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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 30, 2006 - 9 Great dogs begin with great training G etting an education to obtain the proper training to do well in life is not just good advice for humans. In the dog world, if you want to grow a great dog begin with great training. Puppies as young as eight weeks old can begin important lessons in socialization. Puppies that interact together and with people learn how to play safe and learn about things that they may come in contact with in their environment, for example grates and garbage cans. Off leash parks may sound like an ideal environment to begin training, however, doing so puts your pet at risk. Not all visitors to leash frees are well behaved and socialized. Your puppy could get badly hurt or learn negative behaviours. A reputable dog training program will provide a much more positive place for learning. Good training schools start with socializing the young pup and then expand programming as the puppy matures and is capable of learning and doing more. A positive learning environment includes a safe place to learn (most reputable training programs will separate dogs of different ages and skill level) and grow their skills as they grow in understanding. By 22 weeks old your puppy is turning into an adolescent and is likely to test what he has learned. This is normal and to be expected. Continued training will get you through this phase. Obedience training should start off with the right treat (something your pup loves) and a flat collar, or if necessary a head halter (a trainer can help you decide if this tool is right for your dog). These tools are positive and fun for the puppy and help to reinforce your bond together. When you take the time to go to classes together you are establishing open lines of communication with your pet which will help you to understand each other. Positive repetition reinforces desirable responses. To develop this understanding you need to start with realistic expectations. A good training program will help you to understand normal puppy behaviours, work on keeping learning positive for both you and your pet, and supports improving skills as you and your dog learn. Not surprisingly puppies are more it grows into adulthood. For more information about training programs for your pet, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551. --Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. PET OF THE WEEK: The shelter is still full of cats. We have many, many cats available for adoption. Liam might be the purrrfect cat for you. He is a great family cat who enjoys the company of dogs. likely to have a positive experience when learning with other puppies. Having other people around going through the same process helps the humans have a good experience too. In addition to socially appealing behaviours, having a well trained dog increases the odds of your dog remaining in your family. The Oakville & District Humane Society takes in many pets that are surrendered because they are out of control and do not know how to behave in a family situation. As animals grow into reinforced patterns of negative behaviour it requires a great deal of time to `train out' the bad, and reinforce new positive ways of reacting to situations. Staff and volunteers at the Society spend hours helping dogs to adjust to these new ways of thinking. Positive reinforcement is used to help the dogs learn their behaviour expectations and make the dog more appealing to a prospective adopter. Great dogs begin with great training! Taking the time when your puppy is young will be well worth the rewards as Electrical Energy speaker at Canadian Club Paul Murphy, President and CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), will discuss Ontario's Electricity Outlook at the next Canadian Club of Halton Peel dinner on Jan. 18 at the Oakville Conference Centre. The IESO, a not-for-profit entity established by the Government of Ontario in 1999, manages Ontario's electricity system and operates the wholesale electricity market. It forecasts the demand for electricity and ensures there are available supplies to meet that demand. The IESO is also the organization that issues public appeals to reduce electricity consumption during extreme weather conditions or an unexpected loss in energy supply. A professional engineer with more than 25 years experience in the industry, Murphy will address Ontario's electricity issues. Registration and a cash bar start at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Members $30, non-members $40, students $15. Reservations are required. To reserve seats call 905-827-6302 or e-mail bwylie@globalserve.net.