Our Dogology Philosophy
All of us at Dogology have our own beloved pets, so we understand the desire to research, find and give your pets the best products and services available. Our pets all have different nutritional and behavioral needs and we know that your pet has its own unique story. We can help you discover the best choices available for your dogs and cats.
Like people, pets are what they eat. The foods you will find here at Dogology are the pinnacle of pet nutrition. We recognize the importance of selling products that are locally sourced and humanely raised. We have hand-selected each item and we will never sell you a product that we would not use with our own pets. We promise that our pricing will always be fair and honest, and everything we sell is thoroughly tested and highly recommended by our own pets and families.
At Dogology, we know that for your pet to lead a healthy and fulfilled life, we must examine each pet’s life in its entirety. Knowing that nutrition and behavior are interrelated in the health of your pet, we use a “Whole Dog” approach in our recommendations to you. This means we offer a diverse range of training options for your dog. We provide private in home or in store training, puppy and young adult classes, specialize in behavior modification, and house puppy playgroups and daycare to nurture appropriate social development. All of which are available on site at our Canton location.
Sometimes, higher quality foods and services may appear to cost more upfront, but species-appropriate foods and tailored training can greatly enhance and lengthen the life of your cherished pet. In reality, words like "cheap" and "easy” often end up meaning "expensive" and "time consuming". Bringing this information to light requires only a little knowledge and the desire to give your pets the healthy life they deserve.
The team at Dogology has years of experience in our chosen professions, and we will continue to learn while sharing our wealth of knowledge with you and your pets. We want Dogology to be a community of people who are learning from and teaching each other, and helping to create the ultimate life for our canine and feline friends.
Like people, pets are what they eat. The foods you will find here at Dogology are the pinnacle of pet nutrition. We recognize the importance of selling products that are locally sourced and humanely raised. We have hand-selected each item and we will never sell you a product that we would not use with our own pets. We promise that our pricing will always be fair and honest, and everything we sell is thoroughly tested and highly recommended by our own pets and families.
At Dogology, we know that for your pet to lead a healthy and fulfilled life, we must examine each pet’s life in its entirety. Knowing that nutrition and behavior are interrelated in the health of your pet, we use a “Whole Dog” approach in our recommendations to you. This means we offer a diverse range of training options for your dog. We provide private in home or in store training, puppy and young adult classes, specialize in behavior modification, and house puppy playgroups and daycare to nurture appropriate social development. All of which are available on site at our Canton location.
Sometimes, higher quality foods and services may appear to cost more upfront, but species-appropriate foods and tailored training can greatly enhance and lengthen the life of your cherished pet. In reality, words like "cheap" and "easy” often end up meaning "expensive" and "time consuming". Bringing this information to light requires only a little knowledge and the desire to give your pets the healthy life they deserve.
The team at Dogology has years of experience in our chosen professions, and we will continue to learn while sharing our wealth of knowledge with you and your pets. We want Dogology to be a community of people who are learning from and teaching each other, and helping to create the ultimate life for our canine and feline friends.
Meet the team from Dogology:
Nutritional & Wellness Specialists
Marissa Squires with River
Marissa's life, as she likes to put it, "has gone to the dogs." In 2007, while successfully working as an account manager in the mortgage industry, Marissa felt a disconnect with her career and decided it was time to find a more fulfilling line of work. Although it required a significant monetary sacrifice there was no question about what she desired her future to hold. Fueled by a love of animals, she found an receptionist position working in the veterinary field. In the following three years Marissa advanced to a veterinary technician position, earned her degree in canine massage therapy at Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, and co-founded Boot-n-Kit Canine Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue dedicated to the transportation, fostering, and re-homing of animals from high-kill shelters in the southern United States. In 2011 Marissa joined Dr. Corey Shagensky with Progressive Animal Wellness, a new private veterinary practice in Avon, CT offering the latest in veterinary medicine. While there, along with continuing to offer canine massage and practicing traditional veterinary medicine, she began to expand her knowledge of a more holistic minded approach to canine well being. She discovered the benefits that proper nutrition, supplements, mental fulfillment, and natural treatments can have on the modern canine companion. Now, in 2013 she is excited to be teaming up with canine behavior specialist Ben Garson to open Dogology and contribute her expertise to a comprehensive canine wellness facility. Marissa resides in West Hartford, CT with an array of ever-changing foster dogs and two permanent rescues who couldn’t be happier to get frequent massages, eat and test the best foods on the market!
