Pittsburgh Area Dog Training Opportunities
Barb Levenson Dog Training Centers - Helping you train the best dog you ever owned.
140 Pennsylvania Ave Oakmont, PA 15139
412-795-9642 - Email: barb12011@comcast.net
-www.barblevensondogtraining.com
Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club - Obedience (puppy to advanced), agility and tracking.
91 Terence Drive Pleasant Hills, PA 15236
412-653-6880 or 1-800 281-0920 - Email: gtotcgooddog@hotmail.com
-www.gtotc.com
Splash and Dash Agility - Committed to being the premiere dog agility training organization in Western PA.
1900 Sheena Drive, Plum PA 15239
412-826-9658 – Email: Splashanddashagility@adelphia.net
-www.splashanddashagility.com
Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association Canine Training Center
57 Noble Ave Crafton, PA 15205
412-920-1332
-www.wpka-inc.org/TrainingClasses.htm
Westmoreland County Obedience Club - Obedience, Agility, and Freestyle.
Delmont North Industrial Park – Email: information@wcotc-dogs.org
-www.wcotc-dogs.org/
United States Dog Training Opportunities
The Art of Dog – Margarat Nee, teaching people and dogs.
Encinitas, CA – Serving all of San Diego County
760-753-1982 – Email: infor@theartofdog.com
-www.theartofdog.com/index.html
Von der haus Gill German Shepherds – Al & Susan Gill – Police K-9 Training
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
419-568-9400 – Email: algill@gillsgermanshepherds.com
-www.gillsgermanshepherds.com
Tarheel Canine Training - Jerry Bradshaw, Master Trainer, K-9 & Behavior Solutions.
230 W. Seawell Street Sanford, NC 27330
919-774-4152 or 1-800-766-9032 - Email: malinois_jb@mindspring.com
-www.tarheelcanine.com
Peaceful Paws Canine Communication – Mary Lynne Doleys, Amichien Bonding in Chicagoland.
224-210-0201 – Email: info@peacefulpaws.us
-www.peacefulpaws.us
K9 Instincts – Dani Rouse, In-Home Amichien Bonding in Greater Kansas City.
8426 Clint Dr. #188 Belton, MO 64012
816-322-4133 – Email: NA
-www.k9-instincts.com
International Dog Training Opportunities
The Dog Listener – Jan Fennell and Amichien Bonding
Telephone: UK 0870 766 9787 – EMail: enquiries@janfennellthedoglistener.com
-www.janfennellthedoglistener.com
Let Dogs be Dogs – Janet and Kelly, Amichien Bonding in Germany
Germany 02161 3086784 0 – Email: letdogsbedogs@yahoo.com
-www.letdogsbedogs.info
More Pittsburgh Area Training Links
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers has established a self-reporting directory of dues-paying members. The APDT endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification by examination for all pet dog trainers. “Certified” trainers are designated with [CPDT] next to their names. Here is the list for the 412 and 724 area codes:
| Name/ Organization |
City/ State |
E-Mail/ Website |
Phone |
| Janet McCune, CPDT Doggone Happy Pet Services |
Allison Park PA 15101 |
doggonehappypet@comcast.net http://www.doggonehappypet.com/ |
412-366-2149 |
| Services: | Pet sitting, dog training, in-home and group classes, behavioral counseling. Certified AKC, CGC evaluator. | ||
| Edward Skarlinski | Cranberry Township PA 16066 |
zweizwei@yahoo.com |
412-967-6960 |
| Services: | Obedience, Behavior problems, Tracking, Rally-O, Intro Agrility. | ||
| Barbara Grosch, CPDT Animal Friends |
Gibsonia PA 15044 |
grosch1@nauticom.net |
412-578-8047 |
| Agnes Patkowska | Munhall PA 15120 |
dogjog@gmail.com |
412-512-9754 |
| Services: | New dog/puppy consultations, manners and general obedience for puppies and adults, behavioral consultations for dogs and parrots. | ||
| Lilian A. Akin, CPDT Akin Family Dog Training |
Pittsburgh PA 15207 |
laakin@bellatlantic.net http://www.akinfdt.com/ |
412-422-2767 |
| Debby McMullen Pawsitive Reactions |
Pittsburgh PA 15212 |
PawsitiveReactions@comcast.net home.comcast.net/~pawsitivereactions/ |
412-766-7632 |
| Services: | In-home dog training/behavioral counseling. Programs tailor made to you and your dog. | ||
| Barbara Nicholas Lucky Dog Training Center |
Pittsburgh PA 15221 |
barbara@yourluckydog.com http://www.yourluckydog.com/ |
412-798-2819 |
| Services: | Training and behavior modification services provided in-board or in a small group setting at Cozy Inn Pet Reort. Private in-studio and in-home training also available. Barbara is a Certified Master Trainer. | ||
| Diane Roos | Pittsburgh PA 15212 |
r.roos@comcast.net |
412-321-1384 |
| Services: | Greyhound obedience, puppy training 101, basic elementary obedience, canine good citizen instructor, private instructor. | ||
| Judith Levy M.Ed. Peace of Mind Canine Behavior Consulting |
