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Top Dog-Friendly Parks and Walking Trails in Temecula, CA

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Temecula, California, nestled in the heart of Southern California wine country, is known for its beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and sunny weather, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Dog owners in Temecula are lucky to have a variety of scenic, dog-friendly parks and walking trails to explore with their furry friends. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top spots in Temecula where you and your dog can enjoy quality time together in the great outdoors.

Why Temecula is Perfect for Dog Lovers

With its mild climate and scenic vistas, Temecula offers dog owners the perfect environment for year-round outdoor adventures. From lush vineyards to rolling hills and grassy parks, the city provides a range of landscapes to suit every type of adventure. Temecula’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces for pets makes it a paradise for dogs and their human companions alike.

Tips for a Great Experience with Your Dog

Before heading out, make sure to bring essentials such as water, waste bags, a leash, and possibly even some snacks for both you and your dog. It’s also wise to check the specific park or trail rules, as some may require leashes, while others have designated off-leash areas.

The Best Dog-Friendly Parks in Temecula

These parks offer open spaces, shaded areas, and specific amenities to make your day with your dog as enjoyable as possible.

1. Margarita Community Park

Margarita Community Park is a popular spot for dog owners in Temecula. This well-maintained park offers designated off-leash areas where dogs can run freely, socialize, and burn off some energy. The park also features shaded picnic areas, making it a great place to relax after a playful romp.

Key Features:

  • Off-leash dog park area: Fenced areas for both small and large dogs, so all pups can feel comfortable.
  • Water fountains for dogs: Keep your pet hydrated with conveniently placed water fountains.
  • Benches and shaded areas: Relax while your dog enjoys some free play.

This park is an excellent option if your dog enjoys socializing with others. The designated dog park area is a favorite among local pet owners, making it a great spot for both pets and their humans to meet new friends.

2. Redhawk Community Park

Located in southern Temecula, Redhawk Community Park is known for its scenic views and clean, welcoming environment. This park includes a spacious, off-leash dog area where dogs can run around freely. With ample shaded spots, the park is a comfortable choice for hot days.

Key Features:

  • Separate areas for small and large dogs: Keeps play safe and enjoyable for all sizes.
  • Walking paths: Take a leisurely walk along the scenic paths with your dog on a leash.
  • Pet-friendly amenities: Benches, shaded areas, and water stations ensure comfort for both dogs and their owners.

Redhawk Community Park also features ample parking and nearby restrooms, making it a convenient and accessible option for a fun day out with your dog.

3. Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park

Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park is a spacious, well-kept park that’s a fantastic option for families with dogs. Although this park doesn’t have a designated off-leash area, its walking paths make it an ideal choice for on-leash walks.

Key Features:

  • Scenic walking trails: Enjoy a relaxing walk along paved paths surrounded by green fields.
  • Open spaces: Plenty of grassy areas allow for casual on-leash walking and playing.
  • Pet waste stations: Conveniently located to make clean-up easy.

This park is ideal if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting for a walk with your dog, away from the bustling dog parks.

Dog-Friendly Walking Trails in Temecula

If you and your dog love a good hike or long stroll, Temecula offers various walking trails ranging from easy, family-friendly paths to more adventurous hikes.

1. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

A short drive from Temecula, the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve offers a scenic escape with numerous trails that are dog-friendly. The reserve is filled with rolling hills, oak woodlands, and unique vernal pools, creating a serene backdrop for a nature walk with your dog.

Key Features:

  • Varied trail lengths and difficulty levels: Ranging from short, easy walks to longer hikes.
  • Leash required: All dogs must be on a leash to ensure the safety of local wildlife.
  • Seasonal beauty: Visit in spring to see wildflowers in bloom, or enjoy the fall colors during autumn hikes.

The reserve’s trails offer different levels of difficulty, so you can choose a path that best suits you and your dog’s fitness levels. The trails are well-marked, and the scenic views make every step worthwhile.

2. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

Lake Skinner Recreation Area, located just a short distance from Temecula, is a beautiful spot for a day trip with your dog. The park encompasses a large reservoir and offers multiple walking paths with scenic lake views.

