Paws-itively Obedient

Paws-itively Obedient offers a variety of training classes for puppies, dogs, and owners of all ages, based on positive reinforcement. Classes include Puppy Kindergarden for puppies aged 2-6 months, covering house training, attention skills, loose-lead walking, basic puppy skills (sit, down, come, leave it), manners (prevention of jumping and mouthing), and mini seminars on feeding, grooming, gentle handling, leadership, and appropriate games, with puppies also gaining confidence and coordination through beginner agility equipment.

Other offerings include K9 Nose Work® for all ages, which helps shy/fearful dogs and provides mental/physical outlets for high-energy dogs, with potential for competition. Trick Class focuses on bond building, mental and physical exercise, confidence, and focus, with AKC Trick Evaluator testing available. AKC Fit Dog Class Level 1 is a fitness class for dogs and owners, teaching skills for strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and balance.

CGC Canine Good Citizen / Therapy Dog focuses on basic manners, obedience, responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond. Peace of Mind is designed for shy, fearful, or timid dogs to develop coping skills, trust, relaxation, and focus. Mind Your Manners addresses common problem behaviors in adolescent or older dogs like jumping, recall issues, counter surfing, and leash pulling. Jungle Gym is a 2-session class introducing puppies and dogs to new experiences through various objects and sounds. Competitive Agility is a foundation class for competitive teams, offered year-round, requiring completion of a basic obedience class. They also offer Competitive Obedience & Rally, and Play Agility as an introduction to the sport. Classes are held year-round in two heated indoor facilities with rubber mat flooring and an outside lighted, fenced training area.

Pricing Summary

Most 6-week classes are priced at $145.00. Rental of facilities and equipment is available; call for rates.

Paws-itively Obedient is a dog training school owned and operated by Valli Rovenolt, welcoming puppies, dogs, and owners of all ages. Their instruction is based on positive reinforcement training techniques, which effectively and permanently shape behavior. Highly skilled and experienced instructors teach owners to resolve problem behaviors by understanding their dogs’ needs and language, helping dogs and puppies gain confidence as they learn to earn privileges and rewards.

The school was built in 2004, with an additional training building added in 2011, and has been successfully helping people and their dogs for over 20 years. The 4800 sq. ft. facility is heated and fully matted, allowing classes to be held year-round. They also offer seminars and free community education days throughout the year.

In addition to training, Valli Rovenolt has experience as a veterinary technician and owned a professional grooming business for over 15 years. The buildings, yard, and equipment are available for rental.

Accomplishments

Valli Rovenolt, the owner and trainer, has been training and showing dogs for approximately 40 years. She has bred and handled 15 Champions with wins at National and Regional levels, earned multiple Obedience and Rally titles through Utility and Rally Excellent, and achieved AKC PACH and Master Level agility titles on multiple dogs. Her Giant Schnauzers have been rated #1 and in the top 5 of their breed in Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking, and Scent Work. She is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), AKC Scent Work Judge, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and AKC Fit Dog Instructor, and completes 24 continuing education credits every two years.

Rick Rovenolt, a dog trainer, has over 30 years of experience training and showing dogs. He is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), has earned various K9 Nose Work titles, obtained a Master Agility Title, and trained multiple dogs to Obedience and Utility titles, as well as achieving WCX and Junior Hunter titles in fieldwork. He has shown five flat-coated retrievers to breed championships, including the #1 flat-coat in America in 1999, and achieved MACH with two of his dogs.

Duska Rishel has been assisting with classes since 2004, including Puppy Kindergarten, Canine Good Citizens, and young Agility students. Kristi Cirelli has been teaching classes at Paws-itively Obedient for over five years. She worked with an Animal Behaviorist for over three years, became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CDTI) in 2016, and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also actively involved in dog rescue and serves as President of a local foster-based dog rescue.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can call the business directly or fill out an online contact form. The form asks for the client’s name, pet’s name, areas of interest from a list of classes and services, specific questions, email, and phone number.