Marissa's life, as she likes to put it, "has gone to the dogs." In 2007, while successfully working as an account manager in the mortgage industry, Marissa felt a disconnect with her career and decided it was time to find a more fulfilling line of work. Although it required a significant monetary sacrifice there was no question about what she desired her future to hold. Fueled by a love of animals, she found an receptionist position working in the veterinary field. In the following three years Marissa advanced to a veterinary technician position, earned her degree in canine massage therapy at Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, and co-founded Boot-n-Kit Canine Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue dedicated to the transportation, fostering, and re-homing of animals from high-kill shelters in the southern United States. In 2011 Marissa joined Dr. Corey Shagensky with Progressive Animal Wellness, a new private veterinary practice in Avon, CT offering the latest in veterinary medicine. While there, along with continuing to offer canine massage and practicing traditional veterinary medicine, she began to expand her knowledge of a more holistic minded approach to canine well being. She discovered the benefits that proper nutrition, supplements, mental fulfillment, and natural treatments can have on the modern canine companion. Now, in 2013 she is excited to be teaming up with canine behavior specialist Ben Garson to open Dogology and contribute her expertise to a comprehensive canine wellness facility. Marissa resides in West Hartford, CT with an array of ever-changing foster dogs and two permanent rescues who couldn’t be happier to get frequent massages, eat and test the best foods on the market!
Frances Schroeder with a foster puppy
Frances has specialized in pet food retail and animal nutrition for the past ten+ years, including managing The Pet Route in Canton and WAGS of Avon. Frances first learned about nutrition and its connection to animal wellness when her adopted border collie Ella developed severe allergies to conventional dry dog food. After following a standard course of prescription vet food, she realized there must be higher quality food that could help her dog lead a healthier life. Researching on her own led her to a wealth of information on homeopathic remedies and natural diets that are species appropriate and far superior to conventionally mass produced pet foods. She is working to make this knowledge more mainstream and accessible to anyone who is trying to give their dogs the healthy life they deserve. She claims she knows every product in the store inside and out, because her trusty food samplers -- Ella, 17, Ginger, 9, and Poppy, 8 and Redford, 4, have taste tested everything for her! At home, Frances and her family are always surrounded by dogs, their own five rescues and a never ending stream of the foster pups that always find love, care and great food with this dog-centric family.
Frances has specialized in pet food retail and animal nutrition for the past ten+ years, including managing The Pet Route in Canton and WAGS of Avon. Frances first learned about nutrition and its connection to animal wellness when her adopted border collie Ella developed severe allergies to conventional dry dog food. After following a standard course of prescription vet food, she realized there must be higher quality food that could help her dog lead a healthier life. Researching on her own led her to a wealth of information on homeopathic remedies and natural diets that are species appropriate and far superior to conventionally mass produced pet foods. She is working to make this knowledge more mainstream and accessible to anyone who is trying to give their dogs the healthy life they deserve. She claims she knows every product in the store inside and out, because her trusty food samplers -- Ella, 17, Ginger, 9, and Poppy, 8 and Redford, 4, have taste tested everything for her! At home, Frances and her family are always surrounded by dogs, their own five rescues and a never ending stream of the foster pups that always find love, care and great food with this dog-centric family.
Behavior & Training Specialists
Benjamin (Braunstein) Garson with Judah
Ben has been working as a canine behavioral consultant for over ten years and specializes in the prevention and modification of unwanted canine behavioral issues. He has been featured on Dogology’s monthly NBC Segment “Ask the Dogologist,” and has been interviewed by The Hartford Courant, ABC, FOX, Nutmeg TV, Canton Life, and Valley Life. His training methods have won him numerous awards, including being voted “Best Dog Trainer” in the CTNow Readers Poll in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Whether working with a juvenile dog to prevent unwanted behaviors before they emerge, or with a mature dog to modify pre-existing behaviors, Ben gives people the tools to be more confident, respected dog owners. His goal is to help owners understand the modern canine mind and, in turn, bridge the communication gap between dog and owner. Ben believes in the utility of both positive reward-based methods and correction-based methods, and does not see them as mutually exclusive. He seeks to connect these two methods, to use the best of both. It's his belief that such an approach benefits dogs, the broader training community, and ultimately the satisfaction of the owners. Ben's flexible, all-encompassing, creative approach draws inspiration from a wide range of disciplines, such as Zen Buddhist philosophy, human psychology, and the social sciences. Just as some doctors and nutritionists take a "whole body" approach to treatment, Ben takes a "whole dog" approach to training. In addition to his behavioral background, Ben has worked in the veterinary field and has a broad canine medical knowledge. His own dog, Judah, a white German Shepherd rescue, is never far from his side -- and is truly his best friend.
