Dogs -- like children -- need love, guidance, socialization and
boundaries.
When we bring a dog into our home, we actually don't want them
acting much like a dog. Otherwise, it would be perfectly fine for
them to chew, tear, shred and go to the bathroom wherever they saw
fit.
Good Dog University owners Michael and Angela Grier learned that
more than 85% of dogs in shelters are there due to behavioral
problems. They wanted to circumvent such problems by offering pet
parents a strong support system, while teaching them how to be their
own dog's trainer.
"It is our clients that will be living with their pet 365 days a
year for 12 or more years, so it's only logical that they should be
the ones that their dog looks up to as their trainer," Michael Grier
said.
Through their mutual charity work, the Griers met animal behavior
consultant Jamye Rogers. She spearheads the Pick-A-Pet Foundation and
co-hosts the local cable program, the Pick-A-Pet Show. While the
foundation takes care of the medical bills and extends the lives of
the shelter animals by paying for their temporary boarding, the cable
show features them for adoption.
When a dog is enrolled in a Good Dog University program, a portion
of the tuition is allocated to help animals in need. Their advanced
training qualifications were earned through the Certification Council
of Pet Dog Trainers, the California State Humane Academy, the
Pasadena & American Humane Associations and the American Kennel Club.
Michael Grier is one of only two trainers in Orange County who is
recognized as a CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer) through the
Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers.
Call Good Dog University at (949) 631-2720.
