A growing partnership between trainers and shelters is creating better adoption success stories in Northeast Ohio.
CHARDON, Ohio — In the spirit of giving, one Northeast Ohio dog training facility is helping shelter dogs gain something far more meaningful than treats or toys — confidence, basic skills and a better shot at a forever home.
Cold Nose Companions in Chardon has quietly built a reputation for offering positive-reinforcement training to dogs of all ages and backgrounds. But what makes the business truly stand out is what happens when there’s an empty spot in one of their group classes. Instead of letting it go to waste, owner Christine Good gives that “seat” to a dog who needs it most — an adoptable dog from a local shelter or rescue.
Since the program began, dozens of dogs from groups like Ashtabula County APL, City Dogs Cleveland, One at a Time K9 Rescue, Lake Humane Society and Euclid Pet Pals have benefited from free access to Cold Nose Companions’ training.
And the shelters say the impact is enormous.
“It’s making them more adoptable. It’s more valuable than we ca put into money or really into words,” said Catena Shore who is Executive Director of the Ashtabula APL.
Among the dogs in class the day 3News visited were Juno, Caesar and Indigo — all friendly, adoptable dogs who simply need help building confidence or channeling their energy.
Basic Manners is the first stop for many of these pups. The class teaches household skills like polite greetings, impulse control and focusing on their handler — simple behaviors that can make or break an adoption.
Cold Nose Companions also offers a unique training track called “Chill! for Reactive Dogs.” It’s designed for dogs who lunge, bark or panic at the sight of other dogs or strangers. For many shelter dogs, this kind of support is life-changing.
Founded by original owner Carol Peter in 2009, the training facility has always done what it can to help shelters and rescues. When Peter retired and sold the business to then-employee Christine Good, the new owner looked for ways Cold Nose expand on the relationship. Someone suggested they fill open class spots with shelter dogs — and it quickly became one of the most impactful parts of their work.
“It’s such a morale boost. Staff members love it when we have these dogs, because we know we’re doing something good,” said Good.
The benefits stretch far beyond the dogs in the building. Volunteers who accompany shelter dogs to class learn handling skills and training techniques they can bring back to the shelter, helping dogs who may never attend a session themselves.
“They get to carry that knowledge forward. It has this kind of compounding effect,” said Izzy Essler Volunteer and Adoption Coordinator for City Dogs.
The program has also strengthened connections among regional rescues, shelters, staff, and volunteers — a growing community with one shared mission: helping more dogs find homes.
Cold Nose Companions has helped hundreds of shelter dogs over the years — and the celebrations when a dog finds a home never get old.
“We get these notifications, ‘By the way – so-and-so go adopted,’ and it’s just joy,” Good said.
We are happy to report that Caesar – one of the City Dogs – was adopted just a few days ago. Indigo and Juno are still available.
Learn more about Cold Nose Companions HERE.
Check out Indigo’s profile HERE.
Check out Juno’s profile HERE.