From New Bedford Shelter to Star Pupil: A Heartwarming Update on Tanner the Hound

Back in February, we featured six dogs in a single week for Wet Nose Wednesday, our weekly feature that highlights adoptable pets at local shelters. One of the six dogs featured that week from Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford was Tanner, an almost 60-pound hound.

Tanner was adopted by the Ouellette family in March and has since been enjoying new adventures, a comfortable sofa, treats, and a lot of love.

While anyone who meets Tanner will likely tell you what a good dog he naturally is, he now also has a certificate from MJ’s Pet Training Academy in Acushnet, which demonstrates his family’s commitment to training and the skills he has conquered.

From Shelter Pet to Certified Good Boy

The Ouellette family started their training with Tanner not long after bringing him home. While showing up for a new training class with a recently adopted dog can sometimes feel overwhelming, Tanner quickly settled in.

Mastering Canine Manners in Acushnet

The type of class for dogs new to training at MJ’s Pet Training Academy is Canine Manners 1. This class focuses on building strong foundations while working on basic obedience and manners, such as teaching dogs to walk side by side politely and to greet without jumping up. While Tanner was excited at first, he quickly learned what to expect and began showing improvements in his focus and leash walking.

Canine Manners 1 is an ongoing class; dogs must attend to receive a certificate of passing, and they must also meet the requirements. It’s not a course that starts and ends with a passing grade just for enrolling. Tanner demonstrated the necessary skills, including walking by other dogs, entering and exiting a doorway politely, coming when called, staying, and more.

With support from his family – Nathan, Pauline, and Paul Ouellette – the food-motivated hound had no problem learning the necessary skills.

Life as a Beloved SouthCoast Family Member

Aside from attending training classes, Tanner has been a regular at a pet-friendly brewery, has checked out the pet store, and has enjoyed plenty of walking time. His family said that he loves being outside. Another thing Tanner likes to do is relax with his family.

“He considers himself a part of the family,” Pauline said. “He likes to sit with us on the sofa.”

The Ouellette family also shared that Tanner is a pleasure to live with, enjoys car rides, and has learned to listen and respond to what he learns.

The patience and commitment his family has shown him have helped Tanner along the way. For Tanner and the Ouellette family, the time together has been well spent as Tanner continues to blossom under their care.

Free Training for Featured Wet Nose Wednesday Dogs

Remember, if you adopt one of our featured dogs for Wet Nose Wednesday, you get free introductory training at MJ's. Be sure to share your adoption story with us, too.

Melissa Viera is the owner of MJ's Pet Training Academy in Acushnet.