Dogs make her smile, laugh

1/3/2024

As a lifelong animal lover, when Patty Lenz turned 60, she pondered her 44-year career training horses. Realizing it was time for a change, she switched gears and began training dogs.

To say Patty is a dog lover might be an understatement. With 15 dogs at home, they’ve got room to romp around on her acreage near Prole, just south of Des Moines. 

In addition, she provides a dog daycare with boarding and breeds dogs at Patty L Pampered Pets. She’s a staunch advocate for well-trained dogs. 

“I love training dogs to be good citizens. I see unruly dogs barking and carrying on. I teach mine to be good social citizens. They are parade ready and won’t jump on anyone,” she says.

All of her dogs “work,” and she uses them during training classes. 

“Dogs learn by watching others. If they see other dogs, they’ll settle down. That’s what they should be doing.”

Her joy in working with animals is the easiest part; she admits the hardest part is working with people. 

“I want to make sure that dogs are having fun and not sitting in a kennel. Some buy dogs because they are cute. Being a pet owner is a big responsibility. Make sure the breed is a good fit.”

She treats dogs with respect. 

“I love working with dogs. Clients say that if they tell the dog, ‘We’re going to Patty’s,’ then they have to spell out my name. Dogs love coming here. When they’re having a good time, the dog parents don’t have to worry.” 

All of her dogs get along easily, and she denies any favorites. She’ll take up to eight dogs at a time to parks, lakes or other outdoor areas. They also go to hardware stores to learn socialization skills. The dogs do sleep with her in her bed at night. 

“I have to rotate them out. They don’t all sleep on the bed at once,” she laughs. 

She also trains dogs for therapy, including two dogs for her parents. Patty trained a dog for her mom, who had dementia. Her dad, who had suffered a stroke, asked if her mom’s dog could sit on his lap. So she got another dog for her dad. The dog laid on his lap while he was in the wheelchair. 

“A dog can fill a void no human can. My mom said that was the best thing I ever did for them,” she reflects. 

She says when people are choosing a dog and training them, her best advice isn’t to just be a friend. 

“They need a leader. They need to be socialized in the community and get out in public,” she suggests.

She says when she helps a dog become a therapy dog or assists with calming an energetic pet, it’s the best part of her job. 

“Dogs give unconditional love. They are amazing companions and always happy to see you. I don’t know what I’d do without dogs. They love you no matter what. They make me smile and laugh.” ♦