PAT'S BACKGROUND

I am a CPDT "Certified Pet Dog Trainer". To become certified, the individual must pass a rigorous nationally recognized exam that is set up by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. All test sites are professionally secured and moderated by Professional Testing Corporation of New York. The exam focuses on learning theory, its application in changing behaviors, and on modification techniques that are humane, rather than abusive. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to keep their designations. To find out more about Certified Pet Dog Trainers go to: http://www.ccpdt.org/

I am a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. APDT is an international, non-profit, professional trade organization of dog trainers, behaviorists and other animal professionals, with more than 4,200 members worldwide. Our primary purpose is the education of dog trainers, the public and the veterinary profession regarding canine behavior and training and the benefits of dog-friendly behavior and training.

How it all started:

I first got interested in dog training back in 1985, when we got our first Rottweiler. That was Seka - she was a marvelous dog. I knew that a Rottweiler would grow up to be a very strong dog, so I wanted to start off on the right paw (so to speak). I signed up for a puppy kindergarten class in Omaha taught by Jane Larsen. Both Seka and I learned a lot, and we had fun. So I signed up for the beginner class, which was at a local dog club. We just kept on taking more classes - I got hooked, and decided that our goal would be to enter an AKC obedience trial.

Along the way, I was asked to be the assistant for an instructor, to help teach a class. I knew next to nothing but I did it. I learned (and am still learning…) and soon found myself teaching quite a few classes. I have changed my methods a lot since then. I find myself continually adding new ideas and different ways of teaching both people and dogs.

Types of dog activities:

Over the years I have been involved in several types of dog activities. When we had Dachshunds we did den trials, where the dogs have to go down an underground tunnel after rats (don't worry, the rats are safe in a cage - the dogs don't actually get them). With the Whippets we did lure coursing, which is a simulated bunny chase using a plastic bag as the lure. Both these activities use the dog's natural instincts - it is a blast to see the dogs "turn on" and get to do what they were bred for. 

I have dabbled in tracking, which is an organized sport in which dogs follow a scent trail and find objects or people. One of the most rewarding things I've done is pet therapy - taking a dog to a hospital or nursing home to visit patients. Also very rewarding was my time spent training a service dog for a person who is a quadriplegic - this was a Lab that learned to pull a wheelchair, open doors, turn lights on and off, and pick up any object. I also trained a hearing dog for a client who is deaf. Both the service and hearing dog training was done as part of an organization called PAWS WITH A CAUSE. Click here to learn more about PAWS http://www.ismi.net/paws/

The present:

My main dog hobby for many years was training for and entering AKC obedience trials. At an obedience trial the dog and handler perform a formal routine of heeling (both on and off leash), recall, sit-stay and down-stay, jumping, retrieving, and other exercises.

My dogs have earned many titles, ribbons and awards, but that never was my main focus. Spending time with my dogs and dog friends is its own reward. Training builds a strong bond with a dog, and the relationship with the dog is the most important thing. Plus I have met so many great people who are now my friends.

One fun and rewarding thing I do with my Rottweiler Leonard is go to our local library for our PAWS FOR BOOKS program. Leonard is a certified registered Delta Pet Partner and he enjoys having children read to him.

The classes I teach are focused toward pet owners. My goals in teaching are to solve or prevent behavior problems, and to help build a strong mutually respectful relationship between owner and dog, using fun dog-friendly methods. I do not teach competition classes but I can refer interested people. I teach mainly private lessons (in your home) in the Fremont, NE area.

I believe in the importance of continuing education in the field of dog training, and I continue to go to seminars and conferences, read extensively, and actively network with other dog trainers. There is always more to learn!

Pat can be contacted via e-mail at patscott@k9webs.com or by phone at 402-721-1107.