A professional dog trainer will use the strengths and weaknesses
of the dog to obtain the end results. Once the basic evaluation
is complete, the trainer can work toward correcting
unwanted behavior and instilling favorable behavior.
Identifying inappropriate behavior can be a challenge. Trainers
must assess the behavior directly and indirectly, and observe
the dog in various settings, noting when the behavior does and
does not occur.
A meeting is usually scheduled with the owner, and notes are
taken to document the consequences or rewards of different
behaviors.
Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce Executive
Directory Wesley Locke also hired Harry to help
train her dog.
“Harry worked with my long-haired dachshund,
Hank, earlier this year, and I was absolutely shocked
with the instant results, ”Wesley said. “Hank loves his
‘Uncle Harry’ - the training was very effective.”
The professional dog trainer makes a commitment
to always remain available to his clients, even after
the dogs have completed their training.
“Sometimes questions can happen later down the
road as the dog ages, and I’m always happy to talk
about any issues my clients are experiencing.”
As a boy, his parents never allowed him to have a
dog, so he spent time with a trainer and eventually
took over the business. After each course he takes
the dogs to Home Depots so the dogs can get used
to new scents and other people and get desensitized.
He also trains dogs at the Critter Cottage in
Englewood, where the dogs can socialize with other
animals like peacocks and horses.
Harry manufactures “Booza” ice-cold dog treats,
which can be found at the Pink Pony as well as a
variety of businesses from Bradenton to Ft. Myers.
The treats are made and
processed locally, with
no additives. They’re
made of peanut
butter, yogurt,
honey and biscuit
crumbs.
“I thought of
the idea when I
saw people eating
ice cream, and
their dogs were sitting
there looking at them,
wanting a treat as well,” Harry said.
34GASPARILLA ISLAND November/December 2018
During a basic
10-- week
obedience
training
course, the
dogs are
taught to sit,
stay, lie down
and heel.
Other classes
offered
include pet
safety, agility,
potty training
and various
others.
Dawn Penwell owns “Best Friends Dog
Training” in East Englewood. She’s been working
with dogs for 33 years. Before starting her
business, she studied animal behavior, nutrition
and husbandry, starting with horse training and
stable management.
“I actually started out in Girl Scouts to help
earn a badge,” she said. “I quickly realized how
much I loved working with animals and knew
that’s what I wanted to do in the future.”
She’s also a ‘test hunt’ judge for retrievers. She
judges tracking and obedience at shows around
the state.
Dawn said the most challenging part about
being a dog trainer is working with the owners.
“If it is a couple, getting both of them to be
consistent and on the same page can be difficult,”
she said. “There is usually one lenient pet owner
and the other is more strict.”
These treats are made and processed locally in
Englewood. They’re made with fresh ingredients using
no additives.