Sterling woman helps people enjoy their dogs

DIXON – Call Susan Jakobs the Sauk Valley’s answer to Cesar Millan.

“If people have a love for their dog, they will not abandon them, and they will be happier,” our local dog whisperer said.

To help people build a better relationship with their dog, Jakobs opened Sauk Valley Dog Training in January.

Jakobs, 52, a certified professional dog trainer, along with fellow Sterling resident Vicki Liston, trains dogs at River Ridge Animal Hospital and Granny Rose Animal Shelter, both in Dixon. They also train at the Rock Falls Community Building.

They bring their combined 54 years of dog training experience to the Sauk Valley because they saw a need in the area.

“I see a deficit in this area of dog activities and most of the time, you see shelter dogs,” Jakobs said. “People give dogs up for adoption because they have not been trained, and it’s not the dogs fault.”

Jakobs does a variety of training such as Learn ‘N’ Play, which allows puppy owners to have their pooches trained at a young age. In this class, puppies learn how to share and play well with others.

There are continuing education classes available for adolescent dogs 8 months or older who have limited training and exposure.

The dogs learn new techniques to keep them engaged, such as loose leash walking, and how to come when called.

There are also private one-on-one sessions available, which cover basic obedience around the house, with on- and off-leash control.

“If you start training them early, they will know what they are doing, and your dog will have a foundation, which is the biggest thing for me,” Jakobs said.