Commander Paw is a Beachwood based professional ex military dog trainer.
Sam Jessel
Hi! My name is Sam Jessel and I am a professional dog trainer. I have over 10 years of experience as a dog trainer, including 3 years serving as a commander in the Israeli K-9 special forces unit, specifically working with bomb-sniffing dogs.
It doesn’t matter what age, kind, or level your dog is at. Whether you are a new dog parent looking for some basic training and would like to incorporate advanced command training, or looking to correct any kind of obscure behavior or aggression.
I offer both in-person and virtual training to fit your specific needs. Write me a message, Call Text or Schedule your free 10-minute consultation and let’s see how I can help you!
My Values and Approach
It’s All About Chemistry
Strengthening the chemistry between you and your dog is my top priority. I believe that every dog owner’s first goal should be to “try and become the person your dog thinks you are.” Through positive reinforcement, I will teach your dog how to express and behave to the best of the dog's ability.
Customized Regimen
Every dog is different so my goal is to make sure I get to know you and your dog’s needs before anything else. With my background experience in training army dogs, I have been fortunate enough to meet all kinds of dogs with an array of different personalities. From super timid to extremely hyper, traumatized to tough and aggressive dogs. I’m happy to work with any and all backgrounds. By looking at every aspect to understand the whole situation I can assess what kind of training is best fitted for your pup.
Lifestyle Routine
Like us, dogs need a regular and steady lifestyle. When I meet your dog, I first try to create a routine for them and think about what is the highest priority. Is your dog getting enough sleep? Do they have enough food? How comfortable are they around your home? And then I get into aspects of training such as is your dog listening to you? Have you been able to interact with them indoors and outdoors? How can you connect with them in all aspects? And from there, we get into the specific needs of what you and your dog would like to work on!
Why positive reinforcement dog training
Embraced by veterinary professionals worldwide, positive reinforcement dog training stands as the pinnacle of effective methodologies. By accentuating the nurturing of good behavior over punitive measures, this approach cultivates a harmonious rapport between canine and owner. Through the strategic dispensation of rewards, dogs are incentivized to embody desired behaviors, fostering trust and alleviating fear. The result? A transformational journey towards a well-mannered, confident companion.
Can dog training help with aggression?
Addressing canine aggression requires a comprehensive approach rooted in professional training methodologies. As a seasoned trainer, I employ positive reinforcement techniques to delve into the underlying causes of aggression, whether rooted in fear, territorial instincts, or socialization deficits. By meticulously identifying triggers and understanding the intricate nuances of canine behavior, I lay the foundation for effective behavior modification strategies.
Through patient guidance and structured training sessions, I empower dogs to navigate their environment confidently. Utilizing gradual desensitization and teaching alternative, desirable behaviors such as obedience commands and appropriate social interactions, I foster a transformative journey towards behavioral harmony.
Moreover, I recognize the pivotal role of ongoing education and support for dog owners. By imparting valuable insights into their dog's behavior and equipping them with practical strategies for managing and preventing aggression, I strive to create a safer and more fulfilling life for both canine companions and their families under my guidance.
What People Are Saying
“Sam is an incredible dog trainer! He really takes the time to get to know you and your dog, to connect and understand what’s happening for him in a deep way. I didn’t just learn new ways to respond to some of my dogs difficult behavior, but got to know my dog better. It’s really changed the dynamic between us and I feel more at ease and confident with him. I’d definitely recommend working with Sam!!”
— Ayelet Mailinsky
“Scheduling a consultation with Sam may have been the best decision I made for me and my dog. You can’t miss the level of attention to detail and the emotional understanding that Sam reaches in his interactions with dogs. After one meeting of Sam with Lewis, my Belgian Shepherd, I already felt his mental health was improving and his social connection was miraculously strengthened. I will definitely continue to meet with Sam to train my dog and learn more.”
— Omri Kfir
“Sam is so great. We did a 3 part session with him to learn tips and tools to combat leash pulling, master good recall, etc. His schedule is very flexible and prices are fair. He used his knowledge from training army dogs to train our family dog! Would definitely recommend and I'd use him again for any further problems I encounter with Lennon!”
—Stem