Still, dogs are pack animals and often behave that way, Kramer said of the importance of having a firm hand and tone. Dogs feed off a social hierarchy that, when established effectively, places humans on top, Kramer said. They either need a leader or they want to be a leader. That's why she advises not to raise and train two puppies at once. They tend to play off each other's behavior.
Dog training is a lot like dancing and singing.
For each session, Kramer limits the class to 15 participants, to avoid canine chaos. The next round of sessions in Blue Lake for both the puppy and dog training courses is slated to begin Nov. 6. Beyond the private trainers on hand in Humboldt County, the city of Eureka also offers Joan Maxwell's dog obedience classes at the Adorni Center Oct. 5 for puppies. More information may be obtained at the Arcata Recreation Department at 822-7091. Bob Doerr teaches dog obedience classes beginning Sept. 28 through the city of Fortuna at the Firemen's Pavilion in Rohner Park.