Marketplace: Puppy Love Dog Training puts canines on best behavior

Not even a juicy bunny named Charlie could distract Bella, a 1-year-old German shepherd, on a recent Tuesday afternoon.

It was Bella's seventh of eight beginner obedience training classes, and her owner, Lara Nottingham of Davis, was happy with her progress.

"Shepherds are very intelligent, stubborn dogs," she said, as Bella sat peaceably beside her in the grass of Elk Grove Regional Park. "And Erin is very familiar with them."

Nottingham was referring to Erin Kramer, lead trainer and owner of Puppy Love Dog Training at 6613 Pomegranate Ave., near Stockton Boulevard and Gerber Road.

Kramer opened Puppy Love, which offers training and boarding services, in April 2007.

On May 27, conducting the class of 10 furry pupils, Kramer commented on how well Bella did resisting the rabbit. Bella's good behavior was matched by classmates Max, an Australian shepherd, and Archimedes, a border collie.

"They're all shepherds and all really motivated by small prey," she said. "I'm very impressed. (Charlie's) a very intense distraction."

As for the rabbit, who belongs to Kramer, she said Charlie likes dogs. His best friend is Kramer's dog, Rocky Teriyaki, with whom he can regularly be found scampering around the Puppy Love yard.

About 10 yards away, George, a friendly 3-year-old chow-retriever mix, was trying hard to understand what his owner, Katie Cappello, wanted.

Cappello wanted him to leave his male owner, Isaac Wilson, and come to her.

Kramer instructed Cappello to show George a treat and to reward him when he followed her command. It worked.

Cappello and Wilson rescued George from the Humane Society, they said, and hope to bring him to visit assisted-living facilities as a therapy dog. The obedience class figured into George being certified for such therapy.

"We hope we can get the certificate," Wilson said with a laugh.

Nearby, Diane Muro worked with her 6-month-old bichon frisé, Candi.

Muro said she wanted Candi to know basic commands so she could enjoy taking her out more.

"She has been walking at heel," Muro said, holding the curly-haired white puppy. "I've learned that here. She's also sitting well."

Muro said she would probably enroll Candi in the next Puppy Love session as well.

Kramer rounded out the class with a discussion on dog park safety and tips on dealing with an aggressive or fearful dog.

"Check out the vibe before you enter the park," Kramer said. "What are the interactions between dogs like? High energy? Or is everyone mellow? Are owners on cell phones or reading a book? I want owners (in a dog park) watching their dogs."

For details on Puppy Love training and services, call (916) 682-6363, e-mail puppylovedogtrainer@yahoo.com or visit www.puppylovedogs.com.

About the writer:

• Call The Bee's Melissa Nix, (916) 478-2653.