PET DOG TRAINING
I began training my own dogs from the very beginning: about 1980.  I attended training class when we got the first Afghan, Jason.  Early on, I was encouraged by the trainers at that local Kennel Club to join the club, and as soon as I titled a dog (that is, to earn an AKC title on one of my dogs), I could then help teach the classes.   It was several moves and several years before I reached that goal, and by then I was no longer a member of that club. I kept the idea of one day leading training classes.
     In Rockford, IL, my training mentor was Lorraine Meyers, a noted breeder of Boxers as well as handler, Breed and Obedience Judge.  Training under Lorraine was a rewarding experience and with her help, I trained and titled two more of my Afghans.
    After we moved from Rockford,  I did work with a couple of groups in other towns, but learned more about what NOT to do in a training situation. 
   I have now been living in South Dakota for almost 10 years and I must admit that I am far from training resources.  I have opted for a new method of keeping current : that of attending Seminars and Workshops rather than a weekly class.  I don't get my own dogs trained this way, but I have greatly increased my "bag of tricks" and learned a great deal more about the techniques behind training dogs.
TRAINING TECHNIQUE

  Methods of training dogs have changed quite a good deal in the last 10 years.  When I started, we were using the old "Jerk and Pull" method of getting your dog to follow orders.  This never did work very will with my Afghans, so I started using
Positive Reinforcement methods earlier than most other trainers. 
   Today, I teach all training with Positive Reinforcement methods and I see that my clients have much better progress, faster.  I will also occassionally recommend a correction, but it is only as firm as the dog will tolerate, starting with the least invasive correction and working up until you get YOUR dog's attention.  We use a clicker and a training treat, that may be food or a toy. 
   In my classes we laugh a lot and have fun.  Who wants to go to a class and get yelled at? People OR dogs?  Not me!  I learned that someplace else....
I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an organization dedicated to encouraging Positive Reinforcement training for the pet dog with their owners.  This organization provides recommended techniques and materials, support through an internet email list and the potential for Certification.
CLASSES:
    I generally run a class in the spring and another in the fall.  The beginning dates are posted at local veterinary offices and grooming shops as well as the local newspapers. 
IN-HOME:
    I also offer in-home sessions at your convenience.  These sessions include 4 hours of training time, include a book that I highly recommend, and a clicker.  Visits are recommended at 7-10 day intervals, but that can be flexible based on you and your dog's needs and schedule.
LOCATION:
   I teach in the 4-H building in Yankton, SD.  For in-home sessions, I will travel up to 25 miles from Yankton, SD.
I will arrange classes in other towns with a 10 student minimum.
MY TRAINING HISTORY
FINISHED!
Onyx, earning her CD in the early 1990's
She was incredibly shy and took a LOT of patience and new training techniques. NO leash jerking with this dog!
afghanbunny@hotmail.com
Canine Good Citizen
This year I am offering the AKC's Canine Good Citizen training that can be successful with either puppies or the older dog.  We will use Positive Reinforcement methods to teach Sit, Down, Stay, Come, and to walk nicely on a leash. ... All the things that a well-mannered dog should know. During the course of the class, we will go over all kinds of tricks and tips on how to manage your dog, to avoid Bad Habits in the first place, or to "modify" or manage those annoying behaviors that your dog is already  doing.
Please email for information or to register.
A happy client says:
Dear Suzi,
Darrel and I were so stunned that Delilah actually passed her CGC test that we left in a daze and never thanked you personally for the really awesome job you did in training her (and us) and the 'smorgasbord' of other doggies in the class.
   You have a wonderful balance of authority and lightness in your teaching technique that make your classes a pleasant experience for both the dogs and their owners... a very special gift, indeed.  Yankton is blessed to have you!
Thanks again.                                                 Maxine, Darrel and Delilah