A Pup’s Best Pal offers group or private lessons with professional dog trainer J.R. Fessler.
The mission of A Pup's Best Pal is to teach you, the dog owner, to condition your dog with training that will last a lifetime. In addition to basic education, you will also have an understanding of how to work through and correct behavioral situations with your dog.
A Pup's Best Pal aims to provide quality, affordable, and relaxed training techniques to dog owners at a fair and reasonable price. The sessions are often as much fun for the owner as they are for the dog.
A Pup's Best Pal has been providing quality instruction to dog owners in the Dallas - Fort Worth area since 1992, using positive reinforcement and specializing in dog behavior modification.
A Pup's Best Pal supports animal shelters and rescue groups with an open door for questions regarding training and behavior techniques.
"If you need your dog neutered or spayed, see your Vet...
If you want your dog fixed... see me."
J.R. Fessler
Professional Dog Trainer Jay R. Fessler
Jay R. Fessler owns and operates A Pup's Best Pal. He has been training dogs, dog owners, and dog trainers since 1974. His first sixteen years was as a Working Dog Handler / Trainer in the United States Army. JR was the first service member in the field to be cross trained as a Patrol Dog Handler, Narcotic detector Dog Handler, Explosive Detector Dog Handler and Kennel Master.
JR has been successfully training dogs and owners in the Dallas - Fort Worth area since his retirement from the Army in 1992. He uses only positive reinforcement and trains all breeds and ages of dogs. He trains in group as well as private one-on-one sessions.
JR works with several rescue groups and animal shelters in the Metro-plex and Wisconsin providing seminars in obedience and behavior modification.
JR holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. He earned certification as Master Instructor from the United States Air Force while assigned duty at Chief of the Detector Dog Handler Course at the Department of Defense Working Dog Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Certifications
- Certified Dog Obedience Instructor (Animal Behavior and Training Inc.)
- Member – Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Career Highlights
- Provided training and support with an Explosive Detector Dog to the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
- Conducted site survey and established procedures for dog teams providing security at the 1986 Pan-American games in Indianapolis
- Conducted site survey, established procedures and trained Explosive Detector Dog Teams for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul Korea
- Set up and supervised a five member Mobile Training Team, training and certifying twelve Korean National United States Government employees as Working Dog Handlers
- Conducted site survey and established a Working Dog Program for the country of Seychelles
- Co-author of Military Working Dog Standardization Guide
- Study of Animal Behavior under Dr. Dan Craig, DVM, Col. USAF, Retired 1988-1991
- Assisted in the development of the Detector Dog Handler Course for the Department of Defense
- Conducts cost-free seminars on training and behavior modification to animal shelter and rescue group dog adoption participants
- JR was appointed by the Department of the Army as a Military Working Dog Certification Authority
Group Sessions
- Sessions are conducted at an On-site location*
- Sessions are conducted once per week.
- Sessions last from 45 to 60 minutes.
- The Basic Obedience Class consists of 6 (six) sessions.
- The Basic Obedience Course covers the commands of Sit, Down, Sit-stay, Down-stay, Come, Heel, Retrieve, Release, and Stand-stay. Both hand and verbal commands are used.
- Undesirable behavior issues can be addressed at anytime during sessions.
View our Pricing List
Downloads: Registration Form || Waiver || Pricing List
Downloads are in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF reader required.
Current Schedule
** Coming Soon **
*On-site locations are:
Private Sessions
- Initial evaluation is conducted at your residence
- Sessions can be conducted at your residence or at an On-site location*
- The number of sessions will be established prior to the first training session and will be determined by the training desired
- Sessions are conducted one time per week
- Sessions are 45 to 60 minutes
- Private sessions are tailored to the specific needs of the dog and the desires of the owner. We do offer a three-session individual basic obedience.
- Undesirable behavior issues can be addressed at anytime during sessions
View our Pricing List
Downloads: Pricing List
Downloads are in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF reader required.
*On-site locations are:
A Pup's Best Pal Pricing List
Initial evaluations are always FREE
GROUP TRAINING
Group lessons allow you to train your dog in a more social environment that is fun for both you and your dog. Classes are held at one of our on-site locations.
