Verified Professional Dog Trainer | 27+ Years Experience - Lawrence, IN

Verified Member since Dec 2024 Verified checkmark

At Big N Small Paws 317, I provide structured, results driven dog training for families in Lawrence, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas.

I am:
• American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator
• Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer
• 27+ Years Hands On Professional Experience

I specialize in obedience training, behavior modification, puppy foundation work, leash reactivity, impulse control, and real world reliability training.

Whether your dog needs:
• Basic manners and obedience
• Off leash control
• Reactivity work
• Confidence building
• Advanced structure and leadership
• Behavior correction in the home or public settings

Every program is customized to the individual dog. No cookie cutter methods. No guesswork.

My approach focuses on clear communication, structured leadership, and balanced training principles that create lasting obedience — not temporary compliance.

I work with dogs under 20 pounds to large working breeds over 80 pounds. I also regularly handle more challenging behavioral cases that require experienced guidance.

Mobile training options are available for in home sessions, and structured programs are offered for families who want deeper transformation and faster results.

My goal is simple:
Build calm, confident, obedient dogs that function reliably in the real world — not just in the training room.

If you’re ready for professional guidance and real results, book your session through Petworks today and let’s get started.


  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Bonded
  • Insured
  • BBB Accredited
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

4 Session Training Package
$ 600.00 Per Package book

Location:
- At Facility
- At Your Home (Additional travel fees may apply depending on your home address.)

4 Sessions of our 60-minute private session customized training plan.

Great for:

1. Learning and understanding basic obedience.

2. Working on 1-2 specific behavior problems:

- Sit / Stay

- Down

- Place

- Basic leash training

6 Session Training Package
$ 900.00 Per Package book

Location:
- At Facility
- At Your Home (Additional travel fees may apply depending on your home address.)

6 Sessions of our 60-minute private session customized training plan.

Great for:

1. Learning basic obedience

2.. Adding distractions

3.. Working on 2-3 specific behavior problems

- Advanced leash training

- Basic off-leash training

- Tempo

- Change in direction

- Distractions

- Long leash training & recall commands

8 Session Training Package
$ 1200.00 Per Package book

Location:
- At Facility
- At Your Home (Additional travel fees may apply depending on your home address.)

8 session custom

Obedience Training 8 session Training Package

Objectives Basic obedience Tune-up

Learning real-world obedience in public

- Sit

- Down

- Stay

- Leash manners

- purpose

- recall!!!

House obedience

- Purpose

- Place/Touch

- Threshold boundaries

- Greeting energy Advanced Training

- Duration Stay

- Barking

- reactivity

- Jumping

Travel fee calculated into the cost!

Special request as well!!

12 Session Training Package
$ 1800.00 Per Package book

Location:
- At Facility
- At Your Home (Additional travel fees may apply depending on your home address.)

12 Session Custom
Obedience Training 12 session Training package Objectives Basic obedience

Tune-up

- Sit - Down

- Stay

- Leash manners

- purpose

- recall!!!

House obedience

- Purpose

- Place/ Touch

- Threshold boundaries

- Greeting energy Advanced Training

- Duration Stay

- Public Socialization

- Dog socialization (real-life situations)

- Dogtra introduction (if requested)

- reactivity (introductory)

- Jumping

The Real World Scenarios 90 Day Package
$ 5500.00 Per Program book

This program is designed for busy clients who want a well-behaved dog but lack the time for training.

Training package 2-3 days per week of personalized training, 90 days (can be extended if needed)

Objectives Basic obedience
Tune-up
- Sit - Down
- Stay
- Leash manners
- purpose - recall!!!
- Heel House obedience
- Purpose
- Place/ Touch
- Threshold boundaries
- Greeting energy

Advanced Training
- Duration Stay
- Public Socialization (monon, fairs, parks, indoor places, etc)
- Dog socialization (real-life situations)
- Dogtra Training
- Proper play
- Off Leash
- backyard reactivity
- Jumping
- Front yard boundaries
- Monon Dogtra Training:
- basic obedience reinforcement
- sit, down, stay, recall
- off-leash - In-home behaviors
- Guest introductions
- Dog socialization
- impulse control, Personal request, people reactivity/dog reactivity, fine-tuned e-collar training
- off-leash command
- socialization
- release command/ recall

30-Day Board & Train
$ 2000.00 Per Package book

30-Day Board & Train
Obedience Training 30-day Board and Training package
2 follow-up sessions included Weekly check-ins available

Objectives Basic obedience

Tune-up

- Sit - Down

- Stay

- Leash manners

- purpose

- recall!!!

- Purpose

- Place/ Touch

- Threshold boundaries

- Greeting energy Advanced Training

- Duration Stay

- Dog socialization (real-life situations)

- Dogtra introduction (if requested)

- Proper play

- Dog reactivity/ people reactivity and prey drive control

- Confidence building

- Fear reactivity

- Aggression extra fees

Special request as well!!

