American Dog Obedience Center

08/11/2026

These sisters trained with us earlier this year. We worked each girl individually on all behaviors, and then together to overcome the dreaded “two-dog syndrome.” Getting these girls to do nothing was more challenging than you might think. But here they are, doing just that.

We hope you all are enjoying this hot summer with your dogs - and would love to see photos in the comments below.

06/29/2026

These three dogs weren’t our entire June boarding school class—but between them, we welcomed 16 family members to their individual lesson days.

That didn’t happen by accident. It took planning, scheduling, and a commitment from each family to make learning together a priority, and we genuinely appreciate that effort.

By design, every adult and child participated in their lesson. Watching families interact with their dog helps us tailor our recommendations to fit real life—not an idealized training session.

We often say that we train fortunate dogs for busy families, and these three are perfect examples. Their people made the time to learn alongside them, giving them the best chance for lasting success at home.

Thank you for trusting us with your dogs—and for investing in the relationship you’ll share long after school is over.

06/25/2026

Fireworks season is here.
The hand-painted signs pointing to fireworks stands are already popping up at nearly every intersection around east Norman—and we're still almost two weeks away from the Fourth of July. For families in rural areas, the celebrations often begin now and continue well beyond the holiday.
For many dogs, that means days—or even weeks—of anxiety caused by loud explosions and the vibrations that accompany them. We can't stop the fireworks, but we can make a plan to help our dogs cope. The time to prepare is now, before the first rockets go up.
Here are a few simple steps that can make a big difference:
🐾 Feed dinner and give your dog plenty of time to potty before dark.
🐾 Keep your dog on a leash—even in a fenced yard. A frightened dog can panic and escape in seconds.
🐾 Create a safe haven in a place your dog already enjoys relaxing. This might be:
• A crate (if they already love it)
• An interior room
• A closet
• A bathroom
🐾 Close windows, draw curtains, and secure the doggy door to reduce noise and prevent escapes.
🐾 Let your dogs cope in the way that feels safest to them. Some dogs want to hide. Others want to cuddle. Some don't want to be touched at all. Don't force interaction—and don't force them out of their hiding place.
🐾 Check that your dog's ID tags are attached and readable, and confirm that your microchip registration is up to date. Keep a recent photo of your dog on your phone, just in case.
🐾 If your dog has a history of severe fireworks anxiety, don't wait until July. Talk with your veterinarian now about preventive medications or other treatment options.
With preparation, patience, and the right support, many dogs can experience fireworks with much less fear.Our goal is to help you keep them safe enough to get through the celebration—and still be home with the people who love them when the noise finally fades.
What has helped your dog during fireworks season? Share your best tips in the comments—you may help another family and their dog.
Image created through AI

06/09/2026

As many of you know, our business has a special tradition: whenever a former client trusts us enough to send a new family our way, we love to celebrate by giving back to a cause they will likely connect with.
Because 3 of the dogs in our June class are referrals from different families, each with amazing kids and a beloved dog of their own, we wanted to choose something that perfectly honors that unique bond.
That’s why this referral donation x3 is going directly to the Paws for Purpose program at Oklahoma Children's Hospital.
This incredible donor-funded program uses full-time, highly trained facility dogs to help local Oklahoma kids heal. They are essentially highly trained, canine hospital employees.They don't just provide comfort; they help kids hit medical milestones. They are paired with Certified Child Life Specialists to assist in active rehabilitation. It is a goal-directed program helping patients dealing with cognitive, physical and/or emotional disabilities to reach specific outcomes. It is a service provided that is completely donor and community funded.
Thank you for helping our small business grow, which allows us the opportunity to support such a beautiful local cause.We hope all families – the referrers and the referees – approve this choice.
To support Oklahoma kids and their canine co-therapists, use this link https://giving.ouhealth.com/give/622187/ #!/donation/checkout.
Do not confuse this OU Childrens Hospital program with the private Oklahoma dog trainer who uses the similar name Paws4Purpose.

06/01/2026

Our own Buzz competed in his very first dog show last weekend—and it was a big one!
The AKC Summer Classic in Oklahoma City is an epic event, and while we were confident our young dog had the skills to qualify in his AKC Rally classes, managing his rowdy enthusiasm in such a chaotic environment was the real question. For canine athletes, that can be the biggest challenge of all.
Buzz didn’t just survive—he thrived. He seemed to enjoy his time in the ring, stayed focused through all three classes, and strutted his way to an AKC Rally Novice title with three First Place finishes! Two of those performances earned impressive scores of 99 out of a possible 100 points.
We couldn’t be prouder! Thanks to Dennis for minding the store while Buzz and Kris slipped away each day. Way to go, Buzz!

05/25/2026

05/18/2026

This golden girl was just getting started when she attended training here during March. It is not our story to tell but, in addition to a much loved member of her amazing family, she is learning advanced skills through on-going private lessons to enable her to become a professional working partner as well. There’s a whole lot of creativity, collaboration, and commitment involved - and it’s an honor to be included.

05/07/2026

Happy First Birthday to the mayor of Buzzville, Buzzard mouth, the Buzzsaw, Buzzaroo — our BUZZ.

05/04/2026

And just like that….
Lab Gabby and Rebecca Hulsey rolled into Joplin Missouri - and rolled out with an AKC Advanced Fetch title and an AKC Canine Good Citizen title. No small feat. The Advanced Fetch title includes 2 single retrieves and a double retrieve. (Double = two bumpers thrown before the dog is sent to retrieve.) Dogs must be steady at the line and deliver to hand and they must run in a pre-determined order. Bumpers are thrown by another person out in the field behind selected blinds so that dog does not see the landing spot.
In contrast to that, the Canine Good Citizen test is indoors with emphasis on controlled interactive behaviors in a social setting.
What we tend to focus on are the actual events - but this teacher is in awe of their determination and hours and days of practice. Becky’s commitment has gotten this team where they are and we look forward to continuing their “journey” with them. Good good girl Gabby!

04/27/2026

Meet Cash, a bright Doodle who trained with us this past March. Cash isn’t just any student; his family holds a place in our history. One of his owners actually trained here years ago as a child with her family’s doodle.
Seeing the next generation return to us with their own dogs is the highest compliment we could receive. It’s an honor to keep the tradition of "good boys" going. Shout out to Stella, still a beloved member of Cash’s extended family. Good girl!