Springfield Sidekick Dog Training Hours

As a first-time puppy parent, I was thrilled to bring home my new Boxer, Julius Caesar, from Springfield's Positively Puppies training program. With his playful energy and loving demeanor, it wasn't long before he won over our hearts. However, as the weeks went by, I started to notice some concerning behaviors that had me questioning whether I'd made the right decision.

By about mid-session of puppy class, Julius Caesar began chewing on his 'nub' (his tail) and was left with a raw, red patch within just a day or two. This sudden change in behavior sent alarm bells ringing, and I became increasingly anxious about what could be causing it. Carrie, our trainer, was understanding and reassuring, but the constant phone calls and texts from me asking if we'd chosen the wrong puppy began to take its toll.

As Julius Caesar's behavior continued to deteriorate, he became more agitated when trying to 'calm sit' or being restrained. Even simple activities like sitting on the couch together would lead to outbursts. It was a challenging time, and I found myself wondering if it would be best for everyone involved to find him a new home.

Despite the setbacks, Carrie's mom showed incredible kindness and support, making our experience all the more bearable. We even tried to give her a taste of her own medicine (a nice way of saying we invited ourselves over), but the negative behavior persisted.

Our first day at Positively Puppies was promising, but it was clear that Julius Caesar still had a lot to learn. Fortunately, we met a lovely Weimeriner puppy named Hailey, who quickly stole our hearts. As an adult rescue dog owner myself, I knew that training a puppy from scratch would be a significant challenge.

With the help of Sidekick's experienced instructors, we began tackling tasks in tricks class and later moved on to private training for more advanced learning. Looking back, it's clear that Julius Caesar was born with a strong will, but our dedication to his training has helped him blossom into a confident and well-behaved companion.

For those interested in certification as a service dog or therapy dog, Sidekick offers comprehensive training programs tailored to your needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve existing skills, their instructors can help guide you through the process. With the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) or Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, you'll have access to expert evaluation and certification.

Remember that each therapy dog organization has its unique requirements, so be sure to research thoroughly before choosing the right path for you and your furry friend. Sidekick's comprehensive training programs, including SKDT 101 or SKDT 102, Positively Puppies, and Attentive Adults Class, are designed to help you and your dog develop the skills needed to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen tests.

By investing time and effort into training, you'll be well on your way to building a strong bond with your dog while also developing the skills necessary for service or therapy work. Whether you're in Springfield or beyond, Sidekick's expert trainers are here to support you every step of the way.

Springfield sidekick dog training hours