Best Paw Forward in Holly Springs is owned and operated by Frank Verni, a Certified Master dog trainer. Verni has been training dogs for the past 13 years. He received his formal education in dog behavior from the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers. It is an intensive two month course that qualified him to train dogs for obedience, behavior problems, police work and handicapped assistance. His special area of interest, however, is family pets.

Verni says that dogs grow into problems, not out of them. He says it is important to work with a dog for short periods of time, starting with small commands and building up to expecting more from your pet. You should praise a dog every time they obey. You do not want to praise any unwanted behavior. Says Verni,”Training teaches how, education teaches why.”

After an initial evaluation, Verni typically works with a dog for about four to eight lessons with the last lesson usually at a park or public place. This enables the dog to learn to listen with surrounding distractions and socializations.

Verni’s goal is for clients to be able to truly enjoy their pets as part of the family, and not feel overwhelmed by a pet’s negative behaviors. Less animals wind up in shelters or being passed from owner to owner. Educating dogs is his way of making a difference.

For more information on training your pet or to enroll in lessons call (919)557-2853 or visit www.bestpawonline.com.