Board & Train
$ 3000.00 Per Month book

45-Day Board & Train
Obedience Training 30-day Board and Training package
2 follow-up sessions included, Weekly check-ins available

Objectives Basic obedience

Tune-up

- Sit - Down

- Stay

- Leash manners

- purpose

- recall!!!

- Purpose

- Place/ Touch

- Threshold boundaries

- Greeting energy Advanced Training

- Duration Stay

- Dog socialization (real-life situations)

- Dogtra introduction (if requested)

- Proper play

- Dog reactivity/ people reactivity and prey drive control

- Confidence building

- Fear reactivity

Special request as well!!

Paws N' Pints
$ 300.00 Per 60 minutes book

Metazoa Group Training 6 Weeks Course Open
THE GOAL:

-Name Recognition

-Sit -Down

-Stay -Recall

-Loose Leash Walking

-Confidence-building around people and other dogs

-Positive socialization in public places

-Handling & Grooming Tolerance Membership Package

Pricing:

• Full Course (6 Weeks): $300

• Drop In Rate (if space allows): $60 per class

What's Included:

-Weekly 45-60 minutes group training sessions

-Take-home training tips and homework

-Trainer support between sessions

-Certification of completion

Requirements:

-Puppies must be 10 weeks of age

-Proof of Vaccinations required

A $45.00 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot, deducted from the total balance.

-Note: This class is not suitable for reactive or aggressive dogs. Please contact us for individual training options if your dog needs behavioral support.

June 7 10:00am
June 14 10:00am
June 21 10:00am

The Real World Scenarios 60 Day Package
$ 3500.00 Per Program book

The 60-day package consists of the following:
Obedience Training

Training package 2-3 days per week of personalized training 60 days (can be extended if needed). Objectives: Basic obedience, Tune-up

- Sit

- Down

- Stay

- Leash manners

- purpose

- recall!!!

- heel House obedience

- Purpose - Place/ Touch

- Threshold boundaries

- Greeting energy Advanced Training

- Duration Stay

- Public Socialization (monon, fairs, parks, indoor places, etc)

- Dog socialization (real-life situations)

- Dogtra Training

- Proper play

- Off Leash

- backyard reactivity

- Jumping

- Front yard boundaries

- Monon Dogtra Training:

- basic obedience reinforcement

- sit, down, stay, recall

- off-leash - In-home behaviors

- Guest introductions

- Dog socialization

- Impulse control, Personal request, people reactivity/dog reactivity

- fine-tuned e-collar training

- off-leash command

- socialization

- release command/recall
$3500

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Dog Obedience Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • E-Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Praise/Affection
  • Prong Collar
  • Slip Lead
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • American Kennel Club Temperament Test (ATT) Certified
  • Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)
  • PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Noblesville, Westfield, Avon, Plainfield, Beech Grove, Franklin, Zionsville Indiana

What year did you begin serving pets?

2019

How did you hone your craft?

I honed my craft through a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and mentorship. I spent countless hours not just practicing, but analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and why. I’ve taken the time to study others at the top of their field, adapt techniques, and stay current with industry trends. But most importantly, I stayed committed to showing up every day with discipline, curiosity, and the mindset that there’s always room to improve.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Consistency is everything. One of the biggest things I’ve learned as a professional is that dogs thrive on routine, clear communication, and follow-through. If you ask for a behavior, be ready to reinforce it every time—whether you’re training a basic command or managing behavior in real life. Mixed signals create confusion, but consistency builds confidence, trust, and results. Don’t worry about being perfect—just be consistent.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I treat every dog like they’re part of my own pack. Whether we’re working on obedience or just building trust, I’m fully invested in their growth—and yours as their handler. Training with me isn’t just about commands; it’s about creating a real connection that makes life better for both ends of the leash. Big dogs, small dogs—I meet every pup where they are and help them become their best selves.

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jerry wilson

Send Message
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BASED IN: Lawrence, IN
SERVICE AREA: Within 50 miles, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Noblesville, Westfield, Avon, Plainfield, Beech Grove, Franklin, Zionsville Indiana

Distinction

Pw without hitch Pw eager beaver circle American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) American Kennel Club Temperament Test (ATT) Certified Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate

Customer Reviews

My dog and I are so in love with Big n Small Paw’s newest groomer! I’ve been taking my dog to Rebekah (groomer) for over 2 years now! When she made the switch to Big n Small, I knew we had to follow her. She’s the only groomer that’s been able to make my dog comfortable enough to be groomer regularly. Rebekah has always been so nice and respectful to her clients and their pups! She sends me pictures of how my dog is doing during her appt too. It’s been refreshing taking my dog to someone who clearly loves and is so knowledgeable about dogs. I couldn’t recommend her more! - Indianapolis, IN - August 2025

- Taylor S

Although Louie isn’t our first dog, he is the first German Shepherd, so we wanted to make sure he got a solid training foundation as he will grow to be more than double the size of our other dog. Jerry didn’t just train Louie, but us too! He showed us how to continue this at home and make sure Louie stays “fluent” as he would say. We left every training session more confident each time that Louie was getting the best training, but more importantly the best love and care from all the workers. We highly recommend and will sure be coming back for more! - Indianapolis, IN

