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In 1990,
Jack, our 8 month old Yellow Labrador/German Shepherd puppy and I
embarked on what we thought would be a wonderful adventure, Obedience
Classes! There was but one choice in the area we lived at that
time. We were told to purchase and wear a "choke
collar" on our dogs, not knowing there was even an incorrect way
to put it on. Arriving at the first class, Jack was excited and
barking at all the new dogs. Living in the country, Jack had
never seen this many dogs before; there were over twenty-five in the
class with one instructor. Like everyone else, I
assumed that someone teaching a class was knowledgeable. The
instructor walked over to us, took Jack from me and walked off.
I was dumbfounded, Jack began to bark. Immediately Jack was
given a severe correction, verbally and physically, and was almost
lifted off his feet. He gagged, and barked again receiving the
same punishment. I was horrified, speechless and motionless as
Jack was returned to me by the smiling teacher telling me that's what
I should do if he began to bark again. Had I known what I do
today, I would have walked out of this class. I was near
tears, and felt I had failed Jack. But I stayed, Jack did not
bark again, and Jack was very happy to stick by my side and avoid the
nasty man. He taught Jack to be wary of all men.
And I
also learned a lot from this class. I learned everything I did
not like about dog training and rough instructors.
I read a
library of training books, attended seminars, workshops and learned
many motivational, gentle and fun ways to train dogs.
Since
then, I've trained all our own dogs on flat collars with strictly
motivational methods, through praise and reward. In 1995 I
began to enter CKC Obedience Trials. Some of our dogs
have Obedience titles, Canine Good Citizen titles, and more recently
Rally Obedience titles. Using gentle and fun training methods,
some of our rescued dogs, who were fearful dogs when we got them,
have become wonderful Therapy Dogs as well.
I do
believe that every dog, and owner, should have some basic obedience
training. Many people attend one set of classes expecting a
fully-trained dog for life after only a few weeks. No dog is
fully trained in one session of classes. Dogs love to work for
us, they love our praise and attention. Training is ongoing and
the often-heard phrase, "a tired dog is a good dog" is also
certainly true. Training makes a happier dog that understands
where he fits into the household, and owners that learn not to
confuse the dog. Training should be fun, both for the dog and the
owner, and you will develop a rewarding relationship with your dog.
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CH Fairisles
Whitegates Powerline CD CGC & Whitegates Diva CD CGC
"Storm" Pet Therapy
Dog
"Diva" Pet Therapy Dog |
CLASSES:
I hold
classes on our own property from June to September with a maximum of
eight dogs or puppies in any class. Please contact me if you
would like further information, or would like to register for a class.
IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS:
Private,
in-home consultations or lessons are also available. These
often work nicely for people unable to attend a structured class
situation or someone having difficulties with their dog. A dog
showing any signs of aggressiveness towards other dogs, or people, is
not suitable to attend a regular class. Usually these problems
can be helped with a few simple exercises and changes in normal
routines. Often someone gets a new puppy when classes are not
available, perhaps due to the time of year, or the puppy cannot
attend until the required number of vaccinations are
completed. A new puppy soaks up good, and bad, habits
from the day you bring him home. Starting the puppy on the
right road at home will prepare you for classes later.
Please contact me if this is something you feel will benefit your
family and your dog or puppy.
RALLY OBEDIENCE:
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A fairly
new type of "fun" obedience, Rally O, is available for both
CKC registered dogs, and mixed breed dogs to participate in.
You can earn titles while having a lot of fun with your dog.
Unlike regular CKC Obedience, in Rally O, you can talk to your dog
and even pat your dog in the ring. It can be a great way to
introduce your dog to regular obedience, starting out with your dog
being relaxed and happy inside the ring.
At 13 1/2, Jess RN (right),
a mill rescue, has begun to work in Rally 0 and Tracking, as well as
continue her weekly pet therapy visits. |
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CANINE
GOOD NEIGHBOUR:
The CGN
program was introduced a few years ago by CKC and is available for
any friendly, well-mannered dog to participate in. The dog and
owner are evaluated on twelve exercises, usually held in a busy place
by a CKC accredited evaluator for this program. A dog with some
basic obedience training is usually able to pass these twelve
exercises, proving he is reliable around other dogs and people.
Your dog
will be rewarded with a title and a certificate, issued by CKC, if he
passes all twelve exercises in the CGN Test and should be recognized
as a welcomed member of the community.
For
those interested in becoming involved in Pet Therapy with their dog,
this is a good first step.
Should
you be planning to hold a CGN Test, I am available as an Evaluator.
Private
Consultations/Lessons Available
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Words
of Wisdom for all dogs from Trixie Koontz,
dog, author of "Life is Good"
Work a little, Play, Eat, Sleep
Work a little, Eat, Sleep, Play
Work a little, Sleep, Play, Eat
Susan
Coutts ~ susiec@thot.net
Canadian
Kennel Club
Muskoka
District Kennel Club
Cross
Country Tracking Club
Canadian
Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers
Founder
of "keepers"
Evaluator
for the CKC Canine Good Neighbour Program
CKC
Jr. Tracking Representative for Zone 4, Northern Ontario, 2007 |
Tank & Trust
earn their
Novice Rally Obedience Titles |
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2007 Good Dogs Play Susan Coutts ~ All rights reserved.
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