Former K-9 Trainer to hold dog training classes in Blaine County

For five days this month area residents will have the opportunity to participate in a dog training class with former California Sheriff’s Department Lead K-9 Trainer Scott Jackson.

Jackson who retired from the sheriff’s department after 17 years, will be holding dog training classes at Blaine County Fairgrounds April 26-30.

Alissa Hewitt, the organizer of  Scott Jackson Dog Training classes in Montana, said that after Jackson retired he moved on to training military and police dogs. She said he is now working for the American Kennel Club as a kennel inspector.

Last year Jackson came to Montana and did classes in August at the Great Northern Fairgrounds but this will be the first year the class is held at Blaine County Fairgrounds.

Hewitt said they had about 75 dogs at last years’ classes and that some of the people who took the classes with their dogs have signed up again.

“People are really excited he is coming back,” she said.

The classes in Malta are almost full, Hewitt said, but there is still room for all the classes in Chinook.

Hewitt said that the weather looks good for the classes and they will be held outside, but a building is reserved in case the weather changes.

She encourages dog owners to sign up for a class since Jackson only comes to Montana once a year.

Hewitt added that she decided to organize this training opportunity because she had her own difficulty with a rescue dog and she knows it can be a challenge.

“If we can keep one family from getting rid of their dog (because of behavior problems) … I am happy,” Hewitt said.

The classes are split into basic and advanced and a puppy class. The puppy class will be April 26, 6-8 p.m., Adult Basic will be April 27, 6:30-9 p.m., and Adult Basic Advanced will be April 28, 9 a.m.-noon, and April 29, 2-5 p.m.

The puppy class is for 8 weeks to 5 months and the basic and advanced classes are for all ages and breeds.

There will also be a 4-H class  April 30, 6-8 p.m. This class will be free for all 4-H students.

All other classes will be $40 per dog. The cost goes toward the travel expenses for Jackson; he doesn’t take any other money for teaching.

“Scott loves a challenge,” Hewitt said, and that is why he likes teaching the classes.

Jackson also does private home visits for $60 per hour, but Hewitt said that the home visit slots are for the most part booked up.

For more information or to register for a class, people can call Hewitt at 357-3316. Hewitt said as long as there is room, participants can pay on the day of their registered class.

More information about Scott Jackson Dog Training can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1974793649447657/.