The “Behavior Barn” recently opened at Day Hollow Animal Hospital located at 345 Day Hollow Rd. in Owego, N.Y. A dog training and behavior program is available for puppies and adult dogs for both DHAH clients and the public. Call (607) 687-1750 for information. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
The “Behavior Barn” recently opened at Day Hollow Animal Hospital located at 345 Day Hollow Rd. in Owego, N.Y. A dog training and behavior program is available for puppies and adult dogs for both DHAH clients and the public. Call (607) 687-1750 for information. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Veteran trainer Rebecca Medina (right) coaches John Connors and his dog, Hermione, during a training class at Day Hollow Animal Hospital located at 345 Day Hollow Rd. in Owego, N.Y. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
From left, graduates of the first adult basic program at Day Hollow Animal Hospital are John Connors with Hermione, Jamie Vought with Harvey, John Stubecki with Morgan, Megan Klett with Promise, Karl Coddington with Bucky and Christie Walker with Snazzy. (Provided photo)
From left, STAR puppy graduates from the first program held at Day Hollow Animal Hospital are Phoebe and Mike Swartz with Flash, Jane Stoltzfus with Cider, Sue Gorney with Winston, Lauri Whatley with Walker, and Susan Lekouses with Heidi. (Provided photo)
All smiles during the adult dog training program at Day Hollow Animal Hospital on Jan. 16 is Hermione with her owner, John Connors. Hermione took home a certificate of completion and, of course, several treats.
(Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Day Hollow Animal Hospital (DHAH), located at 345 Day Hollow Rd. in Owego, N.Y., recently opened an exciting new extension to their business called the “Behavior Barn,” which offers a dog training and behavior program for both puppies and adult dogs.
Recognizing a need in the community, DHAH hired experienced trainer, Rebecca Medina, to facilitate the classes, of which the first puppy and adult dog classes graduated on Jan. 16. Classes will be ongoing, and starting this spring, DHAH plans to offer doggy day care on-site, another positive addition for dogs and dog owners in the area, and that is something good to bark about.
DHAH has been part of the Owego community for decades. Owned by Terry L. Hills, DVM, since the early 1970’s, DHAH is a full-service animal hospital that provides routine preventive care, early detection and treatment and complete medical and surgical care during the lifetime of a pet.
Veterinary technician Trisha Clemente shared an example of a frequent question pet owners ask, “Where can we go for dog training?”
Since dog training opportunities were limited in the area, DHAH decided to look at a way to add a dog training facility on their property. With advice from veteran trainer, Rebecca Medina, DHAH soon began remodeling a garage and storage area in 2015, which is next door to their main veterinary office. Named the Behavior Barn, the renovated building includes a dog training room on the first floor and a conference room and storage area on the second floor.
Not just for DHAH clients, dog training classes at the Behavior Barn are open to the public. Group training classes are available on-site, and Medina is also available for behavior consultations and can schedule private sessions, including home-based appointments with owners whose dogs may not be ready for group instruction.
An active dog trainer for 18 years, Medina began as a rescue volunteer and then worked at Stray Haven Humane Society as well as worked as a trainer at a large pet store chain.
At DHAH, Medina focuses on positive, reward-based dog training and behavior counseling. Positive dog training methods use positive reinforcement to encourage the dog to repeat a desired behavior.
Medina explained, “The classes are fun for both the dogs and owners. With positive reinforcement, owners learn to communicate and create a bond with their dogs, and dogs learn to trust their owners.”
At classes held on Jan. 16, several dog owners interviewed agreed that within the six week period they participated with their dogs at a class, they had seen an overall improvement, which included an overwhelming positive response to the opportunity their dogs had to learn to socialize with other dogs as well as people.
From introductory instruction such as “sit” and “down,” to more detailed work like “reaction to distractions,” the various classes offered at DHAH cover a vast array of training. DHAH is an official testing site within the American Kennel Club’s (AKC), “AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy” and “AKC Canine Good Citizen” programs.
Candor, N.Y. resident, Lauri Whatley, works with her puppy, Walker, at a class held Jan. 16 at Day Hollow Animal Hospital (DHAH). DHAH now offers a dog training and behavior program on-site at their 345 Day Hollow Rd., Owego facility. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
For information about enrollment for the next scheduled classes, Puppy Kindergarten, Adult Basic Training and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, call (607) 687-1750. For general information about DHAH, visit dayhollowanimalhospital.com.
