Tulsa Animal Welfare Offers Free Dog Training Seminars

The City of Tulsa Animal Welfare Center is partnering with certified dog trainers from Pooches dog care facility in Tulsa to offer a series of seminars to help people establish and maintain healthy, rewarding relationships with their pets. The seminars are part of “It’s Hip to Snip” Month in Tulsa, which is celebrated every February. This marks the fifth year Tulsans and area animal welfare advocates have joined together to increase both spay/neuters numbers and general National overpopulation awareness.

The following FREE seminars are slated for Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Central Community Center Auditorium, 1028 E. Sixth Street (6th & Peoria). These two seminars are the first in a series to be held at various locations throughout the city of Tulsa in 2009.

Seminar 1: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Welcome Home – a how-to guide for new puppy owners.

This seminar provides an overview to how puppies think and view the world—vital information for helping a puppy grow into a confident, friendly dog. Covered topics will include puppy proofing your home, crate training, house training, an overview of puppy obedience basics (sit, down, walk on lead, come when called) and the importance of puppy socialization.

Seminar 2: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Not Bad…Just Wrong – an introduction to positive training techniques and how they can erase undesired behaviors in your adult dog.

It’s an all-too-common story—the family dog is unruly. It jumps up on people, races through the house and chews shoes. Fido is digging in the yard, terrorizing the kids and pulling on the leash. These problems and other common complaints have solutions. Come learn how your dog can become a great member of your family in the New Year!

“We encourage anyone interested in learning more about creating an enjoyable and loving bond with their pet to come to one or both of these activities,” said Jean Letcher, Shelter Manager.

Reservations are required, although the event is free. Interested participants should call 596-1499 by Wednesday, February 4. Owners should not bring their dogs to the seminars. Dogs will be on site for demonstrations, but personal dogs will not be admitted. All who attend will receive discount coupons from Pooches and will be eligible to win door prizes.

The seminars will be conducted by Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT) Nancy Werhane and Lawanna Smith, owners of Pooches in Tulsa. Both Werhane and Smith have 20-plus years of experience in obedience, agility and conformation training and exhibiting and are certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.