Training dogs can save their life when they're on the street hat runs away, may not return. Are you prepared to take the chance? Teaching your dog to come when called could mean the difference between life and death. To keep your pet safe, teaching recall skills should be high on the list of basics when training. Well-trained dogs begin with owners that are prepared to invest the time in teaching them. Most urban settings are home to a significant number of dogs and a significant number of people. Those animals that lack training can be a risk to both other dogs and the public. Streets can pose dangers to animals and humans. In Oakville, dogs are required to be on leash at all times (other than designated off-leash parks). In order to keep them out of harm's way while travelling it is important to teach your dog the heel position, which keeps the dog under control at your side. When you approach a traffic light the dog should be trained to Sit Stay. This tells your dog to stop, sit and don't move until the next command. Well-trained dogs will focus completely on you and what the next command will be, disregarding surrounding distractions that could send them into danger. Dogs running at large are brought into the humane society every day and in most cases it is preventable. Door dashers or an accidental broken leash can release your pet to potentially life threatening danger. The command Come could save your pet's life. "Recall is not the easiest skill to train, but it is one of the most valued," said Genevieve Reisinger, animal behaviour co-ordinator at the Oakville & District Humane 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, March 7, 2009 W Society. "Be patient and make sure your dog is motivated by the right incentive -- a toy or a treat." The best place to start is when your dog is a puppy. You can have someone in the family hold your puppy and call "come" when the puppy is looking at you and revved to follow. You can play hide a seek games where the puppy will seek you out. Your dog will quickly learn how much fun it is to come. Formal training begins with a long leash. Once you master the most common skills (enrolling in a dog training class is the ideal way to accomplish this), ask your dog to sit and wait. Repetition, repetition, repetition is key to ensuring that you are successful when training your dog. With patience and perseverance you will successfully train your pet to return to you when you call -- an important skill for the safety of your dog. For more information on training, contact Reisinger at 905-845-1551, ext. 29. Are You Happy With Your Smile? Before After 10 porcelain veneers and Zoom!® whitening TRAFALGAR Hardwood Floors Inc. · Sales and Full Service · Installation of New Floors · Repairs on Existing Floors · Resanding, Restaining and Finishing Before After Full-mouth rehabilitation Dr. Phelan knows that the first step in creating a great smile and any new patient relationship is clear communication. With this in mind Dr. Phelan will spend time with you in our consultation area discussing any concerns you may have about your smile and dental health, as well as your goals for the future. Dr. Phelan feels it is best to get to know the person before he gets to know your teeth. Creating a beautiful and lasting smile requires time, skill and effort. No two people are alike and no two smiles are alike. Out goal is to create a smile that is unique and individual for you, that will look great now and for many years to come. We would like to create a smile that expresses your own unique personality and is well suited to your individual facial form. Before After 10 porcelain veneers and 2 implant crowns Actual Patient Treatments by Dr. Stephen Phelan If you would like to schedule a FREE cosmetic consultation appointment with Dr. Stephen Phelan, please call our office at (905) 827-1619 Solid Hardwood (Oak) ................... from$2.99 Roxston Laminate (12 mm) ........... from$1.99 Prefinished Parquet (2 colours) ..... from$1.99 Exotic Hard Woods (3 1/4")........... from$4.99 · Engineered Prefinished Hardwood Floors · Finishing and Refinished Stairs · Free Estimates Engineered Hand-scraped Walnut..... from$3.99 Hours: Mon - Wed...11am - 6pm Thur - Fri ....11am - 7pm Saturday......10am - 5pm Sunday.........Closed 521 North Service Road East, Unit 2C, Oakville Dental Surgeon. Laser, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 1500 Heritage Way, Oakville, ON L6M 3H4 call 905.827.1619 to arrange an appointment 905-338-5400 www.trafalgarhardwoodfloors.com Creating sensational smiles in Oakville for 15 years.