Key Features:

  • Designated dog-friendly trails: Enjoy several trails that range in length and difficulty.
  • Picnic areas: Perfect for a lunch break with your dog after a morning of exploration.
  • Water activities: While dogs aren’t allowed in the water, the lake views provide a scenic backdrop for walks.

Lake Skinner is also known for its wildlife, so you may spot birds, small mammals, and more. Be sure to keep your dog leashed to avoid any accidental encounters with local wildlife.

3. Temecula Creek Trail

For a tranquil, shaded walk with your dog, Temecula Creek Trail offers a pleasant experience. This trail is surrounded by oak trees, providing natural shade and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both you and your dog.

Key Features:

  • Gentle terrain: Suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and smaller dogs.
  • Leash required: Keep your dog on a leash to respect the trail’s pet policies.
  • Well-maintained path: The trail is clean, wide, and easy to follow.

The Temecula Creek Trail is a great choice for a relaxed walk, allowing both you and your dog to soak in the natural beauty of the area without venturing too far from the city.

4. Harveston Lake Park

Harveston Lake Park is another favorite among locals, known for its lake views, lush greenery, and family-friendly atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on the walking paths surrounding the lake, making it a scenic spot for a casual stroll.

Key Features:

  • Lakeside walking path: A paved path encircles the lake, offering lovely views and a gentle walking experience.
  • Pet-friendly picnic areas: Perfect for a break with your furry friend.
  • Beautiful scenery: The lake and surrounding gardens provide an idyllic setting.

Harveston Lake Park is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, making it a picturesque spot to enjoy a serene walk with your dog. The park is very popular among families, so expect to see other pets and children along the way.

A Few Lesser-Known Dog-Friendly Gems in Temecula

For those looking to avoid the crowds, Temecula also has a few hidden gems that offer more seclusion and unique experiences for dog owners.

1. Long Canyon Trail

Long Canyon Trail offers a bit more adventure for those seeking a hiking experience with their dog. Located within the Temecula Valley, this trail features some steeper inclines, making it a more challenging option.

Key Features:

  • Moderate difficulty: Perfect for more active dogs and experienced hikers.
  • Scenic views: Enjoy panoramic views of Temecula’s rolling hills.
  • Leash required: All dogs must remain leashed to protect local wildlife and other hikers.

This trail is a great option for those who want a workout while taking in breathtaking views of the valley. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as the trail has limited shade.

2. Vail Lake Resort

Although primarily a campground, Vail Lake Resort has a few dog-friendly trails that are worth exploring. The paths vary in difficulty, and the tranquil setting around the lake makes it a peaceful choice for a day out.

Key Features:

  • Variety of trails: Different levels of difficulty allow you to choose based on your dog’s energy level.
  • Pet-friendly resort amenities: Enjoy the natural setting with designated areas for pets.
  • Leash required: Keeping dogs on a leash ensures safety and comfort for everyone.

While it’s best known for camping, Vail Lake Resort offers day-use options, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty without committing to an overnight stay.

What to Bring on Your Dog-Friendly Adventure

Whether you’re heading to a dog park or a hiking trail, it’s essential to come prepared to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Water: Always bring enough water for both you and your dog, especially on longer hikes or during hot weather.
  • Waste bags: Keep the parks and trails clean by picking up after your dog.
  • Leash and harness: Even in off-leash areas, it’s good to have a leash on hand for control.
  • Snacks or treats: Keep your dog’s energy up with a few small treats.
  • Sun protection: If you plan to be out for a while, consider dog-safe sunblock for short-haired breeds and wear a hat or sunscreen for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Temecula’s dog-friendly parks and trails provide ample opportunities to explore the outdoors with your four-legged friend. From open spaces where dogs can roam off-leash to scenic walking trails, the city offers something for every type of pet owner. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, these parks and trails are sure to provide you and your dog with a memorable experience. So, leash up, pack some essentials, and get ready to discover the natural beauty that Temecula has to offer!

Contact Us Today

Ready to build a stronger bond with your dog and enjoy these beautiful trails even more? Here at Leader of the Pack Home Dog Training, we’re here to help you and your dog become the perfect team, whether you’re tackling behavior challenges or refining obedience skills. We’d love to help you feel more confident and connected with your dog, making every outing—from parks to trails—a smooth, enjoyable experience. Contact us today to start your journey toward a happier, well-behaved dog!

