Gut Hunds Dog Training

Gut Hunds Dog Training offers a range of programs designed to build strong bonds and effective communication between dogs and their owners. Puppy 101 is a six-hour class covering basic commands like sit, wait, settle, drop, no jump, and loose leash walking, along with common behavioral problems, available in group or private in-home sessions. Level I Obedience, also six one-hour classes, builds on Puppy 101 skills, emphasizing consistency and teamwork, covering commands such as sit-stay without verbal cues, heeling, coming with distractions, and turns.

Kids in K-9 Control is a six-hour program specifically for children, teaching them basic commands, grooming, feeding fundamentals, and first aid ABCs to help them master dog handling. Private Training is available in-home for all classes, and includes assessment of aggression and other problem behaviors. Level II Obedience, another six-hour course, refines skills from earlier levels by incorporating distractions, prolonged positioning, recall, and response in motion, focusing on immediate responses.

The Canine Good Citizen program consists of six training sessions that prepare dogs and handlers for the AKC certification test, which is given in the seventh class. This program focuses on good manners at home and in the community, and responsible pet ownership. Pet First Aid is a six-hour class taught by a certified instructor, covering essential first aid topics like bleeding, shock, animal bites, injury assessment, CPR, rescue breathing, and how to assemble a pet first aid kit. Babies and Bow-Wows is a class for new and expecting parents, providing techniques and materials to ensure positive baby-dog interactions, available privately in-home or in group settings.

Gut Hunds Dog Training is a family-owned business led by owner Doug Parson, located in Harrisburg and Hershey, PA. They are dedicated to promoting strong bonds between dogs and their owners, emphasizing the handler/owner’s leadership role through a caring and respectful relationship.

The business offers a variety of dog training classes, including Puppy 101, Level I and Level II Obedience, and specialized programs like Kids in K-9 Control, Canine Good Citizen, Pet First Aid, and Babies and Bow-Wows. Training is provided in a positive manner, while still challenging dogs to perform at their best, and focuses on educating owners about canine behavior and communication.

Doug Parson brings extensive experience, having trained in Schutzhund, Mondio Ring Sport, and protection sports. He is also a certified pet first aid instructor and an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Gut Hunds Dog Training is actively involved in community service, working with local rescues, shelters, youth, and scout organizations to promote humane dog handling and public education on dog bite avoidance.

Accomplishments

Doug Parson is the owner of Gut Hunds Dog Training and has extensive experience in various aspects of dog training. He has trained in Schutzhund, Mondio Ring Sport, and protection sports. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, the Protection Sport Association, and The United Schutzhund Clubs of America.

Doug is a certified pet first aid instructor for Pet Tech and an evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. He has attended seminars led by renowned trainers Ivan Balabanov and Mike Ellis. His community involvement includes volunteering with German Shepherd Rescue of Southeastern Pennsylvania and previously teaching obedience for the Humane Society of Harrisburg, where he was recognized as Community Volunteer of the Year in 2004.

Additionally, Doug serves on the faculty of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI), where he has lectured to attorneys on dog aggression, temperament testing, and training of rescue/shelter animals. He has authored two articles published by the PBI: “What you Need to know about Dogs and Aggression” and “Temperament Tests and Training for Shelter and Rescue Dogs.” Doug has also consulted for both plaintiff and defense attorneys in numerous dog bite cases, serving as an expert witness and testifying in dangerous dog cases. He receives many referrals for aggressive dogs from veterinarians, groomers, and other trainers.