Submitted by Rover Stay Over
Incorporating dog training services has been on a list of business goals since Rover Stay Over opened their doors in 2011.
The award winning startup business, located on Hannegan Road between Lynden and Bellingham, already expanded their operation in 2012 by adding a grooming salon for cats and dogs. Now they have hired certified dog trainer Brittany Olin to help with a new obedience training program.
“Training was part of our vision from the start – we were just waiting for the right time and the right person to join our team,” shares Charmae Scheffer of Rover Stay Over.
Olin’s experience and training style were exactly what Rover was looking for. She uses positive reinforcement tactics including treats, clicker training, redirection, and lots of praise.
Raised in Whatcom County, Olin attended Bellingham Technical College and received her dog training certification through Animal Behavior College. Before starting at Rover, she worked as a kennel and veterinary assistant at local animal hospitals and participated in an extensive dog training externship in Hawaii.
Positive obedience training helps people humanly communicate with their dogs in a way that strengthens their bond. It is a different approach from some training programs that teach people how to be dominant over their dogs.
Training with rewards instead of punishment can be helpful for dogs of all ages including new puppies that need to learn basic manners and adult dogs that may bark too much, show aggression or jump on people.
“Around here, all dogs are treated like furry kids. Nobody wants to feel bad when sending their puppy or older dog in for a bit of training, but that is sometimes the case when firmer methods are used. We feel correcting mild behavior issues with positive training techniques is a win-win for dogs and their people.”
Dog training and obedience lessons are currently offered onsite at the kennel with Daycare and Train bundles as well as a Board and Train Boot Camp. The pet care facility also offers private sessions at their customer’s homes, local parks and other public spaces.
Learn about Rover Stay Over’s new dog training program online at http://roverstayover.net.
