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Back to School Is for the Dogs
Courtesy of Petfinder.com
It's back-to-school time, a reminder that dogs need training, too. Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets, encourages pet parents to educate their pets.
"Pet owners who know how to communicate with their dogs are more likely to keep them," says Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com. "Each year, thousands of dogs are relinquished to shelters who might have stayed in permanent homes but for some behavior issue. Plus, the bond created while training helps ensure a happy family."
How do you choose the right school for your dog? Kellyann Conway, director of animal training and behavior at Animal Planet Pet Video and a certified, award-winning trainer, suggests observing a class before signing up. When you visit, see if the dogs in the class seem happy. "The dogs should look as if they are enjoying the class," she says. "Training should be fun." For that matter, she adds, the people should be enjoying themselves, too.
Look for a good trainer/pet ratio. Conway suggests one trainer to six dogs. "Look at the surroundings, too," she says. "Are they secure, clean and sanitary? Observe the tools being used in the class. You should see leashes, flat collars, head halters, bite-sized treats, toys, and harnesses. You should NOT see electronic collars, prong collars, choke collars or flexi-leads."
Listen for praise. Rewards like praise and treats are keys to a good program. The trainer should never use physical punishment like hitting, jerking or popping of the leash.
Check out the trainer's credentials. Affiliations with professional organizations, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), suggest that the trainer is well qualified and has access to continuing education.
"A good trainer will also ensure that your pet's health is protected," Conway says. "They should require a health certificate or proof of vaccinations prior to any class." After all, you don't want your pet coming home sick. Some pet parents prefer home schooling and today, thanks to the Internet, you can have professional support at home. The training videos on www.PetVideo.com offer a wide array of tips, from housetraining to basic manners. And there are tips on training cats as well.
"Training really doesn't take a lot of time," Conway says, noting that it can take as little as five minutes twice a day. "I find that meal times are the perfect times to train. Your dog is hungry, so he's already motivated, and you won't need to worry that he's getting too many treats." If that doesn't work for you, perhaps you can do the training during your favorite television show's commercial breaks. No matter when you do it, training is important. The reward for you is a responsive pet who doesn't jump on guests, who doesn't destroy your house when left alone and, most important of all, who comes when called. This last skill is an absolute must to keep your pet safe. The bonus of training is that working together on behavior or on tricks will forge a deep bond between the two of you. The reward for your pet is the security of knowing what is expected of him or her and being a member of a family in which he or she is treated with respect and love.
To find your perfect pet, visit www.petfinder.com. Over 200,000 adoptable pets are awaiting homes.
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