Ben has been working as a canine behavioral consultant for over ten years and specializes in the prevention and modification of unwanted canine behavioral issues. He has been featured on Dogology’s monthly NBC Segment “Ask the Dogologist,” and has been interviewed by The Hartford Courant, ABC, FOX, Nutmeg TV, Canton Life, and Valley Life. His training methods have won him numerous awards, including being voted “Best Dog Trainer” in the CTNow Readers Poll in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Whether working with a juvenile dog to prevent unwanted behaviors before they emerge, or with a mature dog to modify pre-existing behaviors, Ben gives people the tools to be more confident, respected dog owners. His goal is to help owners understand the modern canine mind and, in turn, bridge the communication gap between dog and owner. Ben believes in the utility of both positive reward-based methods and correction-based methods, and does not see them as mutually exclusive. He seeks to connect these two methods, to use the best of both. It's his belief that such an approach benefits dogs, the broader training community, and ultimately the satisfaction of the owners. Ben's flexible, all-encompassing, creative approach draws inspiration from a wide range of disciplines, such as Zen Buddhist philosophy, human psychology, and the social sciences. Just as some doctors and nutritionists take a "whole body" approach to treatment, Ben takes a "whole dog" approach to training. In addition to his behavioral background, Ben has worked in the veterinary field and has a broad canine medical knowledge. His own dog, Judah, a white German Shepherd rescue, is never far from his side -- and is truly his best friend.
Mike Ouellette with Oliver and Leo
A few years ago Mike decided he wanted to learn more about the techniques and philosophies of shaping canine behavior. He had no real plans other than to simply build a more harmonious relationship with his own dogs. Mike anticipated that this process would have a significant impact on his dogs but what he did not expect, was the profound impact it would have on him. Working with his dogs gave Mike a deeper understanding of companionship, loyalty, structure, tranquility, and overall health. He became fascinated by the inner workings of the canine mind and what it takes to truly embody a leader. Mike realized that many of the things he missed most from his time as a United States Marine he rediscovered when working with dogs. In 2013 Mike had a chance encounter with Dogology trainer Ben Garson at which point it was obvious to Ben that Mike possessed a natural way about him that is the foundation of every successful trainer. Over the next year Mike apprenticed under Ben, sculpting his own philosophy and expanding his skill set. Although it is Mike’s belief that one never stops learning and adapting, in 2014 Mike ended his apprenticeship and began his own professional career at Dogology. Mike empowers owners by helping them understand how their dogs learn and how humans consciously and sub-consciously influence them. He provides a balanced approach utilizing reward-based and correction-based techniques while emphasizing confidence, patience, and consistency. It is his experience that dogs are all too eager to please us as long as we communicate expectations to them in a way they understand. Teaching people to communicate with their dogs in this fashion is the cornerstone of Mike’s ultimate goal; helping owners find joy and growth in training their dogs. Mike and his wife live with their two rescues; a Rottweiler mix named Leo, and a Husky mix named Oliver. As a family they are always willing to help a dog in need.
A few years ago Mike decided he wanted to learn more about the techniques and philosophies of shaping canine behavior. He had no real plans other than to simply build a more harmonious relationship with his own dogs. Mike anticipated that this process would have a significant impact on his dogs but what he did not expect, was the profound impact it would have on him. Working with his dogs gave Mike a deeper understanding of companionship, loyalty, structure, tranquility, and overall health. He became fascinated by the inner workings of the canine mind and what it takes to truly embody a leader. Mike realized that many of the things he missed most from his time as a United States Marine he rediscovered when working with dogs. In 2013 Mike had a chance encounter with Dogology trainer Ben Garson at which point it was obvious to Ben that Mike possessed a natural way about him that is the foundation of every successful trainer. Over the next year Mike apprenticed under Ben, sculpting his own philosophy and expanding his skill set. Although it is Mike’s belief that one never stops learning and adapting, in 2014 Mike ended his apprenticeship and began his own professional career at Dogology. Mike empowers owners by helping them understand how their dogs learn and how humans consciously and sub-consciously influence them. He provides a balanced approach utilizing reward-based and correction-based techniques while emphasizing confidence, patience, and consistency. It is his experience that dogs are all too eager to please us as long as we communicate expectations to them in a way they understand. Teaching people to communicate with their dogs in this fashion is the cornerstone of Mike’s ultimate goal; helping owners find joy and growth in training their dogs. Mike and his wife live with their two rescues; a Rottweiler mix named Leo, and a Husky mix named Oliver. As a family they are always willing to help a dog in need.