- Maria M

My Husband and I was searching for a place to bring My German Rottweiler to train to be a Service Dog for me. I had called around to a lot of places I had check everyone's reviews then My Husband had gotten ahold of Big N' Small Paws 317 and talked with Jerry about our dog Brutus to be trained as a service dog. He explained everything that they do and for how long it will take. My Husband and I was really pleased on the conservation we had. We had set a date to meet Jerry & Jaydan . Wow oh Wow the hospitality we received and the love they showed for Brutus was spectacular. It had brought tears to my eyes to see the love that Brutus had shown them. Now Brutus is being trained by Big N' Small Paws 317. Brutus is doing so good. If anyone is looking for a place for training, doggie day care for a day, or if you need a place while you go on vacation for your precious dog I would highly recommend Big N' Small Paws 317. Also if you need a grooming for your precious fur baby they are awesome. Very clean place, they carry dog food & etc. Please call them You will not be disappointed. - Indianapolis, Indiana

- Mary B

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • K9 Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Dog Behaviorist
  • Dog Obedience Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • E-Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Martingale Collar
  • Praise/Affection
  • Prong Collar
  • Slip Lead
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Dogs

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
  • American Kennel Club Temperament Test (ATT) Certified
  • Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)
  • PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Noblesville, Westfield, Avon, Plainfield, Beech Grove, Franklin, Zionsville Indiana

What year did you begin serving pets?

2019

How did you hone your craft?

I honed my craft through a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and mentorship. I spent countless hours not just practicing, but analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and why. I’ve taken the time to study others at the top of their field, adapt techniques, and stay current with industry trends. But most importantly, I stayed committed to showing up every day with discipline, curiosity, and the mindset that there’s always room to improve.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Consistency is everything. One of the biggest things I’ve learned as a professional is that dogs thrive on routine, clear communication, and follow-through. If you ask for a behavior, be ready to reinforce it every time—whether you’re training a basic command or managing behavior in real life. Mixed signals create confusion, but consistency builds confidence, trust, and results. Don’t worry about being perfect—just be consistent.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I treat every dog like they’re part of my own pack. Whether we’re working on obedience or just building trust, I’m fully invested in their growth—and yours as their handler. Training with me isn’t just about commands; it’s about creating a real connection that makes life better for both ends of the leash. Big dogs, small dogs—I meet every pup where they are and help them become their best selves.

Customer Reviews

My dog and I are so in love with Big n Small Paw’s newest groomer! I’ve been taking my dog to Rebekah (groomer) for over 2 years now! When she made the switch to Big n Small, I knew we had to follow her. She’s the only groomer that’s been able to make my dog comfortable enough to be groomer regularly. Rebekah has always been so nice and respectful to her clients and their pups! She sends me pictures of how my dog is doing during her appt too. It’s been refreshing taking my dog to someone who clearly loves and is so knowledgeable about dogs. I couldn’t recommend her more! - Indianapolis, IN - August 2025

- Taylor S

Although Louie isn’t our first dog, he is the first German Shepherd, so we wanted to make sure he got a solid training foundation as he will grow to be more than double the size of our other dog. Jerry didn’t just train Louie, but us too! He showed us how to continue this at home and make sure Louie stays “fluent” as he would say. We left every training session more confident each time that Louie was getting the best training, but more importantly the best love and care from all the workers. We highly recommend and will sure be coming back for more! - Indianapolis, IN

- Maria M

My Husband and I was searching for a place to bring My German Rottweiler to train to be a Service Dog for me. I had called around to a lot of places I had check everyone's reviews then My Husband had gotten ahold of Big N' Small Paws 317 and talked with Jerry about our dog Brutus to be trained as a service dog. He explained everything that they do and for how long it will take. My Husband and I was really pleased on the conservation we had. We had set a date to meet Jerry & Jaydan . Wow oh Wow the hospitality we received and the love they showed for Brutus was spectacular. It had brought tears to my eyes to see the love that Brutus had shown them. Now Brutus is being trained by Big N' Small Paws 317. Brutus is doing so good. If anyone is looking for a place for training, doggie day care for a day, or if you need a place while you go on vacation for your precious dog I would highly recommend Big N' Small Paws 317. Also if you need a grooming for your precious fur baby they are awesome. Very clean place, they carry dog food & etc. Please call them You will not be disappointed. - Indianapolis, Indiana

- Mary B

🐶 About Jerry Wilson — Certified Dog Trainer in Lawrence, Indiana


Jerry Wilson is a certified dog trainer serving Lawrence and the surrounding Marion County area, including nearby communities such as Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Anderson, Noblesville, Greenwood, Greenfield, Avon, Plainfield, Zionsville. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Jerry tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Jerry works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Jerry provides practical, results-driven support with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Jerry Wilson, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Jerry is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Lawrence, IN on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Jerry’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Marion County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Lawrence and throughout Indiana, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Jerry to get the most out of your sessions.


Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Lawrence, IN? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Jerry, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.


Explore Jerry’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Marion County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.