Lots has changed in dog obedience training over the past 15 years since I first entered this sport.It use to be common belief that dogs needed pain to motivate their behavior. I was lucky that early in my obedience training I studied with a know well known obedience

authority Patty Ruzzo with her then new "Cookie Powered" approach. We taught off leash heeling, retrieving, sit stays, recalls all by teaching my standard poodle to follow a cookie into correct position.

This method was very successful for my Katie who not only won at dog shows but was delighted to perform. I then had to pass this message on to the pet owners. I came to understand that two things make living with your dog easy,one is very clear pack messages, these are not human messages but canine messages, and the second is good positive training.If you can learn to talk dog to your dog and train your dog, life will be great for both of you. My job as a teacher is to teach you how to be a good leader, and how to train motivationally and practically.

In class we talk precisely how children are to play with your puppy, I even give you a handout and list of the appropriate toys. We teach the puppy how to focus on us even with distraction, how to be good at the groomers, and how to keep his mouth to himself. All my handouts are detailed and you will be given a book with photos to correspond to the handout. We additionally discuss things like separation anxiety and how to prevent it, diet, and alternative medicines available for you pet.

Katie and I developed a great working relationship and became a very strong team. Since that time I have had the honor to train with 5 of New England's top trainers. I am still going to my obedience lessons weekly and am always learning new ways to learn and teach. I do use clicker training for all level 2 classes but not initially because it is to much for a new owner and puppy to hold onto. Class always includes a 15 minute question and answer period and well as a play period.

Toy dogs which are all dogs 20 pounds and under are taught differently than large dogs and I prefer to keep them in a class apart from the larger labs and goldens. There are several reasons for this. First, is safety,the little ones can't run around carefree safely under the feet of the larger dogs. Secondly, their eye level and focal point is much lower than the larger dogs and you need to modify the method if you want a good connection with your dog. The pack rules for toy dogs are often different as well and they need lap rules and barking rules. They also require a far more rigorous housebreaking program.

My hope for all pet owners is that dog training is an opportunity and not a chore. Your dog should love to come to class, as should you. The time you spend the first year of your dogs life will double in rewards over the following 10 years and you will never regret your time spent.

As time passed the demand for a comprehensive puppy board train program grew. Puppy Perfect works with families to get puppies started right so first time owners can be successful at home (See Board Training for Details).

Jane Small conducts all the dog training services exclusively guaranteeing her 15 years of experience. Group classes are held in Millis, Newton, Cape Cod and Westboro. To see a class schedule, click here.

All lesson plans and typed materials have been written by Jane Small.