M.J.’s Pet Training Academy, which provides pet training and grooming for customers throughout the Southcoast, today announced plans for a new Dog Training program, to be known as “Day School Plus.”

Training Team Member Michelle Randall will be one of the leaders for this program, which offers basic and advanced obedience and manners training. The program is scheduled with families in mind who want to have training provided for their beloved pets but whose work schedules don’t allow them to attend sessions each day in person. Michelle will work with the dogs all day long, and part of the service will include videos of the training, and detailed notes, to be shared with the dog owners at the end of the session. And the training sessions will come with “homework,” so that the dog’s family will be able to reinforce the training from the session itself.

Day School Plus is scheduled to include six sessions, one per week, and the trainers will work to accommodate the family’s schedule.

The training will include some of the basics such as basic manners, teaching the dogs not to jump with the help of further reinforcement from the owners, not to accept food from strangers, and “emergency halt” techniques for when the owner accidentally drops a leash.

Michelle Randall joined MJ’s Pet Training Academy in July. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from State University of New York (SUNY) at Cobleskill. The Mattapoisett, MA resident studied animal science also at Bristol County Agricultural High School before enrolling at SUNY. Her love of animals goes back to her childhood days, growing up on a family farm in Mattapoisett where she was surrounded by cattle, horses and dogs. During her college days she was an avid horseback rider and participated in some IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Western Showmanship competitions. She is experienced in handling and showmanship of many different species of animals.  When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her dog DJ, a German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog mix.

“I’m looking forward Day School Plus,” she said, adding that the program is open to dogs of all sizes and types. “We love what we do here and we are glad to have the chance to help area families who want their special friends to learn manners and obedience. Please visit us on the web at www.mjspettrainingacademy.com and learn more.”

Melissa (MJ) Viera, owner and founder of MJ’s Pet Training Academy, said, “We are excited about this program, and Michelle is the perfect choice to lead it, with her experience, background and love for animals.”