DFAH is now offering dog training classes for adults and puppies! Brenda Isern, one of our receptionists, is a certified dog trainer and has much success with the AKC's training programs.

The puppy class is offered to all puppies 10-12 weeks and older. It includes a total of 6 one-hour sessions held on Saturdays. It will focus on the four important keys of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program: socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. After completing the 6 week course, your puppy will take the S.T.A.R. Puppy test and receive its certificate.

Puppies wanting to participate in the S.T.A.R. program must be at least 10-12 weeks old. Puppies will also need to be vaccinated for bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and have at least one distemper (DHPP/DHLPP) vaccine. It is ideal that puppies have vaccines at least one week prior to starting classes. The classes are group sessions and we want all puppies to stay happy and healthy!

To learn more about the AKC S.T.A.R. program visit the AKC's website at: http://www.akc.org/puppies/training/star/index.cfm

You may download a copy of the brochure (PDF) by visiting: http://images.akc.org/pdf/starpuppy/brochure.pdf

We are also offering the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program for adults. This class will also be a 6 week course of hour long sessions held on Tuesdays. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

All adult dogs will be required to have been vaccinated for rabies, distemper (DHPP/DHLPP), bordetella (kennel cough), and canine influenza. Just like the puppy classes, the CGC classes are group sessions and we want your pets to stay healthy!

To learn more about the AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Program, please visit the following link: http://www.akc.org/dogowner/training/canine_good_citizen/index.cfm

You may download a copy of the brochure (PDF) by visiting: http://images.akc.org/pdf/cgc/GK9GC1.pdf

When are the classes?

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes will next be held on Saturday, May 18 from 3:00 - 4:00PM

AKC Canine Good Citizen classes will next be held on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:30 - 7:30PM.

What is the cost for the classes?

Both the puppy class and adult class are $120 for the 6-week course.

More about Brenda Isern

Brenda Isern joined the Dutch Fork team in April 2012. She brought with her a passion for dogs and training. She would like to share this with our valuable clients that may be having trouble with their beloved pets or just want to get their puppy off to the right start.

She started training her first dog in 4-H at the age of 14. She mentored with a professional police dog trainer and an author of dog training books. She decided to continue her education through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. After attending yearly national conferences and teaching classes through a national chain, she achieved certification in the field.

Brenda truly believes in the power of positive reinforcement and providing leadership for all canines. Learning is fun for people as well as their dogs. She has done obedience training with a variety of breeds. Brenda also has trained a standard Poodle for Canine Freestyle, which is a sport of dancing with your dog. Agility and Rally-O training are also part of Brenda’s experience.

With 26 years of experience in various areas of dog training, Brenda is sure to be a great influence in your pets behavior.

Testimonials

“Taking puppy classes with our Chihuahua, Oreo, was so much fun. Brenda made dog training enjoyable and we love how the training makes our dog a better family member. I highly recommend training classes with Brenda." - Karen Lucas-Price

“Brenda has been so helpful and patient as a trainer! It was so helpful finding someone at Dutch Fork that I felt comfortable with and trusted to work with my young Springer Spaniel to ensure his discipline and socialization. I would recommend Brenda to anyone looking for a professional, caring, patient, and efficient dog trainer!” - Elizabeth Carroll