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Maureen Rodriguez felt there was a need for positive puppy and dog training in the Mankato area, so she pioneered puppy socialization classes years ago and never looked back.

She, herself, had brought home an 8-week-old pup more than 20 years ago and was surprised when she was told she’d have to wait untill the puppy was 6 months old to receive training.

Rodriguez and her team at Me and My Master Canine Connection tell people every day about that myth. Puppies need only be a few weeks old to receive training.

“I felt puppies needed more,” she said. “First-time puppy buyers have no idea how to potty train, socialize, stop biting, or use a kennel for their new puppy.”

After a while, pet owners, veterinarians and groomers across the Mankato area started to see the benefits of early puppy training when puppies came in behaving better. And Rodriguez is proud of that success.

Q&A

So, I’m guessing you’re a dog person. Or do you have a secret affinity for cats, too?

I will say I am much more of a dog person than a cat person, although cats are great pets.