Puppy Love has been teaching dogs (and cats!) in the Brazos Valley since 1992. Puppy Love was founded by Kay Stephens, DVM, MS, a veterinarian, dog trainer, and A&M graduate who saw a need for a modern dog training facility in Bryan/College Station.
*****WARNING !! All dog trainers are NOT the same. All dog training methods are NOT the same. Which trainer and which method you choose can be a matter of life or death for your dog, we aren't kidding !! Read the statement at the bottom of the page by the Veterinary Behavior Society for HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD TRAINER !!!
In the 18 years since founding Puppy Love, thousands of dogs of all ages have been succesfully educated with our revolutionary "clicker" training method. This method is scientifically proven, effective, fast, sucessful, and humane.
We know that there is no need to yank or jerk your best friend around in order to train him. (Look at the bottom of the page for the Veterinary Behavior Society's position on using punishment to train your dog)
Our goal is to make training fun, easy, and effective for people and for dogs. Tell us what you need, and we will do our best to help you reach your goals.
For pictures of our classes, check out our Puppy Love Training Facebook page !!
Puppy Love differs from other training classes in several important ways.
First, we have a privately owned indoor and fenced outdoor training area set up just for training dogs. Our indoor area is matted and has central air conditioning and heating.
Second, our instructors are all extremely experienced, trained professionals with years of training experience and advanced education (see our instructors's biographies by clicking on "About Puppy Love"). Our instructors understand that our real goal is to educate YOU, the pet owner, on how to train and manage your dog so that you will have continued success AFTER the class is over.
Third, we are located at America's Country Store 14675 Wellborn Rd. This is a top quality store featuring high end natural dog foods, treats, a wide variety of toys, and hard to find training equipment.
Fourth, we really care about helping you and your dog become a sucessful partnership. Our training methods are science based, proven effective, and use positive reinforcement to enhance the relationship between you and your dog.
Fifth, our classes are very small, usually 6-8 dogs per class.
Sixth, we have a full set of Agility equipment.
Seventh, we are a small, locally owned and operated business. Our head trainer is a veterinarian (A&M '79,'80,'83) with advanced training in behavior modification.
There's a reason we have been in business for 18 years : we treat people AND dogs with kindness and respect.
For details on any of our classes, click on the class menu tab at the top of the page.
For dates and times of classes, click on the class schedule tab.
We specialize in Puppy Kindergarten classes where puppies from 9 weeks to 6 months of age learn to be well behaved members of the household. Early training is the single most important factor in your dog becoming a good companion.
We teach Basic Obedience Classes for dogs 6 months and older with the emphasis on every day household obedience exercises. We believe you really can teach an "old" dog new tricks, and that it is never too late to make your dog a better companion.
We also offer a Canine Good Citizen Class for those wanting their dogs to earn the AKC Good Citizen Certificate or become a certified Therapy Dog.
Graduate Obedience class will take your Basic or Puppy training up a notch or two...Behaviors such as Heel, Come to Front, Go to Bed, and Beginning Retrieve will be covered as well as a review of stay and come with increased difficulty and higher levels of distractions. You'll even learn a couple of new fun tricks to impress your friends!
Rally Obedience is a new class we are offering as an introduction to the world of competitive dog sports to make obedience training fun and exciting. We will cover all the signs for Novice Rally and run several partial and full courses. We will also cover several exercises required to earn your AKC Companion Dog title in Obedience.
Agility classes are a great way to exercise your dog, build up your dog's confidence, and for you and your dog to just plain have fun. We offer introductory classes that any dog of any age can enjoy as well as more advanced classes for those interested in competition.
We have classes available on a variety of times and dates, and if you don't see a class that fits your needs, let us know , as we offer private lessons either at your home, or at our training facility.
Is your pet growling, barking, digging, or unruly ? We offer behavioral counseling with a veterinarian experienced in behavior modification for animals. Click on the 'class' tab at the top of the page to see more information on behavior counseling.
Puppy Love offers this guarantee : if you are not totally satisfied with your class experience we will find a way to make you satisfied, whatever it takes. We have 18 years of satisfied customers and dogs and plan on 18 more.
You can call us anytime for more information at 979-694-1998, or 979-229-6300, please leave a message as we are usually out training dogs !
