Imagine you are in a foreign country. You can't speak or read the language. The people seem nice enough, but you have no idea what "good manners" are in their culture.

Sometimes they seem to be just delighted with you. But other times, they become stern and even angry at you, but you have no idea why.

Sometimes you manage to figure out what they like and don't like about your manners, but a lot of the time you are confused.

A stressful way to live, you'd say. That's a lot of what life can be like for an "untrained" dog.

Just like us, dogs like being praised for doing the right thing. But they need to know what the right thing is. Obedience school is a great way to help you and your dog speak the same language.

Benefits include:

• Your dog will gain confidence both in you and in himself
• You and your dog know each other better, and bond more closely
• Obedience workouts are fun for your dog

You can train your dog on your own, but a class helps you to focus on the training regularly, and can provide helpful tips and info.

A number of organizations offer obedience classes, including dog clubs, PETsMART, private dog training businesses, and veterinary clinics.

Pawsitively Perfect Pets Dog Training, LLC
From puppy to perfect.
Instructor: Jan Hansen
558-0904

Russin Carver
Specializing in obedience training and
exercise for your dog
259-5933 or
575-5118

Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club
942-1768

Lead Me On Dog Training
Murray  269-0308

Freedom Animal Training
Utah Valley and Salt Lake  764-9233

Salty Dogs  Daycare / Boarding / Training
614 South 400 West
Salt Lake City
328-DOGS (3647)

Four Legged Scholars
Four Legged Scholars, LLC
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
801-463-1668

PETsMART Locations:
Redwood Road  965-9407
3300 South  487-9290
389 West 1830 South  466-0313
Layton  543-0216

For additional references, check with your vet or folks you know who've taken their dogs to obedience school.

If either you or your dog are uncomfortable with an obedience class, change to another instructor or another organization.
The important thing is to find a class that works for you and your dog, and stick with it!