New Dog Training School Opens in Lemont

A new dog training school has opened in Lemont.

Auntie G’s Dog Training School is located at 908 Pike Street, next to Mayes Memorial and across the street from Café Lemont.

For owner and lead instructor Andrea Minasian, the school is a longtime dream come true..

“I have been a dog training professionally for over 20 years,” Minasian said. “Having a dog training school and being able to offer group classes had been a career long dream. Now that dream is a reality, I can offer a wide variety of classes and services that were not available as a private lesson trainer.”

Classes are eight weeks long and cost $200-$210 per class. Advance registration is required. 

The school offers the following classes:

• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class: For puppies 8 weeks and older. This is a pre-Canine Good Citizen class, teaching all the basics of good behavior and manners. Successful completion entitles the puppy to be listed as a S.T.A.R. puppy with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• AKC Rally Class: The class prepares the students to compete in Rally trials, an exciting competition sport for companion dogs.
• AKC Tricks Class: Taught at the novice, intermediate and advanced levels, dogs will earn the respective AKC titles upon successful completion of the class. 
• Agility Foundations: This class offers the basics of agility handling and obstacle skills. Upon completion, the team will be ready to take a beginning agility class.
• Therapy Dog Class: This advanced class prepares the dog and handler to make visits as a therapy dog team.
• Breed Ring Handling: This class is for people who would like to begin to compete with their pure-bred dog in dog shows.

Auntie G’s Dog Training School also offers private behavior consultations. The private lessons are for dogs that have issues not addressed in group classes such as reactivity to other dogs or people, fear and some types of aggression. Private lessons are $50/hour and are done by appointment.

The school uses positive, reward-based trainers who do not use force, intimidation, fear or pain in teaching the dogs.

Registration for any of the classes, private lesions, or consultations is done by calling (814) 234-4338.

To learn more about Auntie G’s Dog School, visit their website.