Basic Obedience Group Training
$80 for 6 Weekly lessons
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
Individual lessons are one-on-one with the trainer and provide YOU with the knowledge to train your own dog.
Individual Training
$40 per lesson. Your location.
3-Session Basic Obedience
$100 for 3 lessons. Your location.
Behavior Modification
$40 per lesson. Any location.
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING
Professional training sessions allow the trainer one-on-one time with your dog.
Individual Training Session
$80 per lesson. Any location.
SEMINARS
Training Seminar
$40 - To be announced...
Behavior Modification Seminar
$40 - To be announced...
NOTE: Training sessions are scheduled for a 1 hour time frame but can run from 45 to 75 minutes depending on your dog, weather conditions, etc. Prices are based on locations in Tarrant County. Please contact us for pricing on other locations.
"I'll respond to some questions most frequently asked of me. Please don't hesitate to contact A Pup's Best Pal for any other questions you may have."
Q: What makes A Pup's Best Pal a preferred dog training organization?
A: I offer thirty-two years of experience in dog training. Those that I closely associate myself with are under the same conceptions as I am when it comes to dog training and dog behavior. I do not condone aggressiveness in dog training or in behavior modification. The training experience should be one of pleasure for the dog as well as the owner/handler.
Q: What conditioning methods do you utilize to train dogs?
A: I use positive training methods. As I've stated, the training experience should by an enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved.
Q: Which training would be better for me, one-on-one or group training?
A: Both have positive aspects. Individualized (one-on-one) training is conducted
at your residence so the dog can feel more comfortable in its own environment and you
receive personalized training. In-home training can be custom tailored to fit the exact
needs and desires of the dog owner.
Group training assists with socialization for the dog with other dogs as well as humans.
It also allows a variety of conditions and environments during the training process.
Q: How is the number of sessions and training program established?
A: When conducting one-on-one training at your residence, an evaluation is conducted to ascertain your needs and desires. Once that criterion is established, a program is developed. The evaluation also allows you to meet the trainer in person and determine if the program is what you desire. Sessions are approximately 1 hour in duration and once per week. Group classes are conducted over a scheduled seven week period. Each session is approximately one hour in duration. Any behavioral questions would be addressed as needed.
Q: Why are the sessions spread out over weekly sessions?
A: Training commands / techniques are transferred to you during each session. The techniques are established for each individual involved in the training and practiced with the dog through the week for review during the next session.
Q: How much time will I need to devote to training my dog throughout the week?
A: 15 to 20 minutes a day as a minimum will suffice. 15 to 20 minutes twice a day will establish a quicker response from the dog. The dog will determine the length of training periods. All commands can be completed during a walk. Remember...make it fun for the dog!
Q: Who are you teaching, the dog or me?
A: Although I will transfer training techniques to both you and the dog during the sessions, you will receive techniques that will enable you to condition this dog as well as any other dog.
Q: What equipment will I need to participate in obedience classes or sessions?
A: You'll need a six-foot leash and a collar to participate in the sessions. A long line (10 to 15 feet long) will be needed for the STAY and COME commands.
Q: I purchased the dog for my child. Can he/she participate in the training?
A: Absolutely, as long as the child/children are supervised by a parent. It is important that all members of your household have an understanding of the techniques and commands that have been transferred to the dog.
Q: What's the right age to start training a dog?
A: Generally dogs that have reached 12 week of age are ready to accept training. That can vary from dog to dog, but by making it a fun experience and practicing patience, most dogs will accept the conditioning. AND contrary to the old saying, old dogs can learn new tricks.
Contact Information
A Pup's Best Pal
Phone: 817-284-DOGS (3647)
Cell: 817-907-2068
Email: apupsbestpal@charter.net
Friendly Links
Animal Welfare Organizations
www.petfinder.com
www.ASPCA.org
www.operationkindness.org
Commercial Organizations
www.apdt.com
www.wagtime.info
www.cowtowncanines.com