Call Us Today!

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The Importance of Walking your Dog Everyday

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Walking your dog every day is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Physical Exercise: Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and maintain a proper weight. Daily walks provide an opportunity for your dog to burn off excess energy and maintain muscle tone.
  2. Mental Stimulation: Dogs thrive on mental stimulation, and walks provide them with an opportunity to explore their environment, sniff new scents, and interact with other dogs and people. This mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and can reduce problem behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
  3. Bonding Time: Walking with your dog is a great way to strengthen your bond. It’s a shared activity where you can both enjoy each other’s company and build trust and communication.
  4. Socialization: Regular walks expose your dog to different sights, sounds, and smells, helping them become more well-adjusted and confident in various environments. It also provides opportunities for positive interactions with other dogs and people, which is essential for their social development.
  5. Health Monitoring: During walks, you have the chance to observe your dog’s overall health and behavior. You can notice any changes in their gait, appetite, or energy level, which may indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
  6. Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and a daily walk provides structure to their day. Having a consistent schedule for walks can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security for your dog.

Overall, daily walks are essential for your dog’s physical and mental well-being, as well as for strengthening your bond with them.

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Foundation Training Program

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Here at the Leader of the Pack Home Dog Training, we understand the importance of establishing a solid foundation for your dog’s behavior and obedience. Our Foundation Training Program is designed to provide comprehensive training that addresses common behavioral issues and teaches essential obedience commands. This blog will outline the details of our program and explain how it can help you and your dog build a harmonious relationship.

The Foundation Training Program

Our Foundation Training Program consists of a 3-hour initial training session at your home, followed by a 1-hour follow-up lesson. This program offers four hours of private dog training, tailored to meet the specific needs of your dog. Whether your dog struggles with door rushing, barking, jumping, playful lunging, or potty training, our program is designed to address these issues effectively.

The Initial 3-Hour Training Session

The first step in our Foundation Training Program is a 3-hour training session conducted in the comfort of your home. During this session, we focus on understanding canine communication and pack structure. This “classroom” presentation helps you learn how to interpret your dog’s behavior and respond appropriately.

Canine Communication and Pack Structure

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they look to their owners for leadership. By understanding how to communicate effectively with your dog, you can establish yourself as the pack leader. This involves learning to read your dog’s body language, recognizing signs of stress or anxiety, and understanding the importance of consistency in commands and routines.

Obedience Commands and House Manners

During the initial session, we also cover essential obedience commands, including sit, stay, come, heel, and down. These commands are crucial for ensuring your dog behaves appropriately in various situations. Additionally, we address house manners to prevent common issues such as jumping on people and furniture, door rushing, and barking.

Teaching Obedience Commands

Behavior Modification

Our Foundation Training Program also includes behavior modification techniques to address specific issues. We focus on resolving problems such as door rushing, barking, jumping on people and furniture, and lunging on the leash. By using positive reinforcement and consistent training, we help your dog learn alternative, desirable behaviors.

Addressing Common Behavioral Issues

The Follow-Up Lesson

After the initial 3-hour session, we schedule a 1-hour follow-up lesson at your home. This session is crucial for reinforcing what you and your dog have learned and addressing any additional concerns that may arise.

The Importance of Follow-Up Training

Follow-up training helps solidify the foundation established during the initial session. It allows us to evaluate your dog’s progress, make any necessary adjustments to the training plan, and ensure you have the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing good behavior.

Comprehensive and Personalized Training

Our Foundation Training Program is designed to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to dog training. By working with you and your dog in your home environment, we can address specific issues and tailor the training to meet your needs. The private nature of the sessions ensures that you receive undivided attention and support.

Why Choose Our Foundation Training Program?

Conclusion

Investing in our Foundation Training Program is the first step towards a well-behaved and obedient dog. With our comprehensive training, you will learn how to provide leadership, establish obedience, and address common behavioral issues. The initial 3-hour session, combined with the 1-hour follow-up lesson, ensures that you and your dog have the foundation needed for a harmonious relationship.

