We help people transform their relationship with their dog by addressing behavior problems at the root.

Located in Columbia, Missouri, but helping dogs everywhere.

Paws IQ provides professional dog training services in Columbia, Missouri, specializing in calm, structured, real-world behavior for dogs and their owners. Our programs are built around dog psychology- balanced training, nervous-system regulation, and clear communication — not quick fixes or obedience-only routines.

What Our Customers Are Saying!

"Alicen's understanding of dog behavior is impressive and just what we needed to feel comfortable leaving our dog"

-Regan (Cleo 🐶)
“I could tell they love and understand dogs. I could see how well my high energy pup responded the first time they met."

Katy (Zoe 🐶)
“You are THE dog whisperer. I'm feeling so much better.

Amy (Walter 🐶)
"One of our dogs didn't want to leave lol"!

Laura (Hobbs 🐶)
My dog has such a good time! He is always excited to see them and very well taken care of!

Brandy (Augie 🐶)
Leia looked forward to going everyday and was always happy when I picked her up! And the pictures!

Kelley (Leia 🐶 )
I had no idea wha to expect with my human reactive dog. They were so calm and patient, and every video showed a calm dog that felt safe.

Missy (Copper 🐶)

About Our Services 🐾

All of our training is balanced and rooted in real dog psychology (Learn More )

Our board + train program is a complete overhaul on bad patterns.
While you're home learning to understand your dog + preparing to onboard him back into daily life, your dog is integrating structure, regulating into social groups, and undergoing daily training sessions to bring him/her iteratively closer to your ideal outcome.
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Our private training sessions are tailored to you and your dog.
We work one-on-one in these visits to target behavior at the root. After understanding your goals and your dog’s background, we use real canine psychology + balanced training methods to help you resolve problem behaviors on the spot. We offer private sessions with the intention of helping you build a balanced relationship with your dog that lasts beyond the sessions.
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1 Hour Pack Walks Offered Every Thursday Evening
Our pack walks are structured and socially therapeutic experiences.
We guide dogs through calm, controlled paths/trails that build confidence, improve leash manners, and reinforce balanced behavior. It’s the perfect way to fulfill your dog both mentally and physically while reinforcing the patterns and training they need to thrive.
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We capture your dog’s personality in photos that feel as real as they are.
From soulful portraits to action shots full of energy, our sessions are fun, relaxed, and focused on what makes your dog one of a kind. Whether you want wall-worthy prints or just fun timeless memories, we’ve got you (and your pup) covered.
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Every dog and home is different, which is why we begin with a consultation. This 60–75 minute session allows us to understand your dog’s behavior, your routines, and your goals so we can create a clear path forward together. We give you insight, understanding, and a custom post-consultation guide with tips specifically for you and your dog.

The consultation is a $150 investment in clarity, confidence, and long-term success.

Trainings Start With a Consulation 🐕

Get A Quote!

Interested in working together?

A smiling couple standing on a paved trail in a park during sunset, with a large brown and white dog sitting in front of them. The man is wearing a plaid jacket and jeans, and the woman is wearing a blue patterned jacket and black pants. The background features autumn trees with yellow and orange leaves and a setting sun.

We’re Alicen and Michael,

a dog-loving couple based in Columbia- Missouri, serving the greater area (and beyond) with balanced dog training rooted in real dog psychology.

We believe lasting behavior change starts with calm, confident leadership—and helping owners stop treating their dogs like people. Our mission is to build better relationships between dogs and humans through clear communication and mutual respect.

With years of hands-on experience and the help of our well-balanced Boxer, Moose (who’s always ready to lend a paw), we’re here to guide you and your dog toward a calmer, more connected life—together.

Trust Built In Columbia

We’re also the owners of Sudz Up Cleaning Company- a 5-star, locally trusted cleaning service operating since 2019 with over 13,000 services completed in Columbia and the surrounding area.

Our Mission

Create More Everywhere Dogs

We can help you and your dog reach Everywhere Dog status.

