Critters
by Debra Bell
Special to The Weekly
When we adopted Laura in 2008 we enrolled the whole family in basic manners training classes. Before class started I admit we were whisked into the Cesar Milan dog behavior cult. After all, you have the show the dog who’s in charge, right? And it’s what was recommended to us by the adoption center.
What we learned (rather quickly) was that dominance-based training doesn’t pay off. It only made Laura upset and thus we were upset. She wasn’t listening and we weren’t even close to understanding her.
So when we enrolled in training classes at Green Acres Kennel Shop, we were sure that we needed help. Green Acres uses positive reinforcement and clicker training as tools of choice.
And Laura thrived.
We were amazed. She started listening to us (especially when there was food involved). She started paying attention and our role as head of the house was solidified.
So it shouldn’t be surprising that we decided to do the same with Buddy. Monday, Sept. 15, Buddy and I started on our training adventure with a class of five other dogs and their people.
A well-trained dog doesn’t happen overnight and Buddy and I have been working daily on tasks as simple as maintaining attention, waiting and walking politely on leash. We’ve been going to new-to-him places to let him explore the world and encounter new things (in a positive environment). And there are lots of treats going on. Laura’s loving it, too, since she gets to go places with us and gets treats., too, for showing good behavior.
Training isn’t just about the dog. It’s more about training the human in the pair (and those humans at home, too). I’m relearning behaviors that will help Buddy succeed while also reinforcing dog body language. Communication is a two-way street.
So you might think that you only do training with young dogs, right? Not so. Buddy is almost three (about the same age as Laura was when we took her to training) and is constantly learning constantly.
Life in a home is much different than life on a track, but the dog is never too old to learn. It keeps his mind occupied and active and also has the side benefit of tiring him out. And it’s pretty tiring for me too. However, it’s a good tired. It’s not like flipping a switch from an untrained dog to a trained dog. It takes dedication, hard work, and the commitment of the people at home and in your life to create consistency. In the end, it’s so rewarding.
So, if you have a new-to-you dog and want to enhance your relationship with it, consider taking a training class. In addition to Green Acres Kennel Shop, there are several other great trainers in the area who can help you.
How to choose the right trainer for you:
• Do your research and ask for references. Start by asking your veterinarian about trainers in the area. Then ask friends who have taken their dogs to training. Ask them what class was like. What did they like best? How did the trainer interact with them and their dog.
• Once you have a trainer in mind, ask to talk with him. Find out what the classes are like and what is expected from his students. How will he teach you to train your dog? What are some recent continuing education classes he has attended? Does he belong to professional associations? What are his certifications? What is his background in dog training and why does he do it?
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers offers advice and suggestions for choosing a dog trainer at apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer.
I’ll write more on this as Buddy and I continue through our training adventure. While I’d love to train Buddy to be a therapy dog, I’ll be just as happy with a well-behaved, polite, happy dog. And that should be the ultimate goal for any dog-oriented household.
Happy dog, happy life.
Debra Bell is a freelance writer and graphic designer and is the owner of Bell’s Furry Friends Photography, a division of Bell Imaging & Design LLC. She and her husband Bill, are owned by a Maine coon cat named Olivia and two greyhounds named Laura and Buddy. See her work and learn more about Bell’s Furry Friends Photography at bffpetphotos.com.