https://www.abalanceddog.com/aboutus daily 0.75 2026-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1688481947334-VSCX9R1KIIXY72HP71EE/PXL_20230514_220303847.jpg About Us Shannon with Ivan Balabanov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1688481994433-MNE9DG82VDWON1C3SNIZ/IMG_8737%2B%25281%2529.jpg About Us Shannon with her dog Tanner working with Jay Jack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1769547980149-YD75HNYENNIY91Z3IPCL/PXL_20250413_211640600.jpg About Us Shannon with her dog Baz & Jay Jack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1769548035411-EL6FGMWXC0ZSRWS9BCC9/PXL_20221002_170649061.jpg About Us Shannon with Larry Krohn, Jay Jack, and Joel Silverman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/a7ba8580-14e0-4a41-8b3a-a13733cf562f/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20201014170648597.jpg About Us - Shannon Owner/Trainer Shannon has over 13 years of experience in the Animal Industry. She graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science & Technology from the University of Rhode Island. She has interned with Animal Control, volunteered in the shelter, and worked as a Veterinary Technician at a local animal hospital. She was then employed as an assistant trainer to a well-established trainer. There she worked with dogs all breeds and sizes, in training that ranged from basic obedience to working with severe behavioral imbalance such as dog/human aggression. She also worked at a kennel as a dog daycare manager for 5 years. There, she worked with dogs of all breeds- creating and controlling large socialization groups. It was between working as a trainer and as a daycare attendant she saw how she wanted to create a business using a combination of the two. So in the summer of 2016 she started booking her first clients and A Balanced Dog was born. In her free time, Shannon enjoys participating and competing in various sports with her dogs. From weight pull, to dock dive, disc, agility, barn hunt, and fast CAT. Shannon plans to get involved in GRC with her newest puppy this year. In May of 2024 Shannon was invited to attend the Westminster Dog Show to compete in dock dive with Kona and they won 1st place! Then in October 2024 Shannon and Piper qualified for the Fast CAT invitationals where Piper became the 3rd fastest Labrador Retriever in the country. Shannon is also pet first aid and CPR certified through Pet Emergency Education and she’s a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. She frequently attends various dog training seminars throughout the year to continue her education as well as takes training classes with her own dogs to train them in various sports and expand her knowledge there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/bde90061-3e75-4791-b884-9b3636661fec/image1.jpg About Us - Tori Assistant Trainer Tori has always loved being around animals, she grew up around dogs, horses, and livestock. Through out high school she was very active in her schools Future Farmers of America program as well as agricultural classes and her electrical career and tech program. In one of those classes she learned about veterinary science and became pet first aid and CPR certified. In 2018 she got her first dog, a boxer named Pepper and in 2019 she adopted her soul dog Brex a staffy mix. She enjoyed training with both of her dogs and seeing their progress. Brex was the proof that old dogs can learn new tricks. In 2021 she began her journey into the dog training world working under a well-established trainer as a kennel attendant and assistant trainer. She worked there for 2 years, during her time there she worked with dogs of various breeds and sizes and training from basic obedience to severe behavioral cases. Despite working for a trainer that used purely positive methods Tori used balanced methods with her own dogs at home. Tori decided she wanted to advance her skills with balanced training methods and joined the A Balanced Dog team in 2023. Unfortunately she does not have either of the two wonderful dogs who got her into training anymore Pepper leaving her in mid 2022 and Brex passing away in October 2023. In November 2023 Tori traveled down to Ohio to pick up her new side kick a female fox red lab puppy named Tig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/4890a216-e840-4d41-a709-269d3a48490f/Saturday-_Card_2A-__130-230-_dsc_0830%5B1%5D.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/64dbaa31-aa01-4174-9023-1e5bc3ead3e5/Piper-+Saturday-+Card+2A-+DSC_0677.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1581527998607-BIGNXL9IYXRYYGNJN2RO/00100lPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190724134114716_COVER.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/11a2fb61-e9d5-4d43-851b-75fbb1a56eac/Sunday-+12-1PM-+Card+2A-dsc_0709.jpg About Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/2f3c02db-af1f-4320-9bd6-8133ab638827/1000011446.jpg About Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/2c38a1f3-f135-40fd-8bdf-6eb9a54b6119/PXL_20220105_130412056.jpg About Us https://www.abalanceddog.com/contactus daily 0.75 2024-03-27 https://www.abalanceddog.com/board-and-train daily 0.75 2022-03-24 https://www.abalanceddog.com/home daily 1.0 2023-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/2c87af80-3cff-4225-a7b2-86f240378452/received_912636739095952.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/05c04023-8c23-47f0-abdf-75f94bdec82e/processed_1000000872.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/809e854f-72a3-426c-969c-5d989c420fcf/processed_1000001230.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/decc2c69-031a-402c-ae41-2ad3925b6047/20170511_120304.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/987d73c6-d6b3-4c6a-8205-9e58f862214d/processed_1000002216.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/c28e19cd-a491-44a7-b864-5dca6666aabf/1000023852.