Pittsburgh PA 15217 |
judithlevydogs@msn.com http://www.judithlevypetcare.com/ |
412-521-5133 |
| Services: | In-home consultations for behavior problems with canines and felines. Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. | ||
| Jeffrey C. Woods, CPDT Misty Pines Dog Park Co |
Sewickley PA 15143 |
info@mistypinesdogpark.com http://www.mistypinesdogpark.com/ |
412-364-4122 |
| Services: | A Full Service Facility “The complete pet company that loves the company of people and pets.” | ||
| Debby Kallaher, CPDT HALO Pet Ministry |
Trafford PA 15085 |
d.kallaher@comcast.net |
412-856-5741 |
| Services: | Puppy & basic obedience, therapy dog training, CGC & thereapy dog, Inc. Evaluator, behavior modification and private and group classes. | ||
| Sheri Gintner | Wexford PA 15090 |
skgintner@zoominternet.net |
412-417-1435 |
| Services: | Lure/reward training for puppies and dogs of all ages. Behavior modification classes to address problems ranging from jumping to aggression. Private consultations. | ||
| Diane N. Gaffney Gaffneys Canine Services |
Beaver Falls PA 15010 |
wlkswdgs@earthlink.net |
724-843-4691 |
| Services: | Private consultations in-home or at facility for problem behavior/training issues, CGC/TDI testing/evaluations. | ||
| Cathy Guyer | Beaver Falls PA 15010 |
mcguyer@webtv.net |
724-384-0274 |
| Nancy Kieffer Butler Dog Training Assoc |
Butler PA 16001 |
dogpawscs@zoominternet.net |
724-285-9910 |
| Services: | Obedience instructor, certified therapy dog evaluator (with Therapy Dog International). | ||
| Judith A. Fox Hair of the Dog |
Cranberry Twp. PA 16066 |
vixen@thesafety.net |
724-935-3152 |
| Services: | All breeds, puppy kindergarten, novice, open utility. | ||
| Rebecca A. Panzak, CPDT | Freeport PA 16229 |
beckyp@salsgiver.com |
724-224-3330 |
| Carol A. Stewart , CPDT Associate member IAABC |
Greensburg PA 15601 |
flintriver_distributor@yahoo.com |
724-834-2309 |
| Services: | In-home private training. Leash Agression Class, Puppy, Basic and Advanced Group classes, AKC CGC Evaluator. All classes use positive reinforcement. | ||
| Nanci E. Takash Mercer County Dog Training |
Hermitage PA 16148 |
nancitakash@hotmail.com |
724-962-7435 |
| Services: | Full Service clicker training since 1979. Classes, puppy, CGC, intermediate, competitive obedience, fun and games, Rally O, beginning agility, Prevent-A-Bite Program, therapy dog certification, HADOI endorsed instructor, community educational classes. | ||
| Marie Winters Horses & Hounds |
Indiana PA 15701 |
mwinters@yourinter.net |
724-349-3144 |
| Services: | Puppy, basic and novice obedience classes, agility, professional pet grooming, retail pet supplies. | ||
| Donna Musico | Leechburg PA 15656 |
dmusico@avsd.k12.pa.us |
724-274-2138 |
| Denise A. English English Acres |
Mars PA 16046 |
petsitterpa@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/petsitterpa |
724-316-7246 |
| Services: | Puppy, beginner, intermediate, advanced, clicker, tricks, behavior modification, in group or private training | ||
| Kim Ringer, CPDT Active Dog Wear |
Sarver PA 16055 |
gsd10@yahoo.com http://www.activedogwear.com/ |
724-226-0135 |
| Services: | Clicker training, puppy kindergarten, basic and advanced group classes, daycare and cagefree boarding. | ||
| Linda Maugle, CPDT Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic, Inc |
Stahlstown PA 15687 |
hcroft@laurelweb.net http://www.loyalvet.com/ |
724-593-6111 |
| Services: | We currently offer puppy socialization classes for any breed of puppy. We hope to be offering basic obedience classes shortly. I also do private lessons. | ||
| Andrea Boyd ABC Puppy School |
Stoneboro PA 16153 |
abcboyd1@earthlink.net |
724-376-2868 |
| Services: | Indoor classes year round – puppy kindergarten, beginner obedience, AKC CGC Evaluator, home training available. | ||
| Bruce Ringer, CPDT Ringers’ Pet Dog Training |
Tarentum PA 15084 |
gsd10@yahoo.com http://www.ringerspetdogtraining.com/ |
724-226-4822 |
| Services: | Clicker classes for puppy, basic and advanced skills. Private in-home training and aggression counseling. Daycare and cagefree boarding. | ||
| Roberta Knauf Robertas K9 Resort Inc. |
Transfer PA 16154 |
dogguru@infonline.net http://www.robspets.com/ |
724-962-0938 |
I am looking for someone to help us train our blue-tick coonhound. He does have a separation problem. Thanks
I am looking for someone in Indiana, PA that knows anything about the dog classes at IUP
I am looking for an answer to a dog that likes to run away when he is outside (even when he is called or told to come).
