Pasadena Humane’s Animal Training Manager Rochelle Guardado teaches a dog to jump through a hoop. Join Rochelle and the rest of the training team at our Animal Training Open House, noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. For more information and to RSVP, visit pasadenahumane.org/training.

This week, I’m going to ask you to do as I say, not as I have done. Please, train your pet!

I’m embarrassed to admit that my 8-year-old pup, Sueshi, is not well-trained.

She loves to bark loudly with her tail wagging when she sees canine or human friends. She often pulls on the leash, and — unable to contain her joy — she jumps on people when she meets them.

The truth is, I have failed as a pet parent when it comes to my sweet little shih tzu mix.

But, you can do better! Take advantage of the training classes and consultations offered at Pasadena Humane or look for other trainers like ours who are committed to positive, fear-free methods.

This weekend, join us at our Animal Training Open House to learn about our offerings for puppies, dogs, and even cats. You can meet our trainers, watch an agility demonstration, and attend short educational talks about dog behavior and socialization.

Our Animal Training Manager, Rochelle Guardado, has been teaching people how to train their pets to have good manners for 25 years. She’s a certified dog trainer and cat behavior consultant who believes training should be enjoyable for all involved.

Here are some of Rochelle’s answers to some common questions about training

Why should I train my dog?

Training is an essential part of your dog’s well-being. Teaching your dog how to behave in the world around them is just as important as caring for their health. And, training is a great boredom buster. A 15–20-minute training session is as beneficial as an hour-long walk.

I just got a puppy — what kind of training should I do?

Use training methods that are fun, rewarding and free from punishment. Practice your training both at home and in puppy classes for the best results. You’ll want to take advantage of opportunities to socialize your young puppy with other pups in a safe environment.

I have an adult dog — is it too late to start training?

It’s never too late to start your training journey. If your dog is healthy, you can begin teaching simple behaviors and build from there. Just like people, dogs thrive when they are lifelong learners! Gentle training exercises benefit senior pets and keep them mentally and physically fit.

What kind of training can my dog do after the basics?

Loose leash walking, coming when called and more advanced skills take time to master. Unlock your dog’s hidden talents. Try out new activities while you continue to practice the essentials with your pup in novel environments and around distractions. Group training classes help your dog learn skills needed to be successful outside the home.

Why should I sign up for a class at Pasadena Humane?

Our skilled Animal Training team is proud to offer a safe, sanitary, large indoor space for learning. We offer unique opportunities, such as classes for shy or reactive dogs who struggle when seeing other dogs on leash, as well as supervised playtime for kittens.

Our Animal Training Open House, noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, is free for people of all ages, but please leave your pets at home.

Agility demonstrations are scheduled for 12:15 and 1 p.m. Talks include “What’s My Dog Thinking?” at 12:30 p.m. and “Café Canines” at 1:30 p.m.

Limited free parking is available at Pasadena Humane, with paid overflow parking available at nearby Del Mar Station. For more information and to RSVP, visit pasadenahumane.org/training

Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on September 6, 2024.