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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 20, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Patient training can ensure your dog doesn't take you for walks We've all seen it. A dog walking its owner. The leash is firmly attached to the owner's outstretched hand, but the dog is towing the owner down the sidewalk. Nobody likes to be pulled down the street by a dog that has not learned the basics of leash respect -- the dog knows not to pull when the leash is on. Although it is one of the hardest things to teach a dog the time invested is well worth it. Dogs by instinct are pack animals. To a dog an owner is another pack mate. If leadership is not established by the owner, then the dog will assume the role. Owners should use the following tips to help train their dog appropriate leash respect: The Name Game ­ Make sure your dog responds to its name. A dog needs to learn that when he hears his name he must look and he will be rewarded. Say your dog's name. If he looks, tell him "yes" ­ a word that your dog will associate with correct behaviour. If he does not respond to his name do something to get his attention. Clap your hands, or touch him, but do not repeat his name. When he does look, reward him immediately. Start this exercise in a familiar area without distractions and then gradually add distractions. When confronted by distractions, dogs must provide a solid response to your calling its name. Right or left? Decide which side your dog will walk on. Tie the leash to your preferred side to help keep hands from pulling on the leash. If a leash is tied to you, you can concentrate on the dog, rather than the leash to correct behaviour. Make Walking a Treat ­ Get out several treats and place one on your dog's nose so that he is smelling it and trying to get it. Say "Heel" and start to move forward with the treat on the dog's nose. When the dog stays in the right spot say "Yes" and give the dog a treat. Start out by working in your home in an area where the dog/puppy is comfortable. Work this exercise in the front of your house and gradually increase the distance. Correct ways to correct ­ If the dog bolts ahead your two options are -- STOP or REDIRECT. Stand totally still and wait for the dog to realize he is not getting anywhere or choose an alternate direction. Getting it right ­ Timing is critical. The word "Yes" will connect your dog with positive behaviour, and make sure you use your "marker" word right at the moment of action. Use the Right Tools -- Rewards, consistency and patience are the greatest tools that an owner can bring to any dog training session. Owners interested in learning more about other training tools (such as Gentle Leaders, Haltis, etc.) should seek out professional advice. Even with these aids, it can take a year to teach a dog to walk well on a leash. · WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03, '04 , '05 & '06 · WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03,'04, '05 & '06 WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03,'04, '05 & '06 15th Anniversary in Business 5 Busin Home staging & in house consulta consultations available Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm ilable · WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03, '04, '05 & '06 · Reading | Writing | Math | Spelling | Grammar | French | Study Skills TIC TAK TOE! OAKVILLE BEAVER CONTEST WINNER Colouring contest winner! Michaela, 4 1/2 years old, of Oakville sent in her submission to our colouring contest and won herself a great prize from Petit et Jolis. For every age, for every need, Oxford Learning has a program to help your child succeed! Hand Painted Furniture & Accessories INSIDE EVERY CHILD IS A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT. 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