As exciting as it is to bring a new pet into the family, it’s important to temper that excitement with training. The earlier you start working with your pet, the easier it will be to teach him to obey basic commands. Beginning this month, Kitsap Humane Society is proud to offer private training sessions and classes to the public. To view our class schedule and available training sessions, please visit our website at www.kitsap-humane.org and select the “classes” tab.

Training is an essential aspect of owning and raising a pet. It is all about making the bond between you and your dog stronger, teaching your dog basic rules to make him a safer pet as well as a pleasant companion. As a shelter, we see the most common reason for pet surrenders stem from behavior or obedience issues; issues that can be corrected or avoided with proper training. By offering this affordable service to the public, we hope to enhance the already existing pet-human bond and keep pets in their forever homes. Any interested dog owner can train their dog, and it can be a most rewarding educational experience for both.

Patience and consistency is the key to successful training and a dog that has not been taught right from wrong will likely act in ways that are inappropriate. The best place to start is with obedience classes. Don’t be discouraged or listen to the old cliché “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. There is nothing further from the truth. Your pet can be taught new tricks and all the basic commands whatever his age. A dog that is well-behaved will not be locked in the garage or left in the yard every time you have company. He will not jump all over your guests, but rather – bark to alert you that someone is at the door – will instantly obey your command to sit. Such training will help keep your dog safe. An obedient dog is not likely to run away from you during a walk, or escape from the yard and find himself in harm’s way. An obedient dog is not going to cause trouble with the neighbors by chasing them along the fence and barking every time they walk by your yard. With a larger dog, another important goal of training is to keep other people and animals safe. A dog that is well trained is not going to bolt after a cat or a child riding by on his bicycle. This type of action can have tragic consequences for your pet, even if he never intends to bite what he chases. A well trained dog is also going to be much more pleasant to live with. He will not destroy your furniture, eat your shoes or swipe your dinner when you turn your back. He will not shove his way onto the couch without being invited, and will not bark at you until you give in and give him what he wants.

Training a dog isn’t something that happens overnight, but they’ll thank you for a lifetime.