About the Trainer:

Progressive Canine Dog Training is owned and operated by Lynne Panno, a balanced trainer known for her calm, structured approach and clear communication with both dogs and owners. Lynne works with all breeds, with strong experience in Rottweilers and other working dogs, and is particularly skilled at helping dogs develop stability, confidence, and reliable obedience.

Training Philosophy:

• Fair, balanced training tailored to each dog
• Building confidence, engagement, and real-world reliability
• Prioritizing clear communication and owner education
• Structured programs designed to support the unique needs of strong working breeds
   

Private Training
One-on-one sessions tailored to the dog’s needs, focusing on obedience, manners, and handler communication.

Group Classes
Structured group lessons for socialization, distraction work, obedience practice, and handler engagement in a controlled environment.

Behavior Modification
Lynne specializes in addressing:

• Reactivity
• Fear-based behaviors
• Impulse control issues
• Confidence deficits
   

Aggression Specialization
Lynne is experienced in working with dogs showing:

• Human Aggression
• Dog-dog Aggression
• Resource Guarding
• Territorial or Environmental Aggression
   

Programs are designed to rebuild trust, create clarity, and help dogs learn safe, appropriate behavior patterns.

Lynne has extensive hands-on experience with Rottweilers, understanding their intelligence, sensitivity, and working temperament. Her structured, fair training style helps Rottweilers become stable, well-mannered companions and reliable working partners.

About the Trainer:

Route 20 Dog Training is owned and operated by Sarah Nichols, a balanced trainer specializing in real-world obedience and clear communication between dog and owner. Sarah works with all breeds but has extensive experience with Rottweilers, helping dogs become confident, neutral, and reliable in everyday environments.

Training Philosophy:

• Balanced training with fair, consistent communication
• Focus on clarity, confidence-building, and reliability on and off leash
• Emphasis on educating the owner as much as the dog
• Tools used thoughtfully and responsibly to achieve long-lasting results

Programs include:

• 4-Week On-Leash Board & Train – foundational obedience, leash manners, structure, and household skills
• 6-Week Off-Leash Board & Train – full on- and off-leash reliability using e-collar communication
• 12-Week Puppy Board & Train – crate training, socialization, environmental exposure, obedience fundamentals, and confidence building

Each Board & Train includes thorough owner coaching to ensure success continues at home.
 

Special Experience With Rottweilers:
Sarah has raised, trained, and worked with multiple Rottweilers through obedience, neutrality work, confidence building, and reliable household manners. She understands the breed’s sensitivity, drive, and working potential.

Paws Up! Complete Dog Training is owned and operated by Kara Kulpa, a certified professional dog trainer with extensive experience in obedience, behavior modification, and a variety of working dog sports. Kara has taught and assisted in training programs across Connecticut and Massachusetts and enjoys helping dogs and owners build strong, confident partnerships.

She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator, a judge for United States Canine Scent Sports and Happy Ratters, and has experience working with fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs. Her journey into training began with her rescued Rottweiler/GSD/Husky mix, Angelus, whose behavioral challenges inspired her commitment to science-based training.

• Positive, science-based reinforcement methods
• Individualized training focused on each dog’s emotional, physical, and behavioral needs
• Emphasis on communication, confidence building, and clear expectations
• Proofing behaviors through duration, distraction, and distance
• Supportive, patient coaching for dogs and owners
   

Kara regularly pursues continuing education through seminars, conferences, and certifications to ensure her methods reflect the most current training and behavior science.

• Private Lessons
• Group Classes 
• Board & Train Programs
• Day Training
• Behavior Consultations
• Service Dog Training
• Virtual Consultations and Lessons
   

Kara trains and competes in:

• Nose Work
• Barn Hunt
• Weight Pull
• Trick Training
• Obedience & Rally
• Drafting & Herding Foundations
   

She also raises puppies for service dog organizations and volunteers with Dog Star Rescue, helping dogs and adopters succeed through supportive, relationship-centered training.

Paws Up! Complete Dog Training proudly serves the following counties in Connecticut:
Hartford, Tolland, Windham, Middlesex, Litchfield, New Haven, and New London.