Shedd Aquarium Trains Dolphins and… Dogs?

You love your dog, but it's a bit embarrassing when he tackles the mail carrier each day. You'd like to think he's house-trained, but the tell-tale stains on the rug prove otherwise.  You love good old Lucky, but quite frankly, this dog's luck has just about run out.

Before you send him off to live on a ''farm,'' perhaps you can both learn a thing or two from the newest residents of the Shedd Aquarium.

Six dogs from area shelters have joined the cast of aquatic mammals for daily dog-training presentations.  Like the Shedd's Pacific white-sided dolphins, these dogs are trained in the ''Shedd'' methods.  At 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, as well as at 4:40 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, check out the dogs in action on the Phelps auditorium stage.

Ken Ramirez, senior vice president of animal collections and animal training at the Shedd, is known world-wide for training marine mammals, began his career more than 30 years ago training guide dogs at the Institute for the Blind. He got back into dog training 12 years ago, which lead to ''Pet Training the Shedd Way'' classes at the aquarium.

Because let's face it – there's no way you're going to give up Lucky.  He just needs a little positive reinforcement.  While he's not going to be skittering across a pool like a dolphin any time soon, chances are you'll learn something from these presentations to stop him from stealing your bagel off the breakfast table each day.

Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-939-2438

Contact Us