Hi Julie,
A dog who runs off and/or ignores its owner when called probably does not see the owner as the leader. If you look to canines in the wild, you will find that generally speaking, every pack has two leaders: an alpha male and an alpha female. The leaders provide the rest of the pack with food and security, and they make all decisions for the pack so as to ensure the pack’s survival. The subordinate members of the pack follow the decisions of the leaders without question.
Owners who want their dogs to cooperate with them – not because they are forced, but out of respect – need to provide them with leadership in a way the dogs understand. This can be done in a very kind, effective, and non-confrontational way. I highly recommend Jan Fennell’s book, The Dog Listener, which taught me how to achieve leadership with my own dogs.
Best wishes,
Mary Lynne Doleys
Peaceful Paws LLC
Hey, Mary Lynne,
I enjoyed looking at your website but felt I had to tell you that the views that you espouse about pack behavior are actually sadly out of date. The alpha male and alpha female are simply the breeding couple. They do provide their young with food and security, and to a certain extent they make decisions that impact the pack’s survival, just as human parents do. But subordinate members do not follow the decisions of the “leaders” (that should read “parents”, by the way) without question. That’s a myth. David Mech has observed instances in wild wolf packs where this is demonstrated: for example a pack who “mutinied” and turned the other direction while the alpha male was trying to lead them forward. Every time he circled around and tried to lead them forward, they followed for a while, then turned back. Finally, he gave up and followed THEM. And in Mech’s observations no wolf ever enforces his authority over other members of the pack.
I’m sure your training system (or Jan Fennel’s) is very effective, but your “science” on canine behavior comes from studies of captive wolves, inorganic packs who weren’t related, who didn’t know one another, and had no opportunity to use their predatory instincts to travel long distances to kill large prey. Their supposed “hierarchical” behaviors were actually the result of stress, not instinct. (The need to hunt large prey is the real reason for the genesis of the pack instinct, by the way–and no one wolf leads the pack when they hunt, either.)
Many of the early studies on captive wolves were done in Nazi Germany. In fact, Konrad Lorenz, who was the primary architect of the alpha theory, was a gung-ho Nazi, whose job as a Third Reich biologist was to determine which offspring of German and Polish parents had enough “German blood” to go back into the gene pool, and which had to be sent to concentration camps to be eliminated. His attraction to the idea of a strong leader, supposedly reflected in the alpha wolf and Adolf Hitler, is what probably led him down this misguided (and evil) path. (Oddly enough, he never paid for his war crimes and later won two Nobel prizes for ideas that, like the alpha theory, are also no longer valid.)
Meanwhile, Mech doesn’t like to use the word alpha any longer (except in reference to the breeding pair) because he says “It falsely implies a linear pecking order in which a wolf assumes a place in a hierarchical system.” So there is no hierarchy in real wild wolf packs. Plus, the latest thinking on domesticated dogs (who have different survival needs than wolves), is that they don’t form hierarchies either, or have the faintest “idea” what a pack leader is. They simply respond positively to owners who give them something fun and/or interesting to do.
Of course I don’t know how much of what you’ve written above is just PR to get people interested in your training system, and how much of it you actually believe, but it’s simply not true.
Thanks for taking time to read this,
LCK
Oh, and one other thing: it isn’t that a dog who doesn’t come when called doesn’t see the owner as the pack leader, it’s that the owner hasn’t properly trained or motivated the dog do so.
