The Pet Connection offers a low-cost obedience training and behavior consultation with the guidance of our highly qualified staff. The number one reason why people relinquish a dog or a cat is for relatively common behavioral problems. These classes help educate individuals on how to fix these problems. We use positive reinforcement to teach dogs how to live with their owners and to teach the owners how to communicate with their dogs.
TPC memberships are available for $10 per family and are valid for one year from date of purchase. They entitle the member to discounted classes for the year. Animals must be current on shots and be free of illness, fleas and worms. Puppies must have at least 2 of their puppy shots. Dogs without aggression issues are welcome at any class. For the safety of other animals and owners, all aggression issues require an initial private consultation to evaluate whether the placement in a regular training class is appropriate. Private consultations can also be scheduled throughout the week by contacting melody@thepetconnection.net.
All animals attending classes or visiting The Pet Connection must be current on vaccinations, free of fleas & worms, and symptom-free of illness.
Our classes are held on:
Socialization & Play Classes
Sundays from 12 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Pre-registration required
- Owner is not required to remain for the full time
- $5 per hour for TPC members; free to adopters of Pet Connection animals & foster animals under a licensed rescue or shelter
- Fees are per animal, per hour
Open Access Class (see description below)
Sundays from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- No registration required for non-aggressive animals
- Animals with aggression must pre-register
- $5 per class for TPC members; free to adopters of Pet Connection animals & foster animals under a licensed rescue or shelter
- Fees are per animal, per class
Obedience & Social Shaping
Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Pre-registration required
- $5 per class for TPC members; free to adopters of Pet Connection animals & foster animals under a licensed rescue or shelter
- Fees are per animal, per class
The behavioral team at The Pet Connection consists of highly qualified individuals who have a goal. They want each and every person that they come in contact with to learn something about their animal. There are no gimmicks and no money making schemes. The classes are priced low so that lower income people can be privy to the same information. Training classes are getting more and more expensive and dog trainers range in qualifications all over the metro. The proceeds for the behavioral and training center go to help operate programs.
The training staff works with animals on a day to day basis. Animal behavior, training, and developing training protocols for problem animals is something that we have been able to mainstream and simplify for the general public.
We keep the classes inexpensive because we know that the person fed up with their dog isn’t usually motivated to spend a bunch of money on an animal he doesn’t even want. For some reason, our society feels powerless over many pet related problems. We help them at their capacity to help their pets. We get a lot of very positive feedback about our classes. Our classes aren’t just for adopters. They are for people that are looking for inexpensive advice & information about dog or cat training and behavior.
Open Access Class:
Our Open Access obedience classes are basic beginner level courses that work on the following issues:
- Teaching basic obedience commands such as: sit, down, stand, come, and stay
- Learning to walk on a leash
- Clients can obtain information about bolting out the door, getting on counter tops, jumping up, getting in the trash, etc.
- Questions about crate training, housetraining, chewing, leadership and other topics are covered as well
- Socialization
Obedience classes are an excellent idea, since training has changed drastically in recent years. It now teaches the pet owners how to effectively give clear messages; so training is easier and the areas of concern are quickly addressed. Additionally, the dog has the opportunity to be properly socialized in a controlled setting so that it can succeed in future situations. The key to
training is consistency, understanding, praise and more praise. These classes are designed to address and handle problem behaviors. Classes are available to low-income families and to the animal community at a discount. The behavioral classes are open to everyone. Our lessons are based on each animal’s individual needs.
