Pawsitively Pets, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Eick-Miller, a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Pet Dog Trainer. Amanda has been providing behavior services and assisting with veterinary behavioral consultations for over 10 years in addition to running clicker training classes for both adult dogs and puppies. As a registered veterinary technician, she has a unique background that includes formal education in veterinary nursing, animal behavior and learning, behavioral modification therapies, and pharmacology.

Ms. Eick-Miller speaks at various national conferences on animal behavior and veterinary technician utilization in addition to contributing to upcoming veterinary texts and journals. She is also an adjunct faculty member of the AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program at Kent State University - Tuscarawas campus.

How did you decide to offer these specific services?

The services I decided to provide were based on the conversations I had every day with clients in the veterinary office. People were embarrassed by their pet’s bad behavior and they didn’t want to talk about it. No one wants to admit their cat has been urinating on the carpet for 3 years or that their dog chews up the furniture every time they leave the house. Most often people were unaware that help was available to them and that there were often solutions to their problems that didn’t involve euthanizing the pet or placing it in another home.

Behavior and training problems are the number one reason animals are killed every day in the United States. Many people live with animals that have serious behavior problems that can be managed with proper information and training, but that information needs to be usable and accessible. As a technician I can help clients talk to their veterinarian about behavior as well as implement recommendations in cases of separation anxiety, aggression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other diagnosed behavior problems.

Why day training over traditional group classes?

In talking to different people about training classes many said they did go 1 or 2 times but then stopped because they were embarrassed or because they were uncomfortable with the training methods used. Others commented that it was too difficult to attend regular classes with their children’s extracurricular events.

When visiting pets and their families at home, pets relax more quickly and are more apt to show off their ‘bad’ behaviors. Pets that had behaved well in class show their true colors in their natural environment. The training process also goes more quickly since we are able to work with the actual problem in the environment where the problem occurs. We can use the real doorbell sound, real street noises, actual cat carrier, and other items to set up scenarios that imitate everyday activities.

It is also extremely helpful to see where the pet lives, what toys it has, where it exercises, and how it interacts with its family. This gives me a huge amount of information that I use to formulate the training plan. Meeting all members of the family is important as well to get a complete picture of the pet’s behavior and relationship with each individual. Family members are also able to ask more questions and receive individualized coaching on the techniques used. Achieving that level of customer service is not readily achievable in a group setting.

What should clients expect?

“When you schedule an appointment expect me to arrive promptly, if not 5 minutes early! Have your pet available and don’t be afraid to let them do their normal greeting routine - even if it involves barking and jumping. I want to see what you see every day. Get your treats or toys ready and keep your leash or cat carrier handy. I usually come in, sit down, and ask lots of questions including what you would like the pet to do instead of the behavior he/she is doing. Then we’ll go over a training plan and get to work!

Questions are always encouraged - no matter what they are! I’m always accessible to my clients via email or phone and I love getting updates and pictures!

To schedule an appointment with Pawsitively Pets, LLC:

Call: 330-347-3006
E-mail: Amanda@PawsitivelyPetsOhio.com