Dog Behavior and Training Services and Classes

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Please call us to set up an appointment at 207-799-6952

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Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth is proud to offer the behavior services outlined below for both cats and dogs with Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC. Jocelyn is an applied animal behaviorist, certified veterinary technician, and experienced professional lecturer. She has a bachelor's degree from Connecticut College and a Master's of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling from the American College of Applied Science. She has been a CVT since 2003 and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC) since 2019. Jocelyn has worked as a Clinical Behaviorist since 2016, conducting behavioral consultations, providing training sessions and classes, and advising shelter staff on behavioral topics. Her extensive education and professional experience are complemented by the hands-on experience she has gained from her own adopted reactive dog, which has shaped her approach and deepened her understanding of the difficulties involved with owning a pet with behavior concerns. Jocelyn recently moved from Boston to the Maine coast with her husband and her senior pit bull Sugar (who is enjoying a slower-paced retirement!). She loves to explore new restaurants, spend time outdoors, and hike anytime she can.

All behavior services are conducted using ethical and rewards-based methods in order to avoid unwanted side effects and improve your pet’s emotional well-being. Please contact us if you have any questions or are unsure which service is the right choice for your pet.  

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Dog and Puppy Classes

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Starts: January 20, 2026 at 6:15 pm Class dates: Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10 Puppy Training Class We’re excited to announce that we are launching a puppy training class here at VRCCE. The training starts at 6:15 pm and will run for 4 weeks on January 20th, 27th, February 3rd and 10th. Puppies who are 8 - 16 weeks old are welcome. Our new behavior consultant, Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC, will be teaching the course. The training fee is $200.00. Please call us at 207-799-6952 to book your spot.  Our small group classes will provide puppies with a safe and fun opportunity to socialize with other puppies and new people while providing their caretakers with information on how to socialize their puppies outside of class as well. We will also cover basic training for both obedience and other life skills (such as handling, nail trims, etc.) as well as prevention and management of common puppy problems.  *To keep everyone safe, puppies will need their first vet exam, distemper and bordatella vaccines, fecal testing, and deworming to enroll.

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Starts: February 4, 2026 at 6:30 pm Class dates: Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4 Rewards-Based Basic Obedience Class Join us for a fun, rewards-based training class where you will learn how to effectively train your dog in a supportive small group setting. You and your dog will work as a team to learn essential behaviors like sit, down, stay, come, “leave it,” “place” (long down/stay on a mat), and polite leash walking. Our class is taught by our Applied Animal Behaviorist, Jocelyn Strasssel, MS, CVT, CDBC, so you can be assured that you will be learning the most up-to-date, scientific and ethical training methods. Expect a bonding opportunity for you & your dog with lots of laughs, wags, and practical skills you’ll use every day! The training fee is $250.00. Please call us at 207-799-6952 to book your spot.  This class is open to dogs over 6 months, including those entering adolescence, new to your family, or just in need of a refresher on the basics. Dogs must be comfortable working around other dogs and meeting new people in a class setting. If your dog isn’t quite there yet, reach out—we’re happy to discuss alternative options to help. *To keep everyone safe, dogs will need their first vet exam, distemper & bordatella vaccines, and a negative fecal test to enroll.

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Behavior and Training Services 

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Please call us to set up an appointment at 207-799-6952

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1. Clinical Behavior Consult:

A behavior consultation is a 1:1 meeting with Jocelyn to provide a comprehensive, personalized written behavior plan for you to follow to improve your pet’s problem behavior as well as 2 months of follow-up correspondence (for the specific behavior addressed in the plan) via email.

Behavior consults are available for both dogs and cats. Common problems for dogs include reactive (barking/lunging), aggressive, fearful, and anxious behavior. Common problems for cats include aggression, fear, and litterbox problems. The plan will provide an assessment of the behavior outlining the factors influencing why your pet is likely behaving in that manner, a plan to improve the behavior via environmental management & training, and a prognosis on what changes are realistic to expect. This plan is based on a combination of a detailed questionnaire, observations, and a discussion of your pet’s history.

Please note, behavior change can be a slow process, and there is no guarantee of a “cure.” Behavior plans are designed to improve the lives of both the pet and the caretakers, and we hope to see slow and steady progress as the plan is implemented as advised. Please note, Jocelyn cannot prescribe medication, as she is not a vet, but will share the behavior plan with your vet if medication may be indicated. Consults are 1 hour and can be conducted on site at VRCCE, virtually via Zoom or in your home (with approval and for an additional travel fee).

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2. Clinical Behavior Recheck:

In most cases, a behavior recheck appointment will be recommended approximately 2 months after the initial Behavior Consult, or sooner if desired. During a recheck, we will discuss progress, make changes as needed, and address any new concerns. Rechecks are 30 minutes and can also be conducted on site at VRCCE, virtually via Zoom, or in your home (with the additional travel fee).

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3. Private Training Sessions:

Private training sessions are available for both general obedience (loose leash walking, coming when called, sit, stay, etc.), as well as to aid in specific training protocols outlined in a behavior plan. Training sessions are also available for cats (coming when called, sit, go to a mat, touching a target stick)- cats are very smart and fun to train! Sessions can be scheduled for 1 hour or 30 minutes and can be conducted on site at VRCCE or in your home (with approval and for an additional travel fee).

4. New Puppy/Kitten In-Home Fundamentals: 

It is exciting to welcome a puppy or kitten to the family, but it can be confusing and overwhelming to sort through all the conflicting advice! This 1 hour in-home meeting with Jocelyn will provide a clear plan to help your puppy or kitten learn how to become a well-behaved family member! The meeting will cover the fundamentals of training as well as how to create an ideal home environment for your new puppy or kitten based on the layout of your specific home, and your goals for your new pet.   

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