WOOF UNIVERSITY, LLC
About Us
Ethical, Experienced, Kind
Woof University proudly serves dog owners throughout the Midlands of South Carolina, including Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and Lexington.. We specialize in Group Classes that give Dogs Real-World experience in a positive, controlled environment to shape their skills and build their confidence for a happy life with their humans. We believe training should be positive and fun for dogs and people. Whether you're raising a new puppy, adopting a rescue dog, working through challenges, or looking to build advanced skills, Woof University is here to help you and your dog grow and succeed together.
Our Story
Woof University was established in 2009 after years of volunteering in animal rescue. Good training saves lives by keeping dogs out of shelters and in loving homes. Trained dogs are easier to live with and have better welfare. Dogs who are trained positively are less anxious, more social, and have a deeper bond with their owners. We give support to people who are struggling with their dogs so that they and their dogs have greater satisfaction in their relationship.
Meet The Team
Dawn O'Cain
Dawn is The OG for Positive Training in The Midlands. She was the first to offer Obedience Classes using modern positive methods after seeing firsthand at a Dog Trainer's Conference in San Diego how effectively and efficiently dogs can be trained without pain or fear.
Dawn's Dog Training experience is vast, spanning 40+ years. She has done Therapy with her dogs, Search and Rescue, and titled several in Competition Obedience. She co-founded the Greyhound Prison Program and taught inmates to train retired Greyhounds for adoption. She has done private dog rescue, worked as a Vet Tech, and currently runs a Boarding Kennel from her home.
Dawn's passion is Great Danes which she breeds and shows in Conformation. A true animal lover, Dawn shares her home with dogs, cats, birds, horses, and chickens.
Kelly Whittington, FDM
Kelly has lived with dogs all her life, literally since birth. But, her passion for Dog Training was ignited by a stray dog she found in 2004 and began training to help him find a home. When she saw how much fun positive training was, she was hooked! She has since fostered many dogs for a local pet rescue group.
Kelly is a "Behavior Nerd" who reads and studies animal behavior for fun! She is the author of all the articles for students, using her deep knowledge and experience to help dog owners better understand their dogs. She is a Family Dog Mediator and is trained in working with Aggression in Dogs. Kelly shares her home with dogs and reptiles.
Kelly's dog Maze, an American Hairless Terrier, competes in FastCat, CAT, and Barn Hunt. She is in training for Flyball and Agility. Rensai Hot Streak Mazikeen "Maze" FDC CA FCAT CGC TKN FITB FTN RATN
Lauren Gazella
Lauren has been working with retired Greyhounds since she was 12 years old. Her mom co-founded the Greyhound Prison Program with Dawn, and she took over teaching the inmates how to train the Greyhounds when Dawn retired.
Lauren is a Licensed Vet Tech (LVT) currently working in Emergency care. Her angel Greyhound, Uno, was a blood donor and Lauren helped him earn the Canine Good Citizen title. Her Dog Training passion is teaching dogs to stay calm and relaxed for veterinary procedures. When dogs are accepting of vet care, it is easier on them, the veterinary staff, and the owners.
In her free time, Lauren loves Hiking and Biking with her rescue Doberman, Enzo. Enzo is also a blood donor and Canine Good Citizen.
