Fountain Creek Veterinary Clinic
Salutes Pet Heroes and Their Owners: 
  by Patty Graf, CVT
 
  I was asked if I could “re-run” my article on training, so here it is.
 
   As many of those who know me already know, I love dog training.  As a matter of fact, I have for years enjoyed training all kinds of animals, horses, mules, dogs, and yes, even cats.   I enjoy helping people take what appears to be that “un-trainable” pet and in a short period of time (usually less than an hour) having the same dog on command sitting, coming, laying down, and walking in a heal position without pulling.  James and I have often commented on the way to work when we see a pet owner being drug down the road on their morning walk that it did not look like fun.  I often wonder who is enjoying the event.
   I have actually seen an elderly lady drug to the ground and badly cut while walking her dog that had never had any training.  So needless to say, animal training is close to my heart.
   Many years ago I trained professionally on a full-time basis.  Now, I just occasionally offer my services to a client when I see that the puppy or dog has great potential, the owner just needs to learn to speak “dog.”  There are so many ways our pets try to communicate with us and all we need to do is “learn to speak and understand their language.”
   I have spent hours and hours explaining to clients that when their puppy sits on their leg or hides under the chair behind them, this is NOT showing love.  Everything your pet does is trying to communicate something to you.  A pet that hides under the chair is very nervous.
  This behavior should not be allowed. Gently get your pet out from under the chair and quietly calm him down, assuring him that everything is okay. Help him to face his fears.
   Whether you are the owner of a cat or a dog, or even a horse, it is very important that you calmly communicate with your pet that you are in charge, you are the herd or pack leader, and because of that he or she can relax and not worry, you are watching out for them.
    Most people don’t understand that animals seek leaders.  Few animals desire to hold that position, most are pushed into it by not having a pack leader so as a defense mechanism, they become fear biters or aggressive.
   You know that you are doing your part to offer your pet a calm and relaxing life by leading when you can walk down the sidewalk with your dog on a leash walking calmly beside you, not pulling in front or dragging and hiding behind you.  Here’s my point.  If you don’t know how to properly correct and train your dog and cat and make them “good pet citizens”, get help.  There are several professional trainers available.  I have heard some clients say, yeah, but they are so expensive.
  Even if the training is $1,000, if you break that down for the average life of a dog, you are spending approximately $7 a month to have a well trained companion and friend.  I have never heard the clients that have sought this type of professional training state that they regretted spending the money.
   I have, very unfortunately, been asked to euthanize a pet because the owners allowed inappropriate behavior and lack of training and the pet was totally uncontrollable or bit someone. In almost all cases, this could have been prevented with proper training.
   My daughter, Mandy, I affectionately call “catwoman”.  She can calm and train almost any cat.  Cats should be trained to know what behavior is appropriate and what is not.
   As with dogs, cats need affection, discipline, and reward.
   All animals need to know what behavior is desired, they don’t just learn it through osmosis.  Train your pets, turn them into that dog or cat that everyone loves to be around because they are so well behaved they add joy to everyone that comes around them.
   If you need information on quality pet training or other pet healthcare issues, please contact the staff of Fountain Creek Veterinary Clinic at 719-382-0777 and the staff will be happy to assist you.