MARCH 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 50
PRESS PETS
DOG TRAINERS
TEACHING NEW TRICKS
BY ALLISON MATOS
Much like humans, dogs are taught how
to perform basic activities. Sit, stay,
giving paw, and even knowing how to
walk on a leash are all teachable behaviors.
To successfully teach a dog new
tricks, many people turn to trainers
for guidance.
Choosing the right trainer for your dog
is very important. Depending on a dog’s
temperament, breed, and history, dogs
will respond diff erently to diff erent
training methods. If you’re considering
hiring a professional trainer to help
train your dog, here are a few tips that
will help you fi nd the right trainer for
both you and your furry companion.
“First and foremost, pet owners must
understand that there are no government
regulations regarding animal
trainers,” says Raychel Ryckman Martino,
an animal shelter volunteer for
four years who founded the Facebook
group Everything Dog NY. “Take a
trip to a local dog park and people are
handing out business cards without
having proper credentials. Anyone
can claim to be a trainer, so do
your homework before hiring
someone.”
Just as important is
to inquire about the
type of training being
off ered. There
are typically
t w o
t y p e s
of training:
oldschool
,
a k a
balanced
training,
is a balance
of punishment
and
reinforce -
ment; trainers
may use shock
and prong collars
to teach dogs
right vs. wrong.
New-age refers
to modern science
based behavior
training.
“Thanks to science,
the idea of teaching
dominance has been debunked and
once relied upon alpha theories are
now thought to be emotionally detrimental
to dogs,” notes Martino. “Newage
training rewards dogs for good
behavior which makes them want to
repeat that behavior. Teaching a dog
how to make the right choice provides
a positive experience for both the dog
and owner.”
Once you’ve figured out the best way
to proceed with your pup, remember
that any training takes time and
patience.
“New and even experienced pet owners
oft en expect their dog to react to training
right away, and a quick fi x is never
the right answer,” she adds. “This mentality
causes unnecessary pet surrenders
and unwanted behaviors which
brings about a tremendous amount of
stress for all involved, so please off er
lots of love and understanding during
this learning period.”
An Australian Shepherd gets clicker training.
(Photo by Ellen Levy Finch)
DONATE YOUR CAR FOR
HOMELESS PETS!
North Shore Animal League America’s Vehicle Donation Program
is fast and easy — free towing! A great way to help homeless pets!
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1-800-752-6462 or visit animalautos.org
25 Davis Avenue • Port Washington, NY • 516.883.7575 • animalleague.org
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