owners build calmer, more enjoyable lives with their dogs through hands-on coaching, clear communication, and real-life training.

My approach is personalized and practical, with a strong focus on owner education, so you understand why your dog is doing something and how to make progress confidently at home and in everyday situations.

I work with puppies, basic obedience, leash pulling, and behavior challenges like reactivity, with training plans tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.

Serving Port Richey, Hudson, Trinity, Spring Hill, and nearby Pasco & Hernando County areas.

Learn About Hand & Paw Dogs

HOW IT WORKS

Select a Program

Choose the perfect base for your personalized program to begin with. You will receive a tailored training plan based on your specific goals, ensuring both you and your dog are set up for success!

Training

Learn to speak dog!

Learn your dog's behavior in a user-friendly way.

Both owner and dog will learn a better way to communicate!

Life Long Success

With clear communication established between you and your dog, you can now enjoy a harmonious household and the lifelong joy of a well-behaved companion!

OUR PROGRAMS

A handler working with their well behaved dog,

OBEDIENCE

Designed to match your dog's unique personality and your training goals. Our comprehensive training covers all the essential obedience commands and more!

PUPPY RAISING

Dive into the enchanting world of puppyhood. We focus on building a solid foundation of confidence and good behavior from the start.

BOARD & TRAINS

Let us do the hard work! Our Board & Train program provides expert guidance while your dog stays with us, ensuring lasting behavior change without the stress on you.

NEW CUSTOMERS START HERE!

We're here to help! Simply fill out the contact form with your dog's details to request a personalized consultation and behavioral assessment today!

Your puppy can smile too! Smiling Golden Retrevier

JOIN THE PACK

This boy is trail certified 🐾 There's nothing better than watching your dog discover the world. Every adventure, every walk, every day is a training and bonding opportunity. Engagement, focus, recall, leash manners, and most importantly... joy!!! The relationships I build with my clients and their dogs means the world to me and I have such an awesome opportunity to watch so many dogs blossom. 🌿

Monster Marvin loved our walk today.

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#DogTraining #AustralianShepherd #TrailDog #HikingWithDogs #adventuredog

If you feel like your mornings with your puppy are chaotic… this might help. 🤍
Instead of waking up and just “letting the day happen,” try this simple daily rhythm.

Potty → Train → Explore.
First, we set the expectation (same potty spot, same routine).
Then, we use breakfast intentionally, quick brain work, attention, and clarity.
Then we give them space to be a dog and sniff the world.
It’s not about exhausting them (dont make them run after eating!) But about allowing them to decompress and handle obstacles on their own.
This routine is about meeting their needs and starting the day off on the right.. paw.
Structure + reinforcement + enrichment.
When puppies expect routine and get their brains engaged early, they tend to settle faster and learn more clearly over time.
If you try this tomorrow morning, tell me how it goes. 🐾

And save this so you don’t forget!!

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#puppytraining
#puppyroutine
#dogtrainingtips
#puppyparents
#FloridaDogTrainer

Puppy alert!! 🐶💛

Say hi to Anson, our newest member of the Hand & Paw Pack! ✈️

Right now we’re building the foundations that make puppy (and owners!) life easier:
☆Confidence in new places + new things
☆ Engagement (checking in + choosing the handler)
☆ Settle skills + learning to self-soothe on a placeboard

Small reps. Big results. This is how calm, well-mannered dogs are raised. So excited to be apart of this golden boys life! 🙌

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#PuppyTraining
#FloridaDogTrainer
#PortRichey
#TampaBayDogs
#GoldenRetrieverPuppy

Aries putting in the work with Kronk and helping him tackle his reactivity!

When Kronk first came to Hand & Paw, he was a bundle of nerves!! Unsure of himself and reactive to pretty much anything that moved.

With consistency and confidence-building, this boy has bloomed. He’s warming up to people, settling into new environments so much faster, and even holding it together around other dogs.

Proud of you, buddy!! 🐾

#dogtraining #reactivedog #confidencetraining #handandpawdogs #dogtrainerlife #pascoflorida #floridadogtrainer #tampadogtrainer #dogbehavior #dogrehab

And no, it's not that Sunnys reactivity was magically cured.

✨ Did you know that when dogs are learning, the thinking part of their brain (the cerebral cortex) is activated?
When this part is engaged, dogs are more likely to stay in problem-solving mode instead of slipping into knee-jerk fear or reactivity. 🧠

Sunny is usually reactive, but during this training walk something amazing happened… he saw not one, but two big triggers: a Cat and a Stranger. Normally, that would’ve set him off. But this time? No reaction. His parents even said, “Woah! Who is this dog??"

