Founder & Head of Training | Authority in Canine Behavior
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept."
Elissa Weimer's career is defined by a refusal to accept the "status quo" of the dog training industry. With a degree in Criminal Justice (concentration in Homeland Security, minor in Leadership) from California University of Pennsylvania and a background as a Combat Military Police officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard, Elissa was on the fast track to a career with the FBI. However, her deep-seated fascination with leadership and canine psychology led her to a different path: building an organization where "order" is a methodology, not just a name.
Since founding her first training venture in 2013—which evolved into the Paw & Order brand in 2016—Elissa has become one of the most sought-after behavior specialists in the country. Her approach is rooted in rigor, versatility, and results. She draws from a vast repertoire of elite training styles to create a customized experience for every dog and family.
Elissa is famously "picky" about standards. Her leadership is defined by integrity; she previously served as the Chairwoman of the IACP Therapy Dog Committee, eventually stepping down to focus on a larger, independent mission: developing a more rigorous, uncompromising national standard for the industry. She has traveled across North America to learn from the world's most elite mentors, ensuring Paw & Order remains at the cutting edge of behavioral science. She was named Professional Woman of the Year in 2014 by the National Association of Professional Woman.
Anyone can attend a workshop, and Elissa has been to many. But her credibility really comes from real clients, in their own words.
Sourced directly from Google, unedited
"Elissa helped us in ONE consultation session—that's right, ZERO lessons—when 3 other professional dog trainers... could not."
— Elsa F.
March 12, 2019
"Elissa's mix of positive reinforcement and discipline helped us communicate better with Lucy. The transformation is nothing short of miraculous."
— Kim R.
March 29, 2025
"Elissa is AMAZING! ...I wish I found her earlier so I didn't waste money on previous 'positive only' trainers."
— Morgan H.
February 12, 2019
Elissa has attended many seminars and training classes over the years, including:
Marketplace Pittsburgh: Paw & Order
Elissa's expertise extends beyond family behavior work into professional detection. She and her narcotics K-9 partner, Zera, are certified through the American Working Dog Association (2018–19) and currently through Dogs for Law Enforcement.
Elissa and Zera are regularly deployed through American Court Services and American K9 Detection Services across Pennsylvania and Ohio, searching drug and rehab centers, probation clients, halfway houses, correctional facilities, and private residences.
Handler Since
2018
Certifying Bodies
AWDA & DLE
Deployment Area
PA & OH
Elissa with K-9 Zera
Elissa's influence extends far beyond private sessions. She is a dedicated advocate for the Pittsburgh region and a leader who leads by example.
In 2016, Elissa teamed up with her husband, Steve Sentner, to evolve Paw & Order into a national authority. Steve retired from a successful corporate marketing career to build the brand's infrastructure, allowing Elissa to focus entirely on the science of behavior. Together, they have built more than a training company; they have built a community.
Today, Elissa is focused on the development of the Paw & Order Academy, a premier certification program slated for a 2027 launch. By distilling over a decade of elite experience and military-grade discipline into a comprehensive curriculum, she is building a future-proof career path for the next generation of trainers. At the Academy, quality is the only metric that matters.
In the canine justice system, the dogs are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The professional dog trainers, who investigate and solve the dog's behavior problems; and the dog owners, who uphold the training knowledge taught to them.
These are their stories…
We provide dog training services in Southwest Florida, Twin Cities Minnesota, Western Pennsylvania, Upstate South Carolina, and Houston/Galveston Texas.
Our trainer comes to your home and works with you and your dog in their familiar environment, where the behavior actually happens.
Learn more →Your dog undergoes real-world training while in our care: one-on-one sessions, socializing with other dogs, and honing skills on field trips.
Learn more →Mix and match. We combine stay & train, in-home lessons, and group classes into one custom plan built around your dog and your goals.
Learn more →Stay & train programs built for puppies 8–16 weeks old: crate and potty training, socialization, and early obedience, from one week up to our VIP Turnkey program.
Learn more →Fundamental obedience skills in a small class, so you and your dog get plenty of attention from the instructor.
Learn more →One-on-one online coaching. Our trainer observes your dog’s behavior and gives you step-by-step guidance from anywhere.
Learn more →Prepare for and earn the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen title. Our evaluators can test and certify your dog.
Learn more →Pack walks and group outings so you and your dog can keep practicing in the real world. Included with most of our training programs.
Learn more →
Special discounts available for Veterans, Active Military, Police Officers, Veterinarians, Shelter Workers and Volunteers, and Groomers.
