The History of Homer Dog Trainers

Prior to Autumn 2004, few opportunities for dog owners to work and learn about dogs existed in the Homer area. At that time, a few dog trainers and enthusiasts felt the desire to share their knowledge of dogs and training by opening a facility. Homer Animal Friends was consulted and agreed to sponsor Homer Dog Trainers. A building was secured, a governing board assembled, training equipment acquired, and soon classes began.

The founders hoped to provide people with a positive training environment that would allow them the time and place to work and play with their dogs. The concept was, and remains, trained dogs are happy dogs, and trained dogs make happy owners. Furthermore, happy owners don't relinquish their dogs to the shelter, so the entire community benefits.

Since its inception, Homer Dog Trainers has seen more than 200 puppies, age 10-16 weeks, go through Puppy Kindergarten. Over 300 dogs and owners have completed our basic training classes. The agility classes continue to grow in popularity, and folks who commit to agility training continue in our classes throughout the year(s).

Classes

Training classes promote methods of positive reinforcement to encourage a meaningful and responsible human-dog relationship. You will learn training to meet your and your dog's needs:

• How to keep training fun for you and your dog
• How to stop unwanted behaviors
• How to motivate your dog
• How to use praise, food and correction in a fair and effective manner

Training classes available

NOTE: For information on future dog training classes, call Homer Dog Trainers at 235-8053 or email homerdogtrainers@gmail.com. Their calendar for the remainder of the year will be available shortly.

Puppies ages 8-16 weeks

• Socialize with other pups and people
• Learn training basics
• Provide solutions to your puppy problems
• Expand your puppy's horizons in a positive environment
• Start them young to make a smarter dog

Obedience ages 5 months and above

• Teaches manners and obedience for the family dog
• Uses positive training methods
• Exercises covered:
- Attention
- Sit & Down
- Recall (come)
- Stay
- Loose Leash Walking
- Polite greetings

Agility for the canine athlete

• Focuses on training for local/global competition
• For fit dogs with basic training and no aggression issues
• For people who love to work with their dogs
• Builds confidence
• Obstacles used:
- A-frame
- Tunnels
- Weave poles
- Jumps
- Teeter totter
- Dog walk
- Table
- Tire
- Chute