Why? Because by practicing loose leash walking and focusing on his handler, Sunny’s brain was busy learning so he didn’t fall back into reactive habits when he saw his usual triggers. That’s the power of training! 🙌🐾 Look at that proud smile!

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#dogtraining#reactivedog#looseleashwalking#dogreactivity#positivereinforcementtraining#tampadogtrainer
#dogdad#lifewithdogs#mydogisreactive#puppytraining#dogtips#dogtrainerlife#trainingjourney#calmdog#dogbehavior

Baby girl Chai says Good morning!

After Chai showed signs of being scared of the water (what kind of poodle is that, right?) I knew I had to dedicate an entire day to making the experience positive and stress-free.

With the help of an amazing friend and a confident teacher dog, (Kylie & Saige ofc), We started small, just a quiet inlet at the beach. We kept things fun, encouraging Chai at her own pace and celebrating each little victory. By the end of the day, she was splashing around in my pool at home, and with the addition of a life jacket to build her swimming confidence even further, she even started jumping in!! (with a little coaxing, of course)

Overall, it was an amazing day filled with learning, and Chai loved it! Im so proud of her progress.

📷: @borderboundhaven

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#poodle #poodledockdiving #dockdiving #dockdivingdog #desensitization #dogtraining #doggyswimminglessons

Did you know I also work with alligators and reptiles?

My background in animal behavior extends beyond dogs!!
I work hands-on with exotic wildlife, including Florida’s iconic reptiles - The alligator!🐊

This experience has deepened my understanding of animal body language, communication, and behavior management, all of which I apply to every dog I work with.

Whether it’s building confidence in a nervous puppy or addressing reactivity, my approach is grounded in calm, consistent handling and real-world experience.

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#Meetyourtrainer #animalbehaviorexpert #dogtraining #HandAndPawDogs #Tampadogtrainer #alligatorhandler #professionaldogtraining#Dogtrainingthatworks #animalscience#alligator#crocodile

Why I Do What I Do!

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a dog thrive and an owner finally breathe easy.
I train because I love helping dogs reach their full potential and giving families the peace of mind that comes with a well-behaved, confident companion.

Whether it’s a wild puppy, a reactive dog, or just a pup who needs some manners .... I’m here to help turn stress into success. ✨

📩 Book your free consultation today and let’s bring out the best in your dog.

#DogTraining #Peaceofmind #Puppytraining #Reactivedoghelp #HandAndPawDogs #Dogtrainernearme #betterbehaviorbetterlife #Tampadogtrainer #portricheyfl #clearwater

From barks to brilliance! Meet Gizmo, the feisty Rat Terrier who graduated from our Puppy Program with flying colors. She mastered Place, impulse control, potty training, recall, sit, down, and stay! plus, we tackled her door barking like a pro. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Way to go, Gizmo!

#Puppytraining #HandAndPawDogs #Dogtrainingjurney #ratterrier

Zzzz, she's growing so fast. If you blink, you'll miss it!!

This was taken a week ago, and she's already HUGE! Her fur is growing long, too!

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#showprospect#showpoodle#standardpoodlepuppy#poodlepuppy#poodlelove#puppies#poodle#creampoodlepuppy#creampoodle#showlinespoo#showdog#showdogs

Oh sweet, Honey Chai ♡♡

I'm back out on the town taking advantage of her socialization period. Her breeder said she was fearless, and she wasn't kidding! This puppy takes everything with stride and loves every person she's met. She'll have her first AKC showing at 6 months, and im excited to see where this journey takes us!

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Happy Easter!!!
I have something exciting to announce, which might mean I'll be more active on here very soon! 🐩

Had an awesome weekend with this Goober! Love having a dog that I'm able to explore with. ♡
Swipe for some water fun ft. My terrible throw hurhur

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I wish that I could say that there's no better place than home
But home's a place that I have never known
That's why we're on the run~

Happy Halloween everyone!! 🎃
Stay safe & remember you are loved! 😊

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Under the Magnolia Tree rests an old soul 🍁

Aries has been a little devil as he discovers his chompers! Seems as though crunchy leaves satisfy his bloodlust, thank goodness! 🦇
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I ain’t afraid of no ghosts🕷

Continuing our exposure training and proofing basic commands anywhere and everywhere! 🎃

/╲/\╭( ͡°͡° ͜ʖ ͡°͡°)╮/\╱\

Aries is almost 12 weeks already!! 🎃 These past few weeks have been really crazy, and Aries has been an absolute sweetheart throughout everything! Very Thankful for how smoothly things are going during a time of chaos in my life, his doofy face makes me smile every time 😄