For more serious issues such as aggression, sibling rivalry, and separation anxiety, we recommend our Gold Program, which offers specialized training to address these concerns.

Here at Leader of the Pack Home Dog Training, we are committed to helping you and your dog achieve success. With our Foundation Training Program, you will see significant improvements in your dog’s behavior and obedience, setting the stage for a lifetime of positive interactions and companionship. Contact us today to start your journey towards a better-behaved dog.

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REALITY CHECK: NINE THINGS THAT YOUR DOG WANTS YOU TO UNDERSTAND By: Debby McMullen

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By: Debby McMullen

Photo Courtesy of Julie Crutchman

Knowledge in all forms seems to wax and wane according to the dynamics of the times that we live in. This is consistent on all subjects but in particular, with dog behavior knowledge. We have come so far with an understanding of dog behavior and how to modify it, yet old school techniques and thought processes remain in the forefront of the public eyes and ears. The past refuses to die a proper death and dogs pay for this with their psyches and sometimes, their lives.

The only part of the ancient dog behavior knowledge that is truly accurate yet hasn’t seemed to be retained as common sense knowledge is to allow dogs to actually be dogs. Now they must be little furry humans who have reasoning powers beyond their species, along with impeccable and preprogrammed manners.

We expect dogs to live serenely and effortlessly in a world of human’s making without showing any signs of being dogs. Then we are surprised when they act like dogs. We need to learn to respect dogs for who they are rather than the fantasy of who we think they should be. Lassie is a fallacy, made up for good ratings.

The renowned dog behavior expert Jean Donaldson once said, “Just a generation ago if you went near a dog when he was eating and the dog growled, somebody would say, “Don’t go near the dog when he’s eating! What are you, crazy?” Now the dog gets euthanized. Back then, dogs were allowed to say “No!” Dogs are not allowed to say no anymore. They can’t get freaked out, they can’t be afraid, they can never signal, “I’d rather not.” We don’t have any kind of nuance with regards to dogs expressing that they are uncomfortable, afraid, angry, in pain, worried or upset. If the dog is ever anything other than completely sunny and goofy every second, he goes from a nice dog to an “AGGRESSIVE DOG”.

Debby 9 Things Post 1 1

Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Hilbert

This is completely and utterly accurate. It appears that the more we progress into modern times, the more that we expect dogs to be some sort of furry humans that can make critical thinking decisions at the drop of a hat. My dogs are super smart but they are not humans and I don’t expect human intelligence level decisions from them. Especially when in relation to behaviors and situations that I have not spent an iota of time training them for.

 

Dog’s lives can only be enriched with spreading this information to the masses so here we go. Please accept your dogs for the wonderful creatures that they are. Understand that we expect them to live in our world so it behooves us to spend time learning about how they learn so that we can effectively communicate with them. They deserve nothing less than us safely and humanely teaching them to how to live in a world of our choosing. This is nothing more than we would want for ourselves. Below are the just the high points. There is so much more but for now, this will suffice.

