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You’re probably thinking the same thing I was when I first came up with this idea: “Dog training for singles? No way! That is a crazy idea.” But then I really put some thought and time into the idea and I figured, why not? Why couldn't it work?. It’s widely known that if you want to attract the opposite sex, a cute puppy is definitely a huge advantage. It’s also safe to say that a large majority of people that bring their dogs to the dog park are most likely single, and although they will never admit it, they are always keeping an eye out for the guy or gal with the cute puppy. But what if your dog is too young, too small or just not good around other dogs? Then what? Well, in this day and age of dating, it seems people are more likely to turn on the computer instead of trying to meet somebody face to face. Although on-line dating is a relatively easy, safe and comfortable way to meet people, it still takes time away from your dog, time you could be using to train and exercise your dog. The Solution: A dog training class that will help you and your dog communicate better while building a closer bond while at the same time allowing you to meet and interact with people, much like yourself, that don't enjoy hanging out at bars and want to spend more time outside with their dog than behind a computer.
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But what makes me qualified to teach such a class? Well, let me first start off by saying, I am no Dr. Phil, or any other type of doctor for that matter. I also want to make it clear that this is not a class focused around meeting people to date; this is merely a dog training class designed to help build a relationship with you and your pet while giving you a chance to meet and socialize with other singles in the community. Anytime you take your dog to a trainer, always make sure that you do your homework and spend some time researching this person with whom you are going to trust with your best friend. Although there are schools throughout the U.S that offer schooling in becoming a dog trainer, there is no state test that helps weed out bad trainers who may use unethical ways of teaching, so I would encourage you to do some research on me before joining any of my classes. But let me go ahead and tell you about some of my background in dog training. Around my sophomore year of high school I meet a man who worked for Dogs For The Deaf as a professional dog trainer. We came up with an idea to train a service dog for me. Although I grew up with dogs and spent most of my time with them (because I grew up on a farm) I did not yet know the fundamentals of animal training. Soon after we started training together I got the training bug and soon I realized I had a gift, but I think it was more that I had the patience. Although I was young and had friends, it was difficult, because of the wheelchair, to go do things that teenagers would do at the age of 15. During my final years in high school I spent every day learning how the animal mind thinks and how to communicate with them. By the time I graduated high school I was good at training basic obedience. I remember going to parks and finding strangers walking their dogs and asking if I can help them train their dog, just so I could get more practice. After I graduated, I quickly realized that without a college degree it was not easy for a person in a wheelchair to find a job. One day a friend gave me the idea for training dogs for a living. A few short weeks later, I had flyers and business cards made and I was seeking out clients. Now I am the president and training director for not only a local 4-H club but the Rogue Valley's first Schutzhund club. Today I have been training dogs for 16 years and have trained or helped train close to 300 dogs (estimate). Pictured beside me to the left is Dante, a dog I imported which I will be competing with this coming year. |
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Why should I spend the time or money
training my dog?
That is a
question
that I have
been asked
quite
often over the years.
Obedience training is
one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, a well trained
dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires fewer
restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given. For
example, many stores and businesses that normally won't allow dogs on their
premises will make an exception for a puppy or a dog that will heel nicely
by his owner's side, or will do a sit-stay or down-stay without hesitation.
And when company arrives in your home, there's no need to banish a
well-behaved dog to another room for fear that he will be a royal nuisance.
Moreover, because a well-mannered, obedience-trained dog is both appreciated
and welcome, he receives more attention and interaction from family members,
visitors, and passers-by, than does the ill-mannered dog. What are some of the things your dog will learn? Every dog is different and may have different skill levels. Just like in teaching children, not every child learns the same way. A gifted dog trainer recognizes this and adapts his training accordingly. I always like to start off with the basics like attention, come, sit and down. Once we get the basics down we can move on to other tasks, like heeling, staying and leaving other dogs and animals alone. |
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How do I join? Joining the class is simple. This 6 week class will start on June 13th, and the cost will be $60 for the entire class. The class will be held every Friday starting at 6pm and finishing around 7pm. Below is a map to the location the class will be held. If you have any questions and/or you’re interested in joining, please call me at 541-608-2857 or email me at JasonLake@charter.net. Currently not single but still need guidance with your four legged friend? Not a problem. Contact me today to find out about one-on-one training with you and your dog. Please call me at 541-608-2857 or email me at JasonLake@charter.net.
Medford Railroad Park |
