The Paws and Effect, LLC
The Paws & Effect
Train with Balance. Live in Harmony.
About Us
At The Paws & Effect we're proud to be based out of Worcester, MA, serving dog owners throughout the surrounding areas with personalized, effective training solutions. We specialize in balanced dog training methods, combining positive reinforcement with clear structure and guidance to help dogs of all temperaments thrive.
Whether you're starting off with a new puppy, working through basic obedience, or facing more complex behavioral issues like reactivity, we're here to help. Our mission is to build strong, respectful relationships between dogs and their owners—so you can enjoy a calm, confident companion for life.
Meet The Team
Richie Marin
Owner, Head Trainer
Richie is the founder of The Paws & Effect. He has been working professionally with dogs since 2015 and officially launched The Paws & Effect in 2020. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to work alongside a variety of experienced trainers, each of whom helped shape his balanced and practical approach to dog training.
While he enjoys working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, he's developed a particular passion and extensive background in helping reactive dogs—those who struggle with fear, frustration, or aggression. He uses balanced training methods to create calm, confident dogs and strengthen the bond between pets and their people. Whether you're just starting out with a puppy or dealing with challenging behavior, Richie will be with you at every step of the process with constant encouragement.
Lisa Knobel
Trainer, Pack Walker
Lisa has been a balanced dog trainer since 2022, living and working alongside her partner Richie. With a background in psychology and a strong focus on behaviorism, her approach to dog training is rooted in understanding each dog’s individual needs and motivations.
Her work currently centers around two dedicated off-leash pack walks each week, where she helps dogs build confidence, improve their social skills, and thrive in a structured yet natural environment. She also fosters balanced relationships between dogs and their humans through clear communication, consistency, and compassion.
When she’s not out with the pack, she is continuing to learn and grow—because every dog has something new to teach us!
Our Dogs
Our three dogs are an essential part of our team. Each one brings their own strengths—whether it's modeling calm behavior, helping to guide behaviors, or keeping the energy balanced on walks. They’re not just companions; they’re our co-trainers who help create a stable, confident atmosphere for every dog we work with.
Cleopatra
Zelda
Bella
Services
$ Based on Location
3,000 US dollars
Prices vary
85 US dollars
Prices Vary