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/438ef96c-39c0-46c3-82f3-419dc516f0e6/20211002_112126.jpg Home - "I've tried treats. I've tried classes. I've watched YouTube. My dog still pulls/reacts/ignores me. I need something more comprehensive." We do not believe there is any one specific method to dog training that works for every dog. Training here at A Balanced Dog is custom tailored to each individual dog. We know that every dog is different, and what works for one dog may work differently for another. We call ourselves “A Balanced Dog” because that is what we believe dog training is all about- balance. https://www.abalanceddog.com/services daily 0.75 2024-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1580159124987-75J9IOXF727LEK7HC2K1/received_1171121216404100.jpeg Services - Board and Train Our most popular and successful service! Your dog comes to live with us for a more intensive training. Training is custom tailored to the needs of each individual dog. Length is typically between 2-4 weeks depending on age and what we are looking to accomplish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1580229486562-HY0HQ68IN010CFUV7VH1/20180814_173949.jpg Services - Private Sessions Options for owners to bring their dogs to our facility for 1 on 1 training. We also offer travel either to the clients home, or to a local meeting spot such as the park. A session typically lasts an hour and are scheduled as needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/c767dccb-93b1-488c-b36d-72b60794512c/20211024_101932.jpg Services - Group Classes We offer a variety of different group classes and seminars throughout the year! From puppy classes, to leash walking, to advanced training. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/9cb15318-68d0-45db-b5cb-79d8475a2087/PXL_20220111_163253253+%281%29.jpg Services - Day Training Dogs get dropped off in the morning, spend the day with us training and socializing, then get picked up in the evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/6f4adac3-6e6b-4f59-85da-da78db0c7267/received_1253613965161744.jpg Services - Consultation Not sure what program would be best for your dog? Want to meet us and have an evaluation before committing to training? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/555251c6-8cf4-477f-ba30-1490892b0ba7/PXL_20230117_140907239.jpg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1580228624742-YAE9184LT3XOUQZ0YO79/00000IMG_00000_BURST20190723151252954_COVER.jpg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1580228455065-UMACANABRLLYM8YW2E20/00100lPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190403175755487_COVER.jpg Services https://www.abalanceddog.com/boardandtrain daily 0.75 2025-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1581044870139-54H0LQ8149J28O3GB7OR/20171004_180937.jpg Board and Train | A Balanced Dog LLC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1614627979141-IER2DZXSQJQZFF5OE0SL/grorgie.jpg Board and Train | A Balanced Dog LLC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/98d4d305-de06-47fe-9928-823439d8870d/PXL_20211212_192704559.jpg Board and Train | A Balanced Dog LLC - 1-2 week Refresher course We get it, sometimes life gets busy and as time goes on you may let things slide and it reflects in the dogs behavior! This program is only for dogs who have previously gone through the board and train and are looking to either further their skills, or need some help getting them back on track. Cost and length is dependent on what we are working on: ($85/day + tax) A few examples of why owners chose to do the refresher course later: Some owners send their dogs who had been trained as puppies and now they want to add e-collar training or other further training now that the dog is an adult. Some owners have admittedly slacked and need help getting their dogs back on track. Some have added another dog (or even human) to the family and want to set the dogs up for success. https://www.abalanceddog.com/privatesessions daily 0.75 2024-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/723bd43c-d7e9-4106-9b87-be13e77eb96b/received_383529809993089.jpeg Private Sessions - Private sessions We have options for you to come to our facility for sessions as well as options where we travel to to the clients home, or to a local meeting spot. We discuss goals and what it will take to accomplish them. Depending on what we are addressing, we show owners approaches to resolve problems. Then we will come up with a plan for owners to practice on their own while the trainer is not there. We will work out a schedule and plan tailored to your dog. With private sessions there is a lot of responsibility on the owners part to take the information learned and make training a lifestyle. You cannot simply meet with a trainer once a week and expect results. Time and effort needs to be put in even when we are not there to help. https://www.abalanceddog.com/groupclasses daily 0.75 2025-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1581041832396-ULDWL42ZC67CFVCIJJM8/received_1204806916380645.jpeg Group Classes Our high distraction group class is dedicated to help any and all dogs learn to walk properly and be calm in distracting environments. This class is meant to teach overly friendly dogs that they don’t need to play with everyone they meet. It is also for reactive and aggressive dogs to have a safe environment to overcome their issues. Dogs are not allowed to meet each other on leash, and we also ask the humans not to touch other dogs. This allows for everyone to be kept safe so dogs can be successful. We welcome anyone in need of help to come to a class. No previous training required. Price is $25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/9ee02ce8-6513-4a1f-ba2e-8cc1ff8c8883/image.jpg Group Classes - Some types of exercises we do in class: Passing through other dogs without reacting- working on proximity. Walking together as a group (pack walk). Walking past and ignoring other distractions (loud noises, bikes, people, squeaky toys, etc.). Walking properly on a loose leash without pulling/lunging/barking. We will be adding some different elements to each class- bouncing basketballs, riding bikes by, have an off leash dog running through, children running around! We have even featured a pet bunny in the class before! Each class will have a surprise! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/b123823e-b708-4499-ba52-0215d0de5091/20210914_183522.jpg Group Classes - Our advanced group class is great for dogs that have either graduated our board and train program, have attended many level 1 classes, or have had prior training. This class is similar to our level 1 class, just harder! So we have more difficult distractions, ask for more impulse control from our dogs, and add on some new exercises. Some exercises we will do in the class: Place or down/stay a distance away and around distractions Recall your dog past other dogs More complicated leash walking drills around other dogs On or off leash heel through more distracting environments And much more! We will often change the location of this class to practice in different high distraction areas Cost is $25 Still unsure what to expect? Take a look at our video below! https://www.abalanceddog.com/thank-you-for-contacting-us daily 0.75 2021-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/1581040949483-HI7UB63KX99NW1M70K48/MVIMG_20190701_122755.jpg Thank You for Contacting Us https://www.abalanceddog.com/faqs daily 0.75 2024-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/e9d055a6-8d32-4b5c-8ba4-5c8a2361b1c4/png_20220211_111937_0000.png FAQ + Testimonials - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.abalanceddog.com/daytraining daily 0.75 2025-03-16 https://www.abalanceddog.com/boarding daily 0.75 2025-03-16 https://www.abalanceddog.com/dayschool daily 0.75 2025-03-16 https://www.abalanceddog.com/consultation daily 0.75 2023-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/26c7d181-9ec1-4ab3-acc8-3fdd23a907c1/PXL_20220318_182430567.PORTRAIT.jpg Consultation https://www.abalanceddog.com/tourfacility daily 0.75 2024-03-27 https://www.abalanceddog.com/home-1 daily 0.75 2026-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/4ef78fc6-2e3b-4556-acf3-c29d969b07c7/received_1253613965161744.jpg Philosophy - At A Balanced Dog, we believe effective dog training is about more than teaching a dog what to do. It is about creating clear communication, reliable boundaries, and a cohesive relationship in which both the dog and owner understand each other. We take a balanced approach to training, meaning we use both reinforcement and appropriate consequences to teach and maintain behavior. We believe dogs should be rewarded for making good choices, while also understanding that unwanted behaviors have appropriate consequences. Every dog is different, and there is no single training tool or technique that works for every dog. We consider the dog's temperament, behavior, environment, learning history, and the goals of the owner when developing a training plan. Our training toolbox may include food, toys, praise, play, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars, and other tools when appropriate. We do not practice a force-free training philosophy, and we do not believe that every behavior can or should be addressed through rewards alone. When training tools are used, we teach owners how to use them clearly, appropriately, and responsibly. Our goal is not to overwhelm a dog. Our goal is to create understanding and reliability in a way that makes sense to them. We want dogs to know what is expected of them, have the skills to make good choices, and be able to successfully navigate the real world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e2b7fc0bc46660b831f4ce1/9cc167e9-5454-4cdc-8346-1620dbd0d8ae/PXL_20230413_152458940.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg Philosophy - We train both ends of the leash A well-trained dog is only part of the equation. Owners need to understand how to communicate clearly, reinforce good behavior, set appropriate boundaries, and follow through consistently. That's why owner education is an important part of every training program. We don't want your dog to simply behave for us—we want you to understand how to maintain that behavior when your dog comes home. Our goal is simple: a dog you can communicate with, trust, and enjoy in everyday life. If you are specifically looking for a force-free or rewards-only training program, we may not be the right fit for you—and that's okay. We would rather be upfront about our approach so that you can choose a trainer whose philosophy aligns with your goals and expectations. Here at A Balanced Dog we are very transparent about our work. We document and show everything that we do through photos and videos that get posted on our social media stories. We want people to not only see what we are doing along with how and why it works, but to also take this content and learn how to help their own dogs succeed! https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork daily 0.75 2026-09-24 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/9p5gzzpcltnwkhg3yy6skbm5mgt9hk monthly 0.5 2026-09-24 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/9lka37nts3egagclnf9ty4yy4mlfkx monthly 0.5 2022-10-21 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/lola-before-after monthly 0.5 2022-07-25 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/savannah-before-after monthly 0.5 2022-07-25 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/podrick-jinora-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-07-25 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/p9e4stzfrr87p7ln6t9e47d37cfc2e monthly 0.5 2022-07-25 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/oscar-off-leash-heel monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/gxwz7zr845cmkdp3bk8sykpyrh37fb monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/charley-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/xydh74pg2wbpfx9c7wrgnfzy599z8r monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/luna-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/noodle-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/bentley-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/jah-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/sammy-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/5-month-old-teddy monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/esl5gld9xyjn8xsyayg6phph5lj9ry monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/kodas-board-and-train monthly 0.5 2022-04-20 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/pepper-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-06 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/pearl-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-06 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/donovan-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-06 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/otis-before-and-after monthly 0.5 2022-04-06 https://www.abalanceddog.com/ourwork/v/hosted-with-custom-z9ehj-dk54m-ds939 monthly 0.5 2022-04-06