A Well Mannered Dog is a Happy Dog (not to mention the owner!)
The Dog Behavior & Training Center at TAPS was created to help people and dogs live together in harmony. Most of the dogs that end up at the shelter are good dogs who are untrained and lack basic manners. One of our goals is to help dogs stay with their families by providing classes that help owners learn how best to teach their dogs and create a trusting relationship.
Dogs learn best through Positive Reinforcement and this is the training method used by the Dog Behavior & Training Center. Very simply, this method rewards dogs for doing what we want them to do, and not providing attention or a 
reward when they do something we feel is inappropriate. Positively reinforcing a behavior increases the likelihood of the behavior occurring again. If a dog learns that sitting and not barking at the front of his kennel results in release for a walk, you can bet he will offer this behavior. Teaching your dog using positive reinforcement is fun for both you and your dog. It is the formula for an effective means of communication. So sign up today to start your journey together.
Vickie Brent, a well-known professional trainer in the area who has been working with shelter dogs for many years along with teaching dog obedience classes for over 17 years will be the lead instructor of the DOG MANNERS class. Vickie is a member of NADOI & APDT, a registered evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, as well as an Agility and Assistance Dog instructor. TAPS is pleased and privileged to have Vickie as lead instructor of the Dog Behavior and Training Center.
DOG MANNERS CLASS
This is a group class designed for dogs five months of age and older who are mostly comfortable around people and other dogs. Experienced instructors help you teach your dog basic manners including: not jumping on people, walking nicely on a leash, coming when called and the commands “sit”, “wait”, “leave it”, “watch me”, “down” and “stay.”
PRICE
The class is $60 per dog. Dogs adopted from TAPS receive a $10 discount. Class is limited to 15 dogs. Fees are nonrefundable.
CLASS SCHEDULE
July 8 through August 12. Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For information about in-home training or assistance with behavior problems, contact TAPS or e-mail the Training Center at dogbehaviorandtraining@yahoo.com.
LOCATION
TAPS, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL. Classes will be held outside on the west side of the shelter.
REQUIREMENTS
Dogs must be healthy and current on ALL (parvo, distemper, rabies) vaccines. A Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination is also recommended. Please have your dog on a six foot leash with a buckle collar. Also, it is best to exercise your dog before class and wait to feed your dog when you get home after class. Please bring some yummy treats for your dog and a rug or mat for your dog to lie on since we will be outside.
REGISTRATION
Click here to print out a registration form. Complete the form and submit along with your check made payable to the Dog Behavior and Training Center to TAPS, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554. Registration may also be done in person at TAPS between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
QUESTIONS
For further information and a prompt reply, you may e-mail the Dog Behavior and Training trainers at dogbehaviorandtraining@yahoo.com.