  1. Dogs are entitled to have their meals uninterrupted. This means you, dear dog parent. Placing your hands in your dog’s food bowl only makes them annoyed, not under some delusion that you are some deity that deserves their undying gratitude. If someone repeatedly or even regularly but infrequently stuck their hands in your dinner plate, are you more likely to consider violence against them or think them your master? Enough said. (This also goes for any high value or not recreational chew items that you give your dog. If your dogs threatens you when you are near these items, hire a professional.) If you truly want your dog to think you are a rock star, then drop a piece of boiled chicken in their kibble bowl anytime you are near it and then you will get kudos from your dog, to all of his friends. Thinking that the former is the way to go is actually a really effective way to create the resource guarding that you are trying in vain to prevent. Don’t go there.
  2. Along those same lines, dogs are also entitled to sleep uninterrupted. I could retire young if I had a dollar for every single time I got a complaint about someone’s dog growling/snapping when touched/petted/hugged while sleeping. I don’t know about you but I am also pretty prone to striking out unintentionally if touched unexpectedly while deeply sleeping. Add to this equation a newly adopted dog who has not yet formed a relationship of trust with his current humans and you have a serious potential for problems with this expectation. Don’t expect more of your dog while sleeping than you would expect of a human new to you. Everyone deserves some body respect.
  3. Dogs are not robots. It is an extremely unrealistic expectation to want a dog to walk by your side without a leash in a public place. Occasionally, I get asked “what breed of dog can I get” who can do this. None. Breed has nothing to do with this. It’s a relationship based behavior, as well being a lovely goal to aim for in areas appropriate for off leash fun that allow this to be done legally.  However, this is AFTER a whole lot of incremental and lengthy training to get to that point. But understand that even then you take your chances, again, DOGS ARE NOT ROBOTS. They will weigh their options and if that deer (or turkey or bear, etc.) appear to be more rewarding in the moment to chase, they will do so, regardless of how much training time you have invested. No individual of any species is 100% exactly the same each moment of each day. No matter how many times I have allowed my superbly trained dogs off leash in any given situation outside of secure fencing, I have 100% of the time breathed an sigh of immense relief when reattaching the leash. Free will, dogs have it too. This same theory applies to allowing one’s dog off leash in unfenced yards as well as expecting them to stay somewhere in public unsupervised without any constraints or anywhere at all without constraints for that matter, supervised or unsupervised.
  4. Puppies are babies. Babies of any species take time to grow up. This means poop and pee to clean up for months, without a complaint. You signed up for this, remember? House training takes time. Manners training takes time. If you have human children, you know they were not “done cooking” in a week or two or even a month or two. Human kids do attend school for twelve years for a reason! Learning is incremental. Dogs don’t need twelve years to learn to potty appropriately and to have decent manners, thankfully. But they do need for you to not be impatient with their progress. They do need for you to understand that they have developmental stages and that those developmental stages all have different levels of cognitive powers. Do not expect your 12 week old puppy to have the level of understanding or the attention span that an adult dog does. Here is a good place to read about developmental stages.
  5. Socialization is a very misunderstood word in the dog world. Let’s say that you were forced as a child to go a lot of places that scared you and you were very stressed inwardly at all of these places yet you never showed how you felt outwardly. Would that then mean that you were socialized to these places simply because you were repeatedly exposed to them? The adult you knows perfectly well that you do not like these places that you went as a child and would now go out of your way to avoid them. And at some point when you felt pushed beyond all endurance, you would likely have a meltdown at such a place if forced to go again against your will as an adult. This is exactly what happens to puppies who tolerate places/things/people/experiences as a puppy and then one day when they feel safe with their own voice, “speak up” about how they really feel about these situations. In a nutshell, exposure does not equal socialization. The exposure has to be enjoyable to fall into that category. Make your puppy’s socialization enjoyable.
  6. If you are a normal well adjusted person, you do not like everyone you meet. It’s an impossible expectation, am I right? Then why expect your dogs to like all dogs? Most dogs actually do not want to greet other dogs when out and about. Of course there are many that do, but they are the exception rather than the rule. For the most part, dogs generally like to spend time with their humans rather than other dogs, even if they do sometimes enjoy the company of other dogs.  The take away here is that polite dog parents do not allow their dogs to approach other dogs in a huge variety of situations such as on walks, in the veterinarian’s waiting room, in pet supply stores, anywhere really unless this is a mutually agreed upon by the humans and dogs type of situation.
  7. Most dogs generally don’t enjoy being touched by strangers. There, I said it. I realize that this comes as a surprise to many people but it’s quite true. After all, YOU generally don’t want to be touched by strangers, do you? So please do your dog a favor and don’t allow them to be intruded upon.
  8. You are a social being. You like going to a variety of places. Your preference is taking your dog to all of the places that you can possibly get away with taking him to, right? However, I can guarantee that your dog does not always enjoy these places/events/situations as you would have hoped. Too many people, too much noise, people being intrusive into his personal space, scary looking actions, etc. all contribute to a recipe for a very stressed dog. Sometimes this is visible outwardly, sometimes not so much.
  9. “He doesn’t know his commands”. That phrase makes me cringe, dear dog parents. Dogs don’t come to you knowing what words and phrases mean. It’s up to you to teach them. But before the words are used, teach the behaviors and THEN attach the meaning to the words. And then instead of calling them commands, call them cues. Because that is what they really are. A signal, whether environmental or verbal that triggers the dog into a specific behavior that you have taught.
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Who is the Best Dog Trainer for your Dog? You Are!

