Welcome Dogs, Dog Owners and Families!

This Meetup is about becoming a responsible dog owner and becoming the leader. We will work on teaching basic obedience, socializing, dealing with reactive dogs, fearful dogs, dominant dogs and other behavioral issues.

This Meetup is open to any dog, no matter what breed, size or age.

This is NOT a play group or off leash group.

*SAFETY* will be the FIRST priority. All dogs MUST be on a leash at all times. You must maintain a seven food distance between all dogs at all times. If you have an especially reactive dog or dominant dog, the distance may need to be greater.

Hi Everyone,
My name is Jennie. I have two beagle girls named Chloe and Lonna. I call them my beagle brats, because they really can be brats at times. But, none the less, I love them dearly and consider them a part of my family.

In order to become a successful member of our family, I have had to learn how to become their leader. Having owned dogs most of my life, I have to be honest, I never really knew what being a responsible dog owner was. Well, it was time for me to find out. When I was informed by my vet that my 8 week old puppy showed the type of behaviors that ended up having many dogs put down, I decided it was time to get serious.

I began by hiring a private trainer. After going through her lessons and having my eyes opened to a whole new world, I decided there was so much to learn. I needed to know more. So, I joined the Animal Behavior College. I took a year long extensive program that earned me a certificate as a Certified Dog Trainer.

One thing that I learned is that there are many different ways to train dogs. What I found to be most effective and that builds the best bonds between dog and owner, is a technique that uses positive motivation and reinforcement. Of course, this does not always work with every dog, but in my opinion, it should always be where you start.

Now, I want to share what I have learned with anyone and everyone that may be interested. My primary motivation has come from my girls. But, I also want to help make sure that dogs that are currently in homes with families; stay in these homes with these families.

I will also be volunteering at a local humane society. To participate in this Meetup, I would like to suggest (not required) that you bring a bad of dog food or other related item that I can deliver to a local shelter.

Don't throw away your empty ink jet, laser cartridges or cell phones. Columbia Humane Society in St Helens is currently participating in a national ink jet, laser cartridge and cell phone recycling program. CHS will receive $1.00 - $12.00 for empty cartridges and $2.50 for each digital cell phone. I would be happy to deliver these items if donated.

I hope that you will all join me in taking the lead and becoming a responsible dog owner. Let’s build a bond with our best furever friend that will last a life time.