Here’s a training tip from one of my newsletters, which is geared for NYC dog owners using their local dog run:
If you want your dog to have a ‘killer’ recall at the dog run, here are some fun ideas: First, bring some treats and the squeaker from a squeaky toy with you to the dog run. Pay close attention to your dog. When he’s not interacting with other dogs, or not sniffing around, and seems to want or need something to do, give a loud whistle, or clap your hands, or squeak the squeaker. (If I’m in a big dog run I’ll use an actual ref’s whistle.)
When he looks at you, show him that you’ve got a treat. DON’T CALL HIM TO YOU YET! Wait until he starts running toward you. Then, while he’s in the process of running, say “Muttsy, come!” in an excited voice. Then reward him with the treat and a lot of praise. (It wouldn’t be a bad idea to jump up and act happy and get him to chase you around a little too.)
This will probably excite not only your dog but several other dogs in the vicinity, so let things settle down a little, and the dogs will start playing again. Wait until there’s another lull in the action, and repeat.
Another cool trick is to play a modified version of “hide-n-seek”: When your dog isn’t paying attention to you, move. Go stand or sit somewhere else. Then, when he looks back to where you were standing or sitting, and can’t see you, he’ll suddenly have a strong desire to find you. When he does, wave a treat at him and run away. He’ll come flying toward you as fast as he can. As he does, say, “Muttsy, come!” in an excited voice, then reward him with the treat and a little bit of chase. (Most dog runs frown on people getting dogs to chase them around, so you have to keep this to minimum.)
After a few days of doing these exercises, your dog will automatically start looking for you more whenever there’s a lull in the action. He’ll even start coming back to check in with you from time to time. It’s vitally important during this stage, that every time he comes back to you on his own, without any direction from you, that you praise him and give him a tasty treat.
One other important bit of advice, if your dog is in the habit of running away when it’s time to leave the run and go home, never stand there with the leash in your hand and call him! Have the leash hidden, and put it on your dog while he’s distracted by eating a treat out of your hand.
Another good tip: after you leash him up, take him for a brisk walk, a game of chase and tug, while running or jogging around or near the dog run. Then take him back inside and let him loose again. If your dog has as much fun playing with YOU as he does with the other dogs, you may find that when you get back inside the dog run he’ll actually hang around you for a while before he finally runs off and throws himself into the tumble of dogs waiting for him.
If you do these exercises often enough, and make your dog’s experience of leaving the run as fun as being inside with other dogs, he won’t associate the leash with the feeling that “the fun is over.” And the really cool thing is, after just a few weeks of playing with him, you can actually show him the leash and he’ll come running over to you to be leashed up. You won’t need to keep doing this every day, either. Nor will you have to keep giving him treats every time he comes (you should gradually wean him off the treats altogether anyway; they’re just a tool for those initial stages of learning).
Have fun at the dog run!
LCK
Dear Mr. Kelley:
Thank you for your response. You certainly have a right to your perspective, as we all do. I work with Jan Fennell’s method because it is kind and respectful, and it is very effective in correcting all behavior problems. I can assure you that Dog Listeners would always keep an open mind to any approach that is as kind as Amichien Bonding IF it were to prove more effective across the board.
Best wishes,
Mary Lynne Doleys
Peaceful Paws LLC
I have no objection to your training method (unless you’re recommending that people use “gentle” leaders), I’m just pointing out that Fennel’s idea that dogs need a “pack leader” isn’t based on reality, but on an outmoded belief that has its origins in Nazi Germany. (It also makes Fennell no different, philosophically speaking, than Cesar Millan and the Monks of New Skete.)
And in my view, if you and Fennell were REALLY listening to dogs, you would already know there’s no such thing as a pack leader in a dog’s mind. You wouldn’t need a jerk like me to point this out to you.
Best wishes,
LCK
I am looking for puppy kindergarten classes. I am in Indiana, PA 15701, will travel to greensburg, etc. PLEASE email.
I have a beagle/coonhound mix that is very canine aggressive, I would love to find someone to rehabilitate her. I am at my wits end!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 6 month old male lab and I was looking into getting him trained to be a service dog. Everything I have found so far is to get a puppy from the organization but not to actually train the dog I already have. If anybody knows any information that could help I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Lauren
don’t you think people are bad
i have a one year old boxer my family has grown to love she is very sweet and very smart ,she has a issue when she is outside with my daughter she will walk up unpervoked and start with a very ruff play tuging and pulling at her clothes she gets to the point were she leaves welts and pulls her to the ground and my daughters screems wont faze her. this has happend twice and once with my daughters friend i fear she will hurt them.i try to correct her but i can’t catch her she runs through the yard .i don’t know what to do i’m open to suggestions if anybody has any i don’t want to get read of her but i can’t have her hurting the kids.