Dog training classes available at Schuylkill Mall - Republican & Herald

Nicole O'Malley, Mountain Top, trains her dog, Bria.

Steve Eckert, co-owner of Brierwood Kennels, trains Bella, owned by Cathy Guzick, Pottsville, at a dog obedience class at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville.

FRACKVILLE - The Schuylkill Mall is going to the dogs.

Brierwood Kennels is holding dog training and obedience classes in the space next to Bath and Body Works and Wednesday six dogs got a chance to hear "good boy" from their owners.

Amy and Steve Eckert, the kennel owners, have been training dogs of all varieties for many years.

"Learning how to train dogs is something you acquire through the years by going to seminars and shows and training your own dogs," Steve Eckert said. "Unfortunately, some people say they will train your dog and do not always use positive reinforcement. We train the dogs with the owners because, let's face it, the owners have to put in the effort or it isn't going to work."

The Eckerts had several dogs of their own in attendance at the class Wednesday. Their dogs have been featured on Animal Planet's "Dogs 101," in advertising and have even dabbled in animal acting, most recently on stage at the Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre.

The couple said the Schuylkill Mall is the ideal place for the class, with its accessibility to routes 81 and 61 and people's familiarity with the shopping center.

"Everyone knows where the Schuylkill Mall is," Amy Eckert said. "We thought it would be the perfect place and Elaine (Maneval, mall manager) was kind enough to work with us. We volunteer with Hillside SPCA and have done many fundraisers here and they have always welcomed us."

The Eckerts said they will work on basic manners and any problems the dogs may have, such as jumping, pulling on the lead or aggression.

"I would say the number one problem we hear from owners is pulling. The next would be jumping up," Amy Eckert said.

Wednesday's class was the foundation class. The dogs learned the basics, such as walking with the owner and to sit and stay.

As the dogs performed to satisfaction, belly rubs re-enforced the behavior.

Bella, a 10-month-old boxer/beagle mix owned by Tom and Cathy Guzick, Pottsville, attended Wednesday's class because of jumping.

"We want to break her of that," Cathy Guzick said.

Troy Maurer, Sacramento, brought his dog, Trulie, to increase her self-confidence.

"I got her from Hillside and I want her to be my companion, to take her on walks and boating. I just think she needs more self-confidence and self-assurance," Maurer said. "I feel dogs are misunderstood. I think Trulie is shy, although she looks like she is aggressive. I think she needs a little training to help her along."

Steve Eckert said they will use tunnels and other props to build a dog's confidence.

"Each dog is motivated differently and it may take a little to figure out how a dog learns. There is no single method," Eckert said. "Also, some characteristics are specific to the breed of dog, so some behavior you may be able to control but not eliminate."

He said that any dog, no matter what the age, can learn the basics of obedience.

Amy Eckert said she believes if more dogs receive basic training skills, less would be taken to shelters.

"We hear all the time about people who brought their dogs to the shelter because of behavior. You have to be willing to work with your dog and teach him the behavior you expect. Studies have shown it is 60 percent less likely that dogs will be taken to the SPCA if they have training on them," she said.

The couple also said in an age of easy lawsuits, dog owners benefit from professional training.

"Also, your vet will love you if he can examine your dog while he is in stand/stay," Amy said.

The classes cost $150 for a 6-week group session and $35 for private lessons.

New classes will form as people are interested.

The Eckerts plan to run the program at the Schuylkill Mall until the end of March, but are willing to expand if there is interest.

INFOBOX

What: Dog and puppy training and obedience class

Where: Schuylkill Mall, Frackville

Trainers: Steve and Amy Eckert, Brierwood Kennels, Pottsville

Cost: $150/6 week group class $35 for private session

For more information or class times, call 544-9663 or e-mail muttlover25@yahoo.com

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