Hill County’s “Dog Whisperer”
Dog owners surrender
over two million dogs each year to animal shelters across our nation because of
perceived uncorrectable behavior issues with these pets. In Hill County, because
an animal shelter is not available, many of these unwanted pets are criminally abandoned
(Class A Misdemeanor; $4,000 fine and/or year in jail—Texas Animal Cruelty Law Penal
Code 42.09). The main reasons cited for dog surrenders is that owners fail to obedience
train or have unrealistic expectations of their pet(s). Studies show that dogs at
highest risk of surrender are those acquired at low or no cost, and especially at
risk are those that do not get regular veterinarian checks. An obedient dog is simply
enjoyable. If your dog is having “behavioral” issues, Paw Pals is pleased to announce
Beth Downing as a Paw Pals endorsed dog trainer. Beth has already successfully rehabilitated
several Paw Pals’ dogs thus helping to make them more ready to go to a permanent
home and live with a loving family.
With over 5 years experience as a Certified Animal Behaviorist, Beth can assist
with a dog’s behavior problems such as potty training, jumping, barking, digging,
chewing, socialization and basic training commands. Learning to understand dog psychology
and dog language is realizing that humans need “trained” before we can teach our
dogs. Sessions cost only $25 per hour and are offered in a one-on-one setting in
your home. Beth feels that training in the dogs’ regular environment allows the
owner/dog team to solve issues quicker.
“Any dog can learn how to behave if we show them how”, says Beth. Call 254-580-3777
to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, evenings and weekend appointments
are available. For information about Paw Pals, visit www.hcpawpals.org.