Bringing a puppy home can be an exciting time.
However, without proper training, delight could be replaced by doggone unhappiness.
Patty Allen is a certified dog trainer who has a desire to make sure your puppy grows into your best friend.
“I tell my students that dogs are born perfect in their world,” said Allen. “But the problem is we are bringing them into our world. If we don’t show them what we want of them, they will exhibit their natural behaviors and that drives us nuts.”
The Puppy Training Course is offered Saturdays for six weeks from Feb. 10 through March 17. It is intended for puppies 6 months old or younger, but an exception may be made for a very small dog. There are two sessions: Puppies 9 pounds and under from 10 to 11 a.m., and 10 pounds and over from 12 to 1 p.m.
Allen says the course is designed to instill effective training techniques to help puppy owners circumvent behaviors that come naturally to dogs but humans don’t appreciate, such as barking, jumping, nipping, pulling on the leash, etc.
“Usually, by the age of 6 months, the cute puppy is gone and they enter what I call the terrible teenage stage,” said Allen. “At that time, people run out of patience. It’s not a cute puppy anymore. Some people automatically assume dogs know what they’re supposed to do. They don’t. Your puppy needs you to show it. I train my students how to do that.”
Potty training and teaching the puppy to respond to commands will be included within the six-week course. Homework is given and “the dog ate mine” will not be an acceptable excuse.
“There will be homework,” said Allen. “One hour per week is not enough to train a puppy. After each class, you will be given homework to do during the week. If you don’t do the homework, everyone will know it the following Saturday.”
Allen, among her numerous credentials, is an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator. Puppies who complete her puppy training class are eligible for the AKC STAR Puppy Program which is open to all dogs, purebred and mix bred.
After successful completion of the course, Allen can administer the required test that puppies must pass before they apply.
There are course requirements. Puppies must be up to date on all vaccinations based on their veterinarian’s recommendations. Owners must bring current shot record, a collar, a leash, and dog treats to class.
Cost for the course is $100. Registration can be made at McMinnville Civic Center.
Sessions are offered at Rocket Park’s club house on Cope Street.