What’s Everywhere Dog status?
A well-balanced, calm, and confident dog you can take everywhere—coffee shops, trails, busy sidewalks, family events—because they listen, trust you, and stay chill in any environment.

Help Every RedZone Dog

We want to help the RedZone Dogs that have struggled to adapt to our human world.

What’s a RedZone Dog?
This may look like reactivity toward other dogs or people. It may also look like resource guarding, or other destructive anxious behaviors. A Redzone Dog can be a liability both emotionally and financially.

People like us, Dogs love us.

Board+Train

You’ll get a dog who understands how to BE with you, not just perform commands. Your dog stays with us and is guided through a structured, predictable routine that builds leadership, trust, and calm. We train in-home and out in the world. Learn More >

A woman sitting with three dogs by a rocky riverbank with green foliage in the background.

Four dogs of different breeds and sizes standing outdoors on grass, near a wooden fence, with one brown dog in the foreground and three others behind it, in bright sunlight.

Four dogs in a living room, one golden retriever sitting closest to the camera with tongue out, one brown dog lying on the floor, and two larger dogs standing behind on the couch, one with a Bulldogs appearance and the other with a Dalmatian pattern,

Private Training

We don’t just train dogs—we teach humans. Our balanced approach is rooted in dog psychology, helping you understand your dog’s mind, lead with clarity, and build a calm, respectful relationship that works in the real world. Learn More >

Close-up of a French Bulldog wearing a brown collar, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression, outdoors with blurred background.

A brown dog sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, panting with tongue out, beside a person wearing shorts and running shoes, holding the dog on a red leash.

A woman walking three dogs on a forest trail during autumn, surrounded by colorful fall foliage and trees.

Two women walking on a wooden bridge with four dogs, surrounded by green trees in a park setting.

Three dogs, a Dalmatian, a Bulldog, and a Boxer, lying on a paved road with a forest in the background.

A woman standing outside with five dogs sitting and lying on a paved surface, including a Dalmatian, a Boxer, a German Shepherd, a small gray and black curly-haired dog, and a brown and black dog, in front of a wooden fence and trees with green folia

Two women standing on a forest trail with three dogs, smiling, surrounded by green trees and sunlight.

Pack Hikes

It’s not just a walk. Our pack hikes give your dog the structure they need and the adventure they crave. It’s not a free-for-all—it’s guided movement, calm socialization, and real-world training in nature. Dogs return tired and better behaved. Learn More >

Three dogs sitting on a wooden bench in a forest with autumn leaves, trees, and a cloudy sky in the background.

Person walking four dogs on leashes on a sidewalk with grass on either side.

A woman taking a selfie with three dogs near a lake, surrounded by grass and bushes, under a partly cloudy sky.

Three dogs sitting in front of an informational sign at Graham Cave State Park, with trees and a grassy area in the background.

Four dogs looking up at the camera in a park, with the photographer's legs and shoes visible at the bottom.

Two women walking with four dogs across a wooden bridge in a wooded area.

Photography

Capture your dog’s personality in a photo you’ll treasure forever.
We specialize in natural, expressive dog photography—whether it’s playful, majestic, or calm and soulful. Book a session and turn your best friend into wall-worthy art. Learn More >

A portrait of a brown dog with long ears against a black background.

Close-up of a small tan dog with big ears and dark eyes against a yellow background.

Dog sitting on sandy desert landscape with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

A brown and white dog with a serious expression against a solid blue background.

A brown dog with large ears lies on a black surface against a black background, looking directly at the camera.

A brown and white dog running on a sandy beach near the ocean, with trees and houses in the background.

Close-up of a black and white English Cocker Spaniel dog with long ears and a speckled coat, looking at the camera against a blue background.

A Dalmatian dog with a purple bandana sitting against a blue background.

A curly-coated poodle dog wearing a pink and green tie-dye bandana, sitting against a yellow background.

A small, fluffy white dog with long ears and brown eyes, sitting against a blue background.

Giving Back

View Scholarship Opportunities

Volunteering allows us to use our knowledge, experience, and resources to make a positive difference in the lives of dogs and the people who value them. Helping others is a never-ending part of our mission.