Ashton’s K9 Classes adds 2 trainers to the business
Ashton Metheny, owner of Ashton’s K9 Classes, recently added two new dog trainers to her program.
Becky Frame and Marcie Dryden were recently hired. Frame teaches AM Level 1 classes and helps with the agility and board trains. Dryden teaches Agility Level 1 and 2 classes.
“I’ve been training dogs since 2018. I worked full time at Sugarcreek Vet and did group classes for basic obedience after work,” said Metheny. After her son was born in 2022, she worked part time at the vet and still did the classes two evenings a week. “I reached out to Dr. Darr and she gave me the go-ahead to use her training facility. What started out as two days a week with just me has grown to four days a week and two more instructors.”
Metheny typically works one on one with dogs who may be nervous in a group setting. “We go out, socialize, and work on the basics and problems that dogs are having. A lot of times, it’s huge confidence booster for the dog and owner and, after they do great in a group setting, they often continue training. This is by far my favorite thing to do.”
“When I was given the opportunity to do this full time and still spend so much time with my son versus working an eight hour per day job, it was a no brainer. It’s been a dream come true.”
Dryden started training dogs in 2012. “My son was in 4-H and took a dog obedience project. I also became interested in using a service dog to assist me with tasks to mitigate my Multiple Sclerosis. I decided owner-training was something that I wanted to do, which was relatively new with few places that wanted to support people who wanted to train their own service dog.”
Dryden said she did a lot of research and made friends with trainers and breeders. “I never thought it would be something that impacted my life so heavily. Dog sports have exploded in the last 10 years. I teach beginner levels of dog agility. I am also an AKC CGC Evaluator and Fetch Judge.”
“I have been a competitive person all my life. Dog sports has given me something to be involved in, despite my disability. I enjoy seeing the bond that dog owners grow with their dogs. Owners are sometimes amazed at what their dogs are capable of learning.”
Dryden also feels that dogs who are reactive or destructive are often just not stimulated enough in their environment. “There are so many activities to choose from that would be beneficial to both owners and dogs and using a trainer can spark that kind of enrichment for you and your dog. It’s a bond like no other.”
Frame is working on a new course that will focus on building confidence and bonding with your dog using simple games and agility course obstacles, group walks in public and some friendly competition.
“I enjoy working with dogs because they love to please their people. Most of them thrive on hard work and praise for succeeding. I enjoy working with people to show them how easily they can bond with and really enjoy the companionship of their dog,” said Frame.
She feels the importance of training has two parts. “The fun part is building trust between the dog and owner which leads to a more enriched experience for both. The serious part is a matter of safety. A confident dog who feels secure will be a more well-mannered dog in public, even with loud environments. A dog with excellent recall skills will be less likely to break away from his owner and become lost or injured.”
Classes are available four days a week. Four different group classes are available: Level 1, Level 2 CGC Prep, Intro to Agility, and Level 2 Agility. “We would love to add a confidence building class, scent work and possible rally,” said Metheny. She is excited to see what 2025 brings to her business.
For more information about the classes that are available, visit Facebook/Ashton’s K9 Classes or call 330-987-1148. You can also email Metheny at ashtonk9trainer@gmail.com.
“Seeing people truly connect with their dog in one of the many highlights of what I do,” Metheny said.
Category: Business