Or email us at
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American Veterinary Society of Animal
Behavior :
HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG TRAINER
Choosing a dog trainer can be one of the most important decisions that you make in your dog’s life. The techniques that a trainer uses can strongly affect how you interact with your dog for years to come. Therefore, it is very important to choose your trainer wisely.
Here are some guidelines for choosing a dog trainer.
Remember, training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog.
1. Reward-based training.
There are numerous ways to train dogs. In addition, each animal has his/her own learning style and preferred motivators.
AVSAB endorses training methods which allow animals to work for things (e.g., food, play, affection) that motivate them rather than techniques that focus on using fear or pain to punish them for undesirable behaviors. Look for a trainer who uses primarily or only reward-based training with treats, toys, and play.
Avoid any trainer who advocatesmethods of physical force that can harm your pet such as hanging dogs by theircollars or hitting them with their hands, feet, or leashes.
Research shows that dogs do not need to be physically punished to learn how to behave, and there are significant risks associated with using punishment (such as inhibiting learning, increasing fear, and/or stimulating aggressive events). Therefore, trainers who routinely use choke collars, pinch collars, shock collars, and other methods of physical punishment as a primary training method should be avoided.
Because of its risks, punishment should only be used by a trainer who can fully
explain the possible adverse effects.Punishment should not be used as a general first-line approach; instead trainers using punishment should discuss specifically which situations may call for its use.
General use of such punishment assumes that animals always know exactly what humans expect of them and are willfully disobeying. In fact, animals are often disobeying because people have accidentally reinforced the wrong behaviors or have not communicated clearly the appropriate behaviors. No learner wants to be in a situation where they have to constantly be afraid of making a mistake.
Read statements by behavioral specialists and trainers on the Dog Whisperer at the end of this list.
2. Good teacher.
A good instructor should explain what behavior they are training, why it is important, and then demonstrate it. In a class situation, they should provide ample time in class to practice and individually assist students. They should be able to adapt their humane training methods to the individual dog. Class sizes should be small to ensure individual attention, or assistants should be helping with the classes.
3. Continual education.
Look for a trainer who demonstrates continual self education. A conscientious trainer will keep up-to-date with new training theories and methods, and may attend workshops and conferences.
4. Respectful.
A good trainer should be personable and respectful of both you and your dog. Avoid trainers who recommend using physical force (e.g. alpha rolling, pushing a dog into position, hitting, choke chain or pinch collar correction) or methods/devices that have the potential for harm, as an acceptable way to train.
Additionally, avoid trainers who make you feel bad about the speed of progress that your dog is making.
5. Observe a class.
Always ask to observe a class before attending. You need to make sure that the teaching style of the instructor will work with how you learn. Also, watch the students and their dogs. Are they having fun or looking stressed? Are dogs’ tails up and wagging or down and/or tucked? Are the people talking with their dogs in happy, upbeat voices or are they scolding or even yelling at them? Talk to the current students—are they enjoying the class and feel that their dogs are learning? If a trainer does not allow you to observe a class, ask yourself (and the trainer) why.
6. Do you feel comfortable?
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable doing whatever it is the trainer asks you to do to your dog. If your trainer ever tells you to do something to your dog that you believe will cause you or your dog undue harm or distress, ask them to explain why they recommend that technique, what the potential drawbacks of the technique are and how these will be addressed should they occur.
Alternatively, you could ask for another option.
7. There are no guarantees.
Because of the variable and often unpredictable nature of behavior, a conscientious trainer cannot and will not guarantee the results of training. However they should be willing to ensure satisfaction of their services.
8. Vaccinations.
A good instructor will take care to protect the dogs in a class situation. They should have vaccine requirements for the dogs, and should discourage owners from bringing sick dogs to class.
9. Problem behaviors.
When dealing with problem behaviors, such as biting and fighting, destructiveness, etc. a good trainer should feel comfortable collaborating with your veterinarian and should know when to seek help from other professionals.
Many behavioral changes are caused by underlying physical problems, and a proficient trainer may ask you to visit your veterinarian for medical testing. In addition, many behavior problems are actually medical disorders that require diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may consider adding medication to your pet’s behavior modification plan once your pet’s situation has been complete assessed. Unless a trainer is a veterinarian, he/she does not have the medical background to recommend specific medications or to assess the possible risks and benefits of using medications in individual animals
Turn Page for information on the "Dog Whisperer" TV show................
Ever watch the "Dog Whisperer"?
