MASON CITY – North Iowa has its own “dog whisperer.”
His name is Craig Markham (pictured, right), and he is the owner and manager of “The Dog Whisperer” located at 11271 255th St (Highway 106), a fourteen acre animal learning center including indoor arena, training building, fourteen indoor boarding suites and pet cremation Service.
Markham is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota with a degree in psychology. He is also a graduate and certified trainer from the Tom Rose School for Dog Trainers in St. Louis, Missouri.
Although, specialized in behavior counseling, obedience, protection and service dogs, he has had extensive training in police canine, specific odor detection (narcotics dog training) and tracking.
Craig has developed and directed an experimential learning program with dogs working with at-risk teenagers, ages 12-17, modifying problem behaviors including anger management, moral education, structured learning and leadership skills.
“The driving force behind the work that we do with dogs and their owners is the development of a relationship with their pet,” Craig said. “Teaching skills (sit, down,heel, etc.) is only the first step. The Skills give us a language to speak, but having a conversation takes much more time and effort. The “whispering method” is designed to accomplish this through principle centered leadership, naturally. Whether we are working with owners and dogs for behavior problems and training, or pets are boarding with us, they enjoy working with us and have fun.”
Markham is asked to give evaluations on stray or troubled dogs, and to give that evaluation to the Humane Society. He works with them and finds what their point of aggression (if any) comes from. On this particular day, Markham was evaluating a little black and white terrier. “I haven’t been able to get close to him,” says Markham. I went up to him and he allowed me to pet his back and his chest. He licked my hand and showed no aggression. “Well, it’s a gender thing! We tried it again, with the same results. “The Humane Society will like this”, he said. This will be something that Craig can work on with the terrier.
For Reservations, call 641-425-2797.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Hours: Monday-Saturday 8-10 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.
Sunday 4:30-6 p.m. or by pre-arranged appointment.
You can find out more on Craig Markham and his services by checking out his website: craigthedogwhisperer.com
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