Linda Case said this is a great area for pet owners. The Buffalo, New York native has made Central Illinois her home for many years.

Case, a retired University of Illinois professor in veterinary medicine, has also written several books, articles, held seminars, web-based data collection surveys, has a website dedicated to companion animal nutrition, behavior and health, the popular blog, entitled “The Science Dog,” and she is the owner of AutumnGold Dog Training Center in rural Mahomet.

“We offer beginning and advanced classes for dogs and their owners,” she said.

Case said the training methods are positive, easy to learn and fun for both the canine and their owner. She welcomes all breeds and ages of dogs. She can also provide individual, group and in-home instruction.

“They are never too old to learn,” Case said.

She has been training dogs for more than 35 years and has been instructing owners and their animals since 1982. She earned her B.S. in animal science at Cornell University and her M.S. in Canine/Feline Nutrition. As a science writer, her emphasis is on the betterment of a family’s companion animal in all aspects, whether it is nutrition, behavior, as well as many other issues affecting companion animals. Her dog training classes are very popular in the area.

Group classes are held in an indoor facility that is fully matted, clean, heated and air-conditioned. The beginner class is for dogs ages five months and older. There are many advanced courses: Agility, Rally-O, Tricks, K-9 Nose, Freestyle, Canine Good Citizenship and more. She keeps her classes small in number.

“I don’t want so many students that I don’t know their names,” she said.

Case said that she always uses training methods that send a positive message.

“I want them to be a successful part of the family dynamic,” she said.

AutumnGold Dog Training Center is located in rural Mahomet. Call AutumnGold Dog Training Center at 217-586-4864, email them at lcase@autumngoldconsulting.com. For more information go to autumngoldconsulting.com.