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WORKING LIFE URBAN AFFAIRS K aren Hockenberry has devoted much of her life to helping others – whether they be two-legged or four. She spent more than a decade as a massage therapist for human clients, took care of dogs and cats while living in Japan, and hired on at the Great Falls animal shelter to help wayward pets find forever homes. But when Karen ran into behavioral problems with her own dog, she knew she needed to access a new level of expertise. She sought out dog training classes online and even traveled to California to learn more about how to help her pooch. She ultimately used her new skills not only to help her own pet but also, to improve the lives of shelter dogs. "We did see adoptions increase, not only because we were able to offer them beer training, but because I was able to learn more about the individual dogs, too," Karen says. Today, Karen works full-time as a trainer at Fetch Pet Boutique in Great Falls. She spends her days assisting people who want to establish the best relationship possible with their pets. "We're balance trainers," Karen explains. "Positive reinforcement is good, and we will use it if it will work, but it can oen only get you so far, especially with reactive dogs." "ere have to be consequences for an action if it isn't working," she continues. "Something as simple as a snap of the fingers or a leash correction or a verbal 'no' can deliver that message so the dog learns what you expect of them, and you can build a beer relationship with your dog." Canine Training at Fetch Pet Boutique Building Bonds that Last: TEXT BY HOLLY MATKIN PHOTOGRAPHER JENNY MATTHEWS Karen hosts multiple group classes each week, including training for puppies, e-collar use, and dealing with reactive dogs, among others. Fetch also offers private, in-home lessons. "We do everything here. We work with all breeds and types of dogs," Karen says. "It is great to see how happy people are when they're able to keep their dogs because the training they've done is working." While teaching pets proper training is important, those skills need to be practiced if they are going to be effective. "e humans oen want a quick fix, and a lot of times, it isn't going to be a quick fix," she says. "You have to put the time and practice into it, and people need to understand that one-hour per week for six weeks is not going to train your dog. It has to be every day." To learn more about Fetch Pet Boutique's class schedule, visit www.fetchpetboutique.com, check them on Facebook, or call 406-315-3579. S MT Karen Hockenberry devotes her days to helping our furry friends and their human partners. Eager students love learning from Karen and the rest of the Fetch Pet Boutique crew! 16 | SIGNATURE MONTANA

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