Read what these top trainers and behavioral experts have to say:
QUOTES FROM EXPERTS:
World-renowned dog trainers, behaviorists and veterinarians had all warned National Geographic that Millan’s methods had the potential for disaster. Below are quotes from noted experts:
Dr. Nicholas Dodman - Professor and Head, Section of Animal Behavior
Director of Behavior Clinic, Tufts University - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
“Cesar Millan's methods are based on flooding and punishment. The results, though immediate, will be only transitory. His methods are misguided, outmoded, in some cases dangerous, and often inhumane. You would not want to be a dog under his sphere of influence. The sad thing is that the public does not recognize the error of his ways. My college thinks it is a travesty. We’ve written to National Geographic Channel and told them they have put dog training back 20 years.”
Jean Donaldson, The San Francisco SPCA-Director of The Academy for Dog Trainers
“Practices such as physically confronting aggressive dogs and using of choke collars for fearful dogs are outrageous by even the most diluted dog training standards. A profession that has been making steady gains in its professionalism, technical sophistication and humane standards has been greatly set back. I have long been deeply troubled by the popularity of Mr. Millan as so many will emulate him. To co-opt a word like ‘whispering’ for arcane, violent and technically unsound practice is unconscionable.”
Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates, Inc., Littleton, CO
"A number of qualified professionals have voiced concern for the welfare of pet dogs that experience the strong corrections administered by Mr. Millan. My concerns are based on his inappropriateness, inaccurate statements, and complete fabrications of explanations for dog behavior. His ideas, especially those about “dominance”, are completely disconnected from the sciences of ethology and animal learning, which are our best hope for understanding and training our dogs and meeting their behavioral needs. Many of the techniques he encourages the public to try are dangerous, and not good for dogs or our relationships with them ."
Vyolet Michaels, CTC, CPDT (Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Counselor) Owner of Urban Dawgs, LLC of Red Bank, NJ "Cesar Millan employs outdated methods that are dangerous and inhumane. Using a choke chain and treadmill to treat fear of strangers and dogs is completely inappropriate. Hopefully the National Geographic Channel will listen to the scientific community and discontinue production of The Dog Whisperer."
Janis Bradley, Instructor at The San Franciso SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers
Author of the book, "Dogs Bite"
"On his TV show, the main method Millan uses for aggression is aversives (leash jerks, kicks, snaps of the hand against the neck, and restraint, among others) applied non contingently. The aversives are non contingent because they are so frequent that they're not connected to any particular behavior on the part of the dog—the dog gets popped pretty much constantly. This results in a state called learned helplessness, which means the animal hunkers down and tries to do as little as possible. This is what Millan calls "calm submission." It's exactly the same thing you see in a rat in a Skinner box that is subjected to intermittent shocks it can do nothing to avoid. This can happen quite fast, by the way, shall we say in ten minutes? The dangers to the dog are obvious, ranging from chronic stress to exacerbating the aggression, i.e., some dogs fight back when attacked. This latter is the simplest reason that aversives are a bad idea in treating aggression. Even used technically correctly as positive punishment for specific behaviors like growling and snarling, aversives do nothing to change the underlying fear or hostility, so the best you can hope for, in the words of famed vet and behaviorist, Ian Dunbar, is "removing the ticker from the time bomb." Thus such methods substantially increase the risk to humans of getting bitten."
Excerpt of letter from Lisa Laney, Dip. DTBC, CPDT, CBC
to National Geographic before airing “The Dog Whisperer”:
“The intended program depicts aversive and abusive training methods - treatment for some serious anxiety and fear based issues - being administered by an individual with no formal education whatsoever in canine behavioral sciences. The "results" that are shown are more than likely not long lasting changes, but the result of learned helplessness, or fatigue, neither of which impact behavior to any significant long term degree - at least not in a good way. For those of us who are pioneering the effort to end the ignorance that drives the cruel treatment administered upon our canine companions, it is disappointing to see that this programming will reach the masses - especially on the NG Channel. The ignorance that this program perpetuates will give equally ignorant people the green light to subject their dogs to abuse. In turn these dogs will react even more defensively, will bite more people - and end up dead.”
Steve Dale
"I have serious concerns because his methods are often intimidating rather than motivating. On TV, the dogs do comply but often they're being forced to - you can tell by their body language: tail down, mouth closed, ears back, eyes dilated... I argue that motivating leadership is far more effective than leading through intimidation."
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