The DOG-OWNER CONNECTION (DOC) is a professional organization that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and correction of canine behavior problems. Some of the problems and areas dealt with include aggression to humans, dogs and other pets, digging, house soiling, destruction, fears, excessive barking, multi-pet problems, hyperactivity, unruliness, disobedience, puppy problems, geriatric problems, babies and dogs, children and dogs, behavior at the groomer’s or the vet’s office, special needs(people and dogs), puppy selection and testing.

The Ohio company was formed in 1978 by Karen Arnoff (Who Is Karen Arnoff?), who began training dogs in 1957 and has specialized in canine behavior since 1972. THE DOG-OWNER CONNECTION's unique programs utilize "The Arnoff Model," an original classification system created by Karen to diagnose and correct canine behavior problems.

THE DOG-OWNER CONNECTION serves dog owners, breed clubs, groomers, vet technicians and veterinarians. DOC offers individualized behavior counseling as well as lectures, workshops, seminars and fully accredited in-service education. When called on, Karen Arnoff and her staff assist in canine-related forensic services for dog owners, attorneys and insurance companies.

More than 200 veterinarians in the Northeast Ohio area have referred canine behavior cases to THE DOG-OWNER CONNECTION.

Arnoff Philosophy

All of the services THE DOG-OWNER CONNECTION offers are based on the belief that when we adopt dogs into our families we are responsible for helping them make a successful adjustment to our world. Therefore, we must earn their trust and respect by establishing a relationship in which our dogs are bonded to us and happy to follow us as their pack leaders. In doing so, we create an 'invisible leash' that keeps them with us, learning from us and wanting to please us. And, if there is a behavior problem, we must correct the cause(s) of the problem, not the dog.