In a significant development for dog owners in the area, local dog trainer Bekah Chapman has introduced a new dog obedience course through the Oxford Park Commission. This initiative aims to help pet owners strengthen their relationships with their dogs while learning essential obedience skills. With over 13 years of experience in both basic obedience and specialized search and rescue training, Chapman is well-equipped to guide participants through the program.
Course Focus and Training Philosophy
The obedience class, held weekly at Stone Park, is designed to enhance both the skills and trust between handlers and their dogs. Chapman emphasizes that the course covers foundational commands such as sit, stay, wait, loose leash walking, recall, and touch. “This is a foundational obedience class,” Chapman stated. “But beyond the cues, I emphasize communication and teamwork between the dog and handler.”
Chapman’s qualifications extend beyond standard training practices. She is certified in Urban and Wilderness Search and Rescue, with experience in deploying dogs trained in live find and human remains detection for missing persons cases. Additionally, she serves as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, further showcasing her commitment to canine training excellence.
Community Collaboration and Inclusivity
The course is the result of a collaborative effort between Chapman and the Oxford Park Commission. “I’ve been passionate about offering accessible, quality training to the community, and OPC was looking for opportunities to bring unique programs to their members,” she explained. This partnership reflects a shared goal of providing valuable resources for local pet owners.
Chapman also highlights the importance of training for dogs of all ages. While puppies benefit significantly from early training, she notes that older dogs can thrive as well. “Sometimes people think their dog is ‘too old to learn,’ but that’s not true,” Chapman remarked. “Dogs of all ages are capable of learning new skills and improving their manners.” She stresses the importance of adjusting the pace and expectations to suit individual dogs.
Addressing common misconceptions about dog behavior, Chapman noted that many owners mistakenly label their pets as “bad.” “The biggest misconception I see is the idea that some dogs are just ‘bad,’” she said. “In reality, it’s often a matter of communication and training. Dogs don’t come into our homes already knowing our rules or expectations—we have to teach them in a way they understand.” With this approach, she encourages owners to guide and motivate their dogs, transforming perceived negative behaviors into opportunities for growth.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Kerry O’Donoghue, who is currently attending the class with her Great Dane mix, Gemma, praised Chapman’s instruction, stating, “It’s the best class I’ve ever been to. I’ve been taking my dogs to training classes for well over 40 years. Bekah is a tremendous trainer.”
While the current course is fully booked, Chapman intends to offer additional sessions in the near future. She encourages interested dog owners to monitor the Oxford Park Commission’s website and social media pages for announcements, as spots tend to fill quickly. “I encourage people to sign up as soon as they see the class announced,” she advised, highlighting the high demand for quality dog training in the community.