Dogs don’t come with how-to manuals, so celebrity dog trainer Brad Pattison is here to help.
“People will get a better understanding of how to have a riot with their dog,” Pattison said. “Right now, my method is being slated as the most positive method of dog training because of the amount of unconditional love we give the dogs.”
Pattison’s method is not about correcting a dog’s behaviour, it’s about interrupting a dog before behaviour becomes learned. He uses strong body movements and little verbal commands.
Pattison, who hails from Kelowna, B.C., will host dog training classes on Saturday and a seminar on Sunday as part of the inaugural Brantford Barks, a celebration of all things canine.
The two-day event features a full day of free activities on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Branlyn Community Centre, including on-site demonstrations, seminars, contests and dog-related vendors.
“It’s educational for the dog owners to keep up with what’s out there,” said Brantford Barks director Jamie Stephens. “There’s new products, new methods. They’re always learning more and more about dogs as time goes on.”
The event is open to dog lovers, dog owners and their dogs. With dogs on the premises, Stephens said the event will be a good way to socialize your dog.
“You will make new friends, your dog will make new friends,” he said. “Dogs are pack animals, so it’s not good to keep them holed up in the house.”
Pattison will lead a four-hour seminar to bust common dog training myths on Sunday at the Best Western Brant Park Inn.
Pattison’s career as a dog trainer began 20 years ago after his dog was stolen out of his backyard. The experience led him to open up a doggy day care.
Spending time with dogs every day, Pattison began to study them and their interactions. He’d pass along the information to his clients and that’s where he developed the idea for his street safety training program.
Pattison is now star of two of Slice television network’s reality programs, At the End of My Leash and Puppy SOS, which see him demonstrate his training method.
If Pattison’s method of training isn’t your style, experts from the community, including Tawnya Casey of K9 Training Recreation Centre, will offer their take during Brantford Barks.
“If you ask 10 dog trainers how to train your dog you will get 11 answers,” Stephens said. “If you don’t agree with Brad’s training, you can still come and enjoy the event. There are people from both sides of the coin.”
Entrance to Saturday’s Brantford Barks event is free. Training with Pattison costs $25 and space is limited. Brad Pattison’s Unleashed seminar costs $50 per person. Visit www.brantfordbarks.com for more information.
