Editorial Review of
Pawtopia
Pawtopia is a San Diego-based dog-training company run by two friends - Colleen Demling and Zoe Stathis. Founded by Demling, who has over 6500 hours of HANDS ON dog training experience, Pawtopia does not follow a single method to train dogs. Instead, they believe that like people, all dogs learn differently. They desire for customers and their dogs to be successful, so they customers and their dogs to discuss their goals. Demling and Stathis then use their dog training expertise and their knowledge of different methodologies to develop a personalized training program that fits customers and their pets. Demling trained Service Dogs for Canine Companions for Independence and is one of only a handful of trainers in San Diego that is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Stathis is an expert in a range of training methods, having successfully taught everything from potty training to correcting severe aggression. She uses a hands-on approach that emphasizes motivation and structure in order to help dogs and their owners succeed. Pawtopia also believe that owners are the most vital component of their dog’s training. As a result, Demling and Stathis not only teach the dogs, but also show owners how to develop and manage new behaviors as well as address bad habits. Pawtopia offers either group classes or private training and is flexible regarding timing and schedules.