TRIED AND TESTED – DOG WOOFS-PERERS

Dog training is not regulated in Singapore and seeking out a trainer can be tricky for a first-time dog owner. We speak to loyal customers of certified dog trainers to find out what they look for in an instructional programme.

Our readers share their trusted canine obedience schools

TOUGH LOVE

Chief Trainer Kevin Yeo co-founded Pawrus Dog Training Academy in 2014 after working as a Military Working Dog Trainer as part of his National Service duties. He trained close to a dozen working dogs for the purposes of guarding, protection, as well as arms, explosives and narcotics detection. His buddy and narcotics detection partner, AE (pronounced “eh-yee”) suffered from on-leash reactivity and was nervous during search missions in the field. Traditional methods of training did not help. However, Kevin discovered clicker training and positive reinforcement methods. Over time — with plenty of kindness and patience — Kevin managed to help AE overcome his reactivity, and allowed him to grow into a competent and respected working dog. When Kevin founded Pawrus Dog Training Academy, he took a position against any form of violent, intimidating and fear-inducing training methods. As such, he has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the usage of training equipment such as choke, prong and shock collars.

With the exception of public holidays, classes and consultations can be conducted at the homes of owners (for those who live in the Western districts 22 to 24) on all days of the week. Online consultations can also be conducted over the phone, via Skype, Facetime or Whatsapp, while certain specialty programmes are conducted at a preferred partner’s location.

Years in operation: 5+ Qualifications, experience and awards:

Kevin Yeo is a Certified Professional Animal Trainer and Behaviour Consultant. He is accredited by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) to conduct Basic Obedience Training for Scheduled Dogs and Dogs Assessed to Require Training by AVS. Kevin is also a Certified Behaviour Consultant Canine — Knowledge Assessed (CBCC

KA) accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical / Applied Animal Behaviour.

Training methodology:

Pawrus Dog Training Academy uses a trademarked force-free, positive-reinforcement approach called Shaping Confident Dogs.

Price range:

Upwards of $300 per hour. A $50 surcharge applies for Sentosa sessions.

Loyal customer:

Aylwin Tan, 41, Physical Education Teacher

Owner of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi named Butter.

A customer since 2018.

“As new pet owners, my wife and I faced many challenges as Butter would damage things around the house when he got bored from being alone at home. We wanted a pedagogical and scientific approach to dog training. Given his credentials, we felt that Kevin was the ideal trainer for Butter. Hence, when he was coming to three months old, we enrolled Butter into Pawrus’s ‘Puppy Start Right Preschool’ classes which consisted of six sessions. Kevin was able to explain why Butter behaved the way he did and help us adjust our expectations, without overpromising. Slowly, Kevin shared with us the intricate science and pedagogy behind clicker training through the sessions. Butter also continued his training with the ‘Fluency and Proofing Foundation’ as well as the ‘Adolescent to Adult Canine Companion’ classes. In total, Butter attended sessions for close to a year and all the sessions were held one-on-one at our residence. Even though Butter doesn’t require training anymore, Kevin is a professional and still offers us advice from time to time.”

Pawrus Dog Training Academy www.pawrus.com.sg WhatsApp/Tel: 8223 9340 Email: wecare@pawrus.com.sg