Dog Training Classes - the nonviolent way

Redhorse asked for it, so here it is -- a recommendation for dog training in the greater Akron area.

We are fortunate to have living in Akron, Terry Cranendonk, a co-author (with Paul Owens and Norma Eckroate) of The Puppy Whisperer, a wonderful book to help you through the first year of your pup's training. Please be advised that this book and its predecessor, The Dog Whisperer, have nothing to do with a certain television program featuring the negative and often cruel tactics of one Cesar Millan. Millan's way of training is out of date, based on old assumptions of the human must be the pack leader. The latest research clearly shows us that wolf packs in the wild are far more collaborative than earlier studies showed. The alpha male and female roles are primarily for procreation and very severe survival situations. There is no need to terrorize your dog to assert your authority. Certainly choke or prong collars, electric collars, and pinning your dog to the ground are not humane training choices.

I bought The Puppy Whisperer and have been devouring its wisdom and practicing the lessons with Hamlet. I am proud to share that he can now "sit," lie down, touch my hand with his nose on the command "come", and respond immediately to his new name. We are working on "go to your den." This training is all about positive reinforcements and classical conditioning. It is based upon how dogs actually learn.

So I'm all about positive training techniques (with students as well as dogs!), which is where Terry comes in. He trained and worked with the original dog whisperer, Paul Owens, whose methods were presented in his book and various videos. He's available for private training and he holds puppy and basic dog training classes in Hudson as part of the Hudson Community and Education Program. Here's a description of his classes, with contact info:

Basic Dog Training

Instructor: Terence Cranendonk

Taught by local trainer Terence Cranendonk, co- author of the national best-seller, “The Puppy Whisperer,”

this course helps you teach your dog the basic behaviors he or she will need to be a well-mannered member of the household. Behaviors covered include, but are not limited to: sit, down, stay, come when called,

and heel. The class uses all non-violent, reward-based training. Please bring your dog on a flat collar (no pinch or choke collars) and six foot nylon or leather leash ( no flexi-leads.) Also bring plenty of soft treats and vaccination records to first class.

Fee: $ 75

#879 5 Wed. 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. 4/15 - 5/13

#882 5 Wed. 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. 6/10 - 7/8

Evamere Multi-Purpose Room

Contact terry@dogoodog.com for more information.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. HHS B102

Puppy Play and Learn

Instructor: Terence Cranendonk

Taught by local trainer Terence Cranendonk, coauthor of the national best-seller, “The Puppy Whisperer,” this course is an introduction to basic skills for puppies under five months old. The emphasis of the class is on socialization with other dogs and people, learning how to sit politely for greeting, stay still for grooming and handling, play nicely, share food and toys and come when called. Puppies must have their first set of vaccinations by the first day of class. No training prerequisite. Students should bring puppies on a six foot leash (no flex-leads please) and flat buckle collar, along with vaccination records and a large supply of soft treats.

Fee: $75

# 881 5 Wednesdays 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. 4/15 - 5/13