Newly Opened Pack Leader Academy Looks to Train Dogs and Their Owners

With 30 years experience training and 25 grooming, Pam Barnett has gained a solid understanding of dogs and their behavior – as well as insight into the relationship between canines and their owners.

The more you speak with Pam, the more realize that her role at the new Pack Leader Academy in Palos Heights is as much about educating people as it is training dogs.

“The things I hear now are not, 'I can't get my dog to sit,' it's, 'I can't even sit on my own couch because the dog jumps all over me,'” she said.

Barnett's new facility in Palos Heights will be a dog psychology center and her role, odd as it may sound, is not teaching dogs to be “good,” but teaching them to be dogs. Something many have forgotten in the days of puppy strollers, doggy salons and designer dog carriers.

Barnett started her career on the north side of Chicago. She says that even 15 years ago it was not rare to see over-the-top dog pampering taking place.

“Pampering is the biggest problem,” Barnett said. “People say, 'Oh, my dog thinks it's a human,' no – you think it's a human.”

Barnett says most dogs, even when they are puppies, will not be uncontrollable without some encouragement from their owners.

Now, just to avoid a confusion, Barnett is a dog lover. A huge one. She understands the desire to spoil a dog and understands the feeling of loss many feel when they pass.

She also knows the answer to such grief is not the answer many want to here.

“Get another dog. That's what you have to do, that's the best way to move on,” she said.

But enough of the sad stuff. Owning a dog is fun, but it is also a commitment that comes with responsibility and Barnett – with "two hands and 1,600 square feet" – is ready to make sure Palos residents and their pups have the co-existence that most dog owners really want.

“I know I can't save the world, but I can help some people and this is exciting and something I always wanted to do,” she said.

While grooming over the last three years, Barnett said she noticed that dogs were more and more aggressive and decided that she wanted to be a part of the re-education of dogs and people.

To get the community started, Barnett will hold a three-hour seminar and training session, “How to Create a Calm Dog,” for $45.

She will also offer doggy daycare (not boarding), numerous other classes and grooming services. Her husband, Vic, also a dog lover, will be offer training courses for bird dogs and hunting companions.

Pack Leader is up and running and potential customers should call ahead for an appointment.

Pack Leader Academy is located at 12332 S. Harlem Ave. and be can be reached at (708) 369-1981.