I’d be hard-pressed to think of a better way to spend a day at ‘work,’ than visiting one of the American Canine puppy kindergarten classes at Manypaws Pet Villa in Westport. From big to small and shy to spunky, there is almost too much cute to put into words. After speaking with trainer Marcia Albert, I can tell her work is nothing short of a lifelong love affair. “It’s a real gift,” says Albert about teaching her American Canine classes.
According to Albert, it’s pure pooch passion that brings pet owners, new and seasoned alike, to Manypaws for training classes. Using lots of positive reinforcement and focusing on creating happy and healthy interactions and experiences while teaching a couple of basic cues, training is invaluable in building trust and practicing socialization, particularly from prime puppy age. Manners aside, training really allows pets to become one of the family and be able to be active and social members of their local community as well (My dog Milo is our neighborhood ambassador, greeting all visitors with a welcome wag and big kiss. Remy, on the other hand, tends to turn every cue into the roll over and scratch my belly move.).
Albert’s work isn’t all puppy play. She also knows a lot about teaching an old dog new tricks. Inspired by her own rescue, Albert works with a number of shelter dogs and late bloomers that need some extra trust-building exercises and kindness to adapt to their new homes and owners. “I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m doing if it wasn’t for her,” says Albert about her beloved pitbull Abby. Albert found Abby on the streets of New Bedford, scared, sick and utterly alone on the streets. After a week’s care at an animal hospital, Abby defied the odds and was able to head home with Albert, joining older brother Zac, a Shih Tzu.
After 35 years as a reading specialist, Albert’s shift has been a welcome second career. From tunnels and agility jumps, to recess at puppy kindergarten class, Albert’s lessons put the emphasis on fun and she wouldn’t have it any other way. With pups and owners interacting in Albert’s active group classes, it’s a toss up whether the pups or their parents are having a better time at Manypaws. “It’s a hoot,” says Albert, who knows that happy tails mean a happy home.
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