A brown and white dog with a serious expression standing on a paved trail in a wooded area during fall, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves.

Helping You and Your Dog Live Better Together

I help with:

  • Leash skills, recall, and everyday manners

  • Reactivity, big feelings, and behavior challenges

  • Clear training plans you can actually follow.

So you can feel more confident handling real-life situations with your dog.

Based in Cape Girardeau, MO and serving surrounding areas, with virtual coaching available wherever you are.

Welfare-based dog training and behavior support grounded in science, compassion, and real-world practicality, with clear steps you can actually use.

A logo with the text 'Shelly Wood Dog Training and Behavior' in large, colorful letters, with a brown dog in a playful pose to the right.

Ways to Work Together

  • A woman in a green jacket and jeans plays with a brown and white dog in a grassy park during autumn, with trees in fall foliage in the background.

    Day Training

    A focused program where I work directly with your dog multiple times each week, then meet with you for bi-weekly transfer sessions. Together we build everyday skills that help interactions feel easier, calmer, and more successful, and we create a clear plan so you can maintain progress after the program ends.

  • A woman walking her dog on a paved trail in a forest during autumn, with yellow and brown leaves on the ground and trees.

    Walk & Train

    Structured training walks that blend skill practice with enrichment. I support your dog in practicing comfortable, cooperative leash walking and attention during real-world experiences, then share simple updates so you know what we practiced and how to keep things consistent.

  • A woman smiling outdoors with two dogs in an autumn setting, colorful fall foliage in the background, wearing casual clothes.

    Group Classes

    Fun, practical classes that teach real-life skills while supporting your dog’s emotional well-being. With small class sizes, clear training steps, and individualized coaching, you and your dog learn together in a supportive environment that builds confidence, connection, and everyday teamwork.

  • A woman kneeling on grass with autumn leaves and trees in the background, gently holding a dog's face while the dog looks at her.

    Private Coaching

    One-on-one sessions focused on your dog’s unique needs and your real-life goals. We work together to build practical skills, strengthen communication, and support your dog’s emotional well-being. Private Coaching is also a good fit for families navigating more complex behavior concerns that require individualized guidance.