Puppy Pre-School
A different topic every week: the ABC's of puppy parenting, house training, nipping, jumping, and the right games to play — with plenty of time for socialising.
Puppy class detailsPositive dog training in Norman, Oklahoma
Listen Up Pup is Barbara Lewis's canine training centre. Puppy pre-school, manners training, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification, agility, therapy dog preparation and assistance dog training — taught with positive, reward-based methods the whole family can use.
A dog training centre in Norman, Oklahoma
Listen Up Pup teaches owners to communicate with their dogs in a way the dog understands — self-control, manners and simple tricks built on positive motivation rather than correction. Families are encouraged to come to training sessions together, because a dog that listens to one person in the household only is not yet a trained dog.
- 25+ yearsBarbara Lewis has trained dogs for more than twenty-five years, and has worked with people with disabilities and assistance dogs since 1993.
- NormanWeekly classes at 622 Alameda — Alameda, east of Porter.
- BlanchardAgility on Friday evenings and four-week manners classes at the Blanchard facility.
- APDT memberProfessional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.
Why train your dog?
“People generally think of pups as canine seedlings one merely feeds and waters which automatically grow into well-behaved adults. We only obtain well-mannered adults after a major investment of time and thought: no deposit, no return.”
Invisible Leash by Myrna M Milani, DVM
Dogs are going to behave in their natural way until they are taught to behave according to human requirements.
A good dog comes when called, walks on a leash, sits and lays down when told, is house-trained, and doesn't jump on people.
When you teach your dog good manners you give him greater opportunities to be with you. You give him a feeling of confidence in himself and you help him become a welcome member of the community.
What we teach
Six programmes run through the year, from a puppy's first socialising class to certification tests and assistance dog training.
Manners training
Sit, down, stay, wait, leave-it, walk-on-lead, come-when-called and simple tricks, plus help with behaviour problems, health care, grooming tips and house-training.
Manners class detailsCanine Good Citizen
Basic manners reinforced with games, finishing with the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification test.
Canine Good Citizen detailsAgility
An obstacle course for dogs — fun and healthy for both dogs and their owners, a confidence builder for shy dogs and an energy burner for active ones.
Agility class detailsTherapy dog
Both ends of the lead learn how to conduct visits to nursing homes, day-care centres and schools, with a Therapy Dogs International evaluation on completion.
Therapy dog detailsAssistance and service dogs
Specialised training for dogs that will work for a person with a disability, through A New Leash On Life, Inc. and its prison dog training programmes.
Assistance dog detailsLooking for a good dog?
Our prison training program is currently accepting applications for new homes. The training includes sit, stay, lay down, come when called, walk on a leash, wait at the door or gate, and other everyday manners.
The dogs are socialised to people and to other dogs and will make great family pets. Pictures and more information were published at www.adoptatraineddog.com and www.traineddogs.org — if those addresses are no longer online, call the centre and we will put you in touch with the programme.
Off the leash
A short list of things the team actually recommends — on the training floor and off it.
Finding us
Most classes are held in Norman, with the occasional class at the Blanchard location.
Norman — weekly classes
622 AlamedaNorman, OK 73070
405-224-7715 TDD/Voice
info@listenuppup.com
Blanchard facility — agility and manners classes
2432 Country St. 2980Blanchard, OK 73010
Exactly two miles west of Highway 76 and a quarter mile south of Highway 39, east of Chickasha and north of Lindsay.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the classes held?
Weekly classes are held at 622 Alameda in Norman, east of Porter. Agility and four-week manners classes run at the Blanchard facility, and classes have also been held at the Yukon Animal Shelter with Pets & People and at the Ada Animal Shelter. See the class schedule.
How do I enrol?
Download and print the enrolment form, then call 405-224-7715 so we can tell you which class is starting next and whether there is space in it.
Do you train service and assistance dogs?
Yes. Barbara Lewis founded A New Leash On Life, Inc., which runs dog training programmes in correctional facilities, and she has worked with assistance dogs since 1993. There is no charge for Pets & People dogs or for assistance dogs in training.
Can I get my dog certified?
The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test is given on completion of the Canine Good Citizen class, and a Therapy Dogs International evaluation is given on completion of the therapy dog class.
Can the whole family come?
We encourage the entire family to attend training sessions — a dog needs to learn that every member of the household gives the same instructions.
Everything on this site
- ServicesEvery class and programme we run
- About UsBarbara Lewis, the instructors, our credentials
- ScheduleClass times in Norman, Blanchard, Yukon and Ada
- WorkshopsTwo-hour workshops on single problems
- EnrollmentThe enrolment form and how to book
- PicturesPhotographs from our classes
- LinksDog organisations we recommend
- GiftsA short gift list for dog people
- LocationAddresses, directions and the map
- CalendarThe week at a glance
- FAQAnswers to the questions we are asked most
Ready to start training?
Call 405-224-7715 or email info@listenuppup.com — the centre is at 622 Alameda, Norman, OK 73070. New classes are always being scheduled; a telephone call is the quickest way to find the right one for your dog.