Dog-Harmony Inc., a non-profit that works to keep dogs out of shelters through education, is offering free training advice for rescued dogs with behavioral problems, such as jumping, leash pulling, potty-training and separation anxiety. Nancy Bown, Dog-Harmony’s founder and Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT – KA) can help over the phone, or better yet, after meeting the pet at Dog-Harmony headquarters at 237 Market Street in Santa Rosa Beach. No shock collars or choke collars are used and Brown is a force-free trainer.
“It’s critical to have the correct type of training,” says Nancy. Pet problems, mainly undesirable behaviors and aggression are the most common reason owners rehome their pet, according to the ASPCA’s 2015 National Rehoming Survey. For dogs, nearly half are relinquished for that reason (47 percent). While most dogs are rehomed to a friend or family member (41 percent), the survey found, the second highest place where they end up is a shelter (34 percent). What might have helped keep them in their homes, according to the survey? The second-most requested service was low-cost training or behavior help (34 percent). The free training advice is by appointment only, and aggressive dogs are not eligible for the program. For more information call 850-376-4190 to reserve a spot. And, please visit dog-harmony.org
