Ann Withun

I have such a wonderful time with my dogs both in and out of class! My goal as an instructor is for you to enjoy class just as much as I do, and that class helps you and your dog to enjoy your lives together.

My husband Paul and I live in Newville. All of our “kids” are rescues in one fashion or another, and we have fostered shelter dogs on and off for the past 5 years. Brutus, our Lab/Dane/Rottie (?) mix and overall gigantic Wonderdog, is a Canine Good Citizen and certified Therapy Dog. He has also dabbled in Agility and Rally-O, but he mostly likes a good hike in the woods. When you meet Brutus, you can’t help but love him – we are lucky to share our lives with him.

Louie the Dalmatian is our resident “old man” and enjoys napping, short hikes, and “gardening” (picking apples off of the tree, “pruning” all of my plants and flowers). Louie had a terribly abusive past but has recovered nicely and enjoys every second of every day in his new happy life. I have never seen any creature appreciate life as much as Louie.

Rowdy is the athlete of the group. An Australian Cattle Dog that spent the first two years of his life chained in a backyard, Rowdy was a challenge at first with tons of energy and no manners AT ALL. It has been rewarding to see that training works! I wish I had a “before” and “after” video. Rowdy has now also passed the Canine Good Citizen test and throws his energy into the fun activities we do together. Rowdy does Agility and Rally-O, has tried his paw at flyball, and loves swimming, hiking, playing fetch, learning tricks, chasing squirrels – everything!

Brutus and Rowdy are both Dog Scouts and I am the local Troop Leader for Dog Scouts of America Troop #161. Come join us if you’re looking to promote responsible dog ownership and have a great time enriching your bond with your dog through all kinds of fun activities.

I love Agility, Rally-O and other activities, but mostly I love the practical side of dog training. Having a great time with your dog comes much easier when your dog has good manners and you know how to communicate with and teach your dog what you expect of him. Then you can both follow my favorite motto: “Wag more. Bark less.”