On training dogs
In these hard times, everybody is in the business of making a buck – some by dint of hard work, others by devious and odious means. Within this latter context, so-called dog trainers and dog breeders are mushrooming all over the place. Similarly, Pit Bull fighting is taking place at various locations. All are involved, in one way or another, with making money at the expense of hapless dogs.
Training
Just as one does not overnight become a pilot, so too one does not suddenly become a dog trainer or a dog breeder. It takes patience; it takes knowledge and experience. It does not mean causing pain and suffering to the animal.
Firstly, we must deal with the owners who want their dogs trained. What is the objective? What is their motivation? Is it that the owner wants a guard dog that will respond to the owner’s signal? Or is it just a fad and fancy?
You know, part of the illogical thinking of some people who have suddenly acquired wealth (nothing wrong with that), is the belief that a “breed” dog is a status symbol and must be obtained and “trained” as part of the whole new image one is wanting to create.
Let’s understand one thing very clearly. Most dogs are loving, loyal animals. They will protect their (and their master’s) territory (house, yard space, etc) anyway. They might not bite an approaching stranger (very few will do that, unless they have been maltreated), but they will make a lot of noise at the gate. That should be enough. You really don’t want your dog to attack people and rip them to shreds. It is probably against the law to have your dog bite someone, even if it is a stranger on your premises!
Then you have to ask yourself the question: why do I want to alter the psyche of my animal? Why do I want to change, a loving, well-balanced ward/pet into a patho-psychological biting machine. For that is what you are in fact doing, when you put your dog in the hands of a quack whose methods, to make the dog savage, impact on the dog’s brain. Furthermore, as it often happens, many “trained” dogs respond only to the “trainer” (the beater) and not to the signals of the owner.
What are the methods being used to make the dog savage? Most owners never see this exercise. We have encountered and received reports that the dogs are tied and teased; and, as if that were not enough, they are beaten with an electric cable. By the time we respond to the report, the “trainer” has already disappeared. And speaking of escaping, these “trainers” are like Houdini. When the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) officers arrive unexpectedly at a known “training” ground (like Merriman’s Mall), the trainers flee – leaving the dog behind. Some, of course, are more rambunctious than others; they want to attack the GSPCA officer. Let me tell those people, that to physically harm an officer (Customs, Police, Special Constables like the GSPCA officer) is to court a hefty jail sentence. Most “trainers” just change location. The GSPCA has been behind them in Georgetown at the Merriman’s Mall, then at Section ‘K’ Campbellville, at South Ruimveldt and other places. We need public-spirited citizens to report the barbarity whenever such is witnessed.
In a nutshell, we maintain that there is no need to hand over your dog to a trainer, unless you have researched his/her background as to his/her competence and genuine success rate.
Secondly, there is a great bond between the owner and his ward. There is no need to use violence as a training method. Dogs react so much better to TLC and affectionate reinforcement. In other words, you can do the training at home. All it takes is patience, perseverance and the investment of some of your free time. You may ask your vet for advice.
There are several books on the market that deal with the subject of training dogs. You may wish to procure for yourself such publications.
Enjoy your preparations for “Freedom Day”.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-Heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.