QUINCY – In the world of pet ownership, the relationship between a dog and its owner is uniquely profound. Often described as love at first sight, this bond is a cornerstone of many lives. Yet, as ancient as the domestication of the dog is the struggle of owners to manage their unruly canine friends. Cara Putnam of Crossroads School of Dog Training LLC in Quincy has devoted her career to transforming this challenge into a journey of understanding and mutual respect through effective training.
Early Inspirations and Foundations
Cara’s journey into the world of dog training began in Tacoma, Washington, where she attended the Professional Dog Trainer/Instructor course at Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center. Under the guidance of Ron Pace, a nationally recognized master trainer and author, Cara completed over 450 hours of apprenticeship. “That’s more hours of training than police K-9 officers get when they go to their academy!” she noted, emphasizing the depth of her foundational learning.
During her five years at Canyon Crest K9 starting in 2003, Cara led over 500 clients and their dogs through a rigorous obedience course, incorporating both private lessons and group classes on Saturdays. Her experience extended to personal protection training and scent work with police K-9 units, providing her a comprehensive skill set that would later define her unique training philosophy.
Establishing Crossroads School of Dog Training
In 2009, life took Cara and her husband Sean to a family farm on Frenchman Hills near George, Washington. There, she quickly established Crossroads School of Dog Training. “I found out very quickly that there was a great need for high-quality training that focused on all breeds, all ages, and that got real results,” Cara explained. Her ability to address severe aggression issues and impart a professional, compassionate approach filled a critical gap in the market.
Crossroads School of Dog Training Facility
Photo: Crossroads School of Dog Training
The training facility at Crossroads is as impressive as its programs. Nestled in an apple and cherry orchard, the grounds feature a large fenced-in grass training field and a spacious indoor arena, setting a serene stage for both dogs and owners to learn.
Crossroads School of Dog Training class session including pet owners and their dogs
Video: Crossroads School of Dog Training
Philosophy and Programs
Cara believes the most fulfilling training is aimed at developing a strong, healthy relationship with one’s dog. “They are beloved members of the family and they are worth learning how to train in order for them to live a more fulfilling life,” she states.
At Crossroads, training begins as early as 10 weeks old with the unique puppy preschool. This early start is critical as Cara explains, “By the age of 8-10 weeks of age, most dogs are sufficiently neurologically developed to start exploring unfamiliar social and physical environments.” Delaying socialization past this critical period can result in a dog that is fearful and reactive.
Puppy preschool at Crossroads offers an immersive experience where puppies can engage with their peers and learn the nuances of canine communication. Key lessons include proper socialization, handling common puppy issues, and foundational obedience training such as sit, come, and stay commands. Cara emphasizes that starting training early not only sets the stage for a well-behaved adult dog but also saves money by preventing unwanted behaviors.
Photo of dog at Crossroads School of Dog Training in Quincy
Photo: Crossroads School of Dog Training
Advancing to Adult Dog Obedience
As puppies graduate from preschool, they can enroll in the adult dog obedience course, described by Cara as akin to “college” for dogs. This program is structured around private lessons that focus on teaching owners to effectively communicate with their dogs. “The key is teaching the owners how to get their dogs to listen to them,” Cara explains. This one-on-one approach ensures that the foundational relationship between dog and owner is built on clear communication and mutual respect.
The program employs a balance of positive reinforcement and humane corrections, integrating these into a comprehensive training strategy. “Dogs learn very well with a combination of positive and negative feedback,” Cara notes, explaining how this method enables quick and effective behavior correction.
The Impact of Crossroads Training
The impact of Cara’s work at Crossroads is profound. Her training methods not only address behavioral issues but also enhance the overall quality of life for dogs and their owners. Cara and her team, including trainers like Bre Edmonds who has evolved under Cara’s mentorship, have established Crossroads as a beacon of effective, compassionate dog training.
Sean Putnam, Cara’s husband, brings his expertise to the facility in a hands-on role, overseeing maintenance and repairs. Not only does he ensure facilities are in top shape, but he also holds the esteemed title of Chief Poop Picker-Upper, keeping the grounds pristine for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
As Cara reflects on her career and the evolution of Crossroads, she remains committed to the philosophy that underpins her success: mastery, compassion, and confidence. These principles not only guide her training approach but also ensure that every dog and owner who passes through her school leaves better equipped to enjoy a fulfilling life together.
Through her enduring dedication and expertise, Cara Putnam’s Crossroads School of Dog Training continues to redefine the standards of canine education, making a lasting impact on the community and setting a high benchmark for what it means to truly understand and train one’s dog.
To learn more about the services Crossroads School of Dog Training has to offer, click HERE.
(This was an advertorial paid for by Crossroads School of Dog Training)
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