📷: @serviceblossomduo🌸
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Aries in his puppy stroller! 🌝
The stroller has been such an amazing tool! He’s able to watch and process things through the comfort and safety of the basket. Since Aries is under 4 months he hasn’t had his full vaccinations yet, making him susceptible to illness. The stroller allows the freedom to utilize the important 12 week imprinting period to get him exposed to as many sights, sounds and stimulates as possible!
While being exposed to new stimulus in the stroller we create positive associations by standing back from the stimulus and slowly working our way up. Being sure to reward for calm behavior, fearful behavior is to be completely ignored. Take your time and don’t progress until your puppy is ready. If your puppy doesn’t calm upon realizing there’s nothing to fear, remove promptly from the situation. Fear association can be impacted just as much as the positive associations during this critical period.

Aries has been an absolute super star! He takes his time processing things and then plays and noms on his toys in the stroller basket. He’s been a dream to work with and I’m beyond excited to see him bloom! 🐾🍂

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Aries turns 11 weeks today!!! 🥳
Time sure is flying with him and I see him doubling in size every week! 🐏
He’s doing amazing with his socializing schedule and I have about 2 weeks left to get him out and about. Other than socialization and generalizing basic commands like sit and down, we’ve been working with confidence building on different odd or wobbling surfaces. I’m really taking my time to build a foundation of quick recovery and confidence with anything that’s thrown at him while out.
During our outings he stays in the safety of his Stroller and taken out for less than 5 minutes to work on engagement and generalizing those basic commands in a new environment.
Puppies hit a fear period around 16 weeks of age, during that time I plan on introducing more commands and letting him be a goofy puppy! As always stay tuned to watch lil Aries grow up!
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Aries had a blast at a fall festival today! We met a lot of different fun people, rummaged through a Pumpkin patch and got a little lost in a Corn maze! 🌽🌽 🎃

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𝒯𝒶𝑔𝓈 :⁣⁣
#roughcollie#servicedogcollie#collie#mahoganycollie#collielovers#colliesofinstagram#dogsdaily#doglover#puppy#puppies#cute#dog#dogs#petsagram#servicedogsofinstagram#servicedog#servicedogintraining#sdit#borderlineservicedog#dogtraining#psychiatricservicedog#workingdog#pumpkinpatch#halloween#spooky#fall#fallfestival
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Baby Aries’s introduction to the Wobble cushion!
It’s a great confidence builder especially for young puppies!💫🐏

Some engagement training at the Arcade! Training at the arcade is alot of fun especially kicking some butt at InitialD while she practices her down stays. Its typically very loud in here (so she cant hear my verbal commands) so we rely a lot on body language as a team to communicate!
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Shes a foxy lady 🦊

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#aussiesofinstagram#aussiepuppy#redmerleaussie#aussie#redmerle#puppiesofinstagram#puppies#australianshepherd#dogsofinstagram#dogstagram#dogsofinsta#aestheticdogs#naturedog#aussielovers#servicedog#servicedogintraining#sdit#psdit#servicedoggear#kitsune#fox
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Definitely miss being able to go outside 😣
Since we’ve been quarantined indie finally went into her first heat!
She definitely hit a growth spurt and has started filling out a bit more! Super exciting stuff!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀
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My Flower Girl 🌻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Went to St. Augustine for Valentine’s Day! Had an amazing time and so did puppy, she definitely got a lot of new toys and treats! 💕 (including new ear bows! 🎀) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A couple of spookie gals ☠️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ — — —
Indie hit a fear period recently so I’ve been taking things slow with her, keeping PA with her short and sweet and doing confidence building exercises with her at home. A few days ago I took her out for an all day excursion and she did phenomenal! ❀
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Landed back safely in Florida! The trip definitely made me realize I want to travel more, I’m digging down into Indies training.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A Meerkat and a Badger in their natural habitat! 🐾 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Red Queens ♦️♥️ Indie is definitely going to miss Maisley! These two were two peas in a pod and would never stop playing! 💕💕 ❀
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Indie and Cloudy B ☁️ Thanks cloud for dealing with indies relentless energy! We’re gonna miss you! ❀
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This girl is an actual angel. Shes doing great with her training. Plus she’s been the most amazing travel buddy 🐾
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Killing it on the touge 🎌 Arcade style! ❀
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Last bit of our camping trip 🌿
She really blew me away how she handled this trip with such confidence! Maybe a little too much confidence 😂
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Inside voices!!! 🗣🐾 This was taken when Indie was just over 2 Months old and shes gotten so much bigger already I can hardly hold her like this anymore! ⁣
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Dog Training in Port Richey, FL

No More Puppy Blues

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Hand & Paw Dogs