Dog Training Experience and Philosophy –

Donna Nuger has had a lifelong love for dogs. Her first word was button, followed by “Doggon.” Her first serious obedience work began while a student in Animal Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was part of the U of I Companion Animal Club and joined the Dog Training Club of Champaign-Urbana. Donna and Penny got a CD, and made a video on teaching tricks for the department of Animal Sciences. Babies followed soon after, but she still had a strong desire to participate in dog obedience. Goofy came next achieving a UD, RE, NAP and NJP followed 2 years later by Daisy UD RAE OA OAJ. She found herself training two dogs at once and loving every minute of it while raising three children, completing a Master of Arts in Education (MAT) and beginning her teaching career.

Donna’s current training partner Herbie came to the Nuger family after Goofy crossed the bridge and their three children launched out of the nest. That gave Donna and Herbie time to pursue lots of training and many titles. As of January 1, 2022 Herbie has his CH, VCD2 RM TDU FDC MX MXJ MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX OF T2B CA BCAT SWE SCM SIM SBM SHDN RATCH CZ8B TKP. Donna eagerly looks forward to finishing additional titles in obedience, tracking and nose work with her favorite canine partner.

Donna Nuger describes her training style as positive and fun. Donna can be quoted by her classes saying ”Dog Training is the only hobby that will love you as much as the love you put into it.” and “Dog training has evolved from punitive yank and crank to nurturing positive reinforcement”. Reading books by Dr. Patricia McConnell and articles on brain function and animal behavior research has informed her dog training practice into a fun, positive experience for both the dog and human. As an educator with University of Illinois Extension, she believes scientific research is the key to better practice and it is the teacher’s role to make that research relatable to all participants.

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