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I was in Corona, yesterday with a Home Dog Training client and their rambunctious Poodle named Brodie.  Like many poodles, Brodie was a little animated and loved to jump on people, run to the door barking, pulling on the leash and lunging at other dogs.  At our first session, the family learned what to do to stop her from jumping, running to the door barking, to walk nicely on the leash, etc. Brodie’s problem was that he felt he was in charge of his human/dog pack, and didn’t respect or obey his owners because he didn’t have any leadership or guidance from them. Fortunately, they now have the right tools and know how to provide proper leadership and effectively begin training her every day.

As I was leaving, one of my client’s neighbors approached me as I was getting in my car.  He wanted to know about the training. He said he was always busy and wanted me to train his eight-month old boxer.  He said he would even give me a key so I could get into the house to train when he was not home. I explained to my client’s neighbor that there are many dog trainers who say “they will train and fix your dog” so that you will have a “great family dog”.  That is not the way that I view the situation.  Dog training is about building a relationship between you and your dog. Training is not a “fix” for your dog that’s trained, by someone else’s sometimes, questionable methods. Training builds an amazing bond – your dog should mind you because they want to! Training is not a task that once completed its over – it’s a lifetime interaction.

Some owners choose the Board & Train method because they are too busy to train the dog themselves. If you do not have time to spend with your dog, please do not get one. This is one of those “Tips” I have learned over the years. Be very careful of someone who says they can “fix” all your dog’s problems if the dog lives with them or in their kennel for a specific period of time. Please understand that there are a lot of GREAT dog trainers out there! But my experience with this kind of training (even from a trainer’s perspective) is not good.

Kennel Training. Why this is not good… Usually this is very expensive and usually it is “guaranteed”. It is guaranteed, because the dog will obey the trainer, but will they obey you? I could charge you $3000 for a couple weeks of “guaranteed” training and promise to fix any problem.  But one of the problems is that the dog will work for ME. It is true that I can train dogs to be great dogs.  They won’t jump on people or steal food from the table.  They will walk nicely with me, obey obedience commands, and not bark insensately at the neighbors.  None of these things are overly difficult if the appropriate relationship of bond, trust, and respect have been established between me and the dog. But…That doesn’t mean YOU will have all these attributes when your dog comes home. Ultimately they are going to live with YOU not me!

Life in the Kennel… How often do you think your pup will come out of his crate or kennel? Most often, it is only once (maybe twice) per day for 15 minutes to an hour, if he is lucky. The rest of the time he will be sitting in a kennel. Remember how I said I only need a few minutes to work miracles with your dog?  Even if he was living with me that is all I would need. The odds of interaction are not in your dog’s favor!!! Even if your trainer swears they will live with him, be leery!

Compulsion is Faster Beware!  Compulsion; prong collars, choke chains, and shock collars are faster and the trainer doesn’t have to deal with the repercussions later in the training process. At Leader of the Pack Home Dog Training, we NEVER use these methods.

Want a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog? Learn to train them yourself! In order for your dog to change and obey you — YOU need to be involved. Your pup needs/wants to do what YOU tell them to do. Once you know the methods of leadership and techniques to train your dog, it should only take about 30 minutes per day working with your dog. These learned techniques you can use throughout your life, with all of your dogs. Training your dog yourself, is exactly what you should do to have a happy, well behaved and obedient dog who WANTS to obey you.  It is up to you.  As your “dog’s trainer”, I can teach and guide you in the right direction.  You should take the journey.  And, by the way, it is really a wonderful journey!  So, when you think “I need a dog trainer for my crazy dog”, you are really asking for a trainer for yourself.

About Wendy’s First Dog Training Experience: When I was a 12 years old I got my first dog. My mother took me to a dog trainer who wouldn’t accept me into her school, she said I was too young and wouldn’t follow through. I promised her that I would. The trainer never touched my dog, she showed me what to do and I practiced. By the time I was 15, my girl “Bebe” and I achieved the AKC Obedience Title “Companion Dog”. Bebe and I had the best relationship possible; it was a wonderful, memorable learning experience.