Critter Hill Dog Training

05/29/2026

Congratulations to my Thursday night class on their graduation. Well done

05/27/2026

Congratulations to last nights graduating class! Well done

04/15/2026

BE GRATEFUL FOR THE GROWL

Not all growling is a sign that a dog is unhappy. Some growls may be part of a particular play style, seeking attention, from frustration, excitement or other reasons. They may all sound a little different and may be unique to that particular dog.

This post is about the early warning growls.

When a dog growls, especially when it’s directed at us, it’s natural for us to feel offended, insulted or perhaps even angry.

Surely dogs need to learn not to growl - growling is bad, it’s unacceptable, a problem that needs to be stopped or punished so a dog learns that it’s wrong, disrespectful and unacceptable, right?

This couldn’t be further from the truth! A dog that growls has just provided us with very valuable information.

In their way, they have just told us how they feel about a situation in a non-violent way without escalating to a bite.

Dogs use growling in an attempt to avoid having to resort to biting, not to initiate it. They could just as easily not have even bothered to growl and gone straight to a bite.

A dog that growls is trying to communicate how they feel. Ignoring or punishing only suppresses this communication. Punishment increases fear, anxiety and stress.

A dog that bites without the warning of a growl is a far more serious problem than a dog that growls but doesn’t bite.

Look for any other early warning signals that may precede a growl. Learn to recognize body language and any specific situations that trigger it.

Be grateful for the gift of a growl – it’s clear communication that we need to acknowledge, understand and respect.

A growl allows us to intervene, advocate and prevent escalation.

04/14/2026

I have one open training spot for Thursday night, if interested please contact PI rec Dept. Class starts tonight

03/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNywDE1QP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Back again by popular demand, it's Dog Obedience Class by Chris Cowett-Robinson! This 7 week course is a great opportunity to develop skills with your dog! Spots are limited and this is a high demand class! You can register online at:

https://secure.rec1.com/ME/presque-isle-recreation-and-parks/catalog

10/21/2025

Congratulations to all dogs and handlers! This class was so much fun. It was amazing to see you all improve so much. Keep on keeping on!

10/21/2025

Class #4
Great job everyone on

09/02/2025

One spot left for fall dog obedience, contact the Presque Isle Rec Department to snag this spot

08/21/2025

Back by popular demand, we have a Fall session of Dog Obedience Class with Chris Cowett-Robinson! Starting on September 9th, classes will run on Tuesday evenings for 7 weeks at the Sargent Family Community Center! Spots are limited! You can register over the phone at (207) 764-2545 or online at:

https://secure.rec1.com/ME/presque-isle-recreation-and-parks/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM4Njk0NDE=

06/07/2025