ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Train pooch to be a 'good dog' with clicker
Hawaiian Humane Society
Companion animals come in various shapes and sizes, covered with fur or feathers or fins, but because this is Love-a-Dog Month, we're focusing on our canine friends at the Hawaiian Humane Society.
• During Love-a-Dog Month, all adopted dogs go home with free Nutro food and a coupon for a free month of Heartgard, Revolution or Sentinel heartworm preventative. Purchase the new Adopt-a-Dog T-shirt at Crazy Shirts Ala Moana or Pearlridge and receive a coupon for a free microchip ID for your dog. • K-9 Game Day is Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, at Thomas Square. Sociable dogs — and their people — are invited to participate in games and the Doggie Costume Contest. There will be treats, drinks and prizes to celebrate the love of dogs. And it's free.
"A loving relationship between a dog and his family is our goal at the Humane Society," said Pamela Burns, society president. "That relationship can be helped so much by training the dog to understand what is expected of him. We help give our adoption dogs a good start at learning good manners using the clicker training method."
Love-a-Dog Month freebies, K-9 day
"I've been training dogs since I was 16," said Marty Hutchins, coordinator of the humane society's shelter animal behavior program. "The most amazing innovation that I've seen is clicker training. Clickers ... are widely used by animal trainers along with treats and positive reinforcement. The clicking sound signals 'good dog.' "
At the society we use only positive reinforcement to teach dogs good manners. Because several people might work with training a dog, different voices could be confusing for the dog.
The same would be true of different family members training their own dog.
"Now we click when the dog does what we ask, and we give a food reward. The dog quickly learns that the click means he did something good and a treat is coming. ..." Hutchins said.
For information on clicker training, check the library, pet shops, bookstores, or see www.clickertraining.com.
If you're looking for a trainer to help your dog learn, the Hawaiian Humane Society offers a brochure, "How to Choose a Dog Trainer," with a list of trainers who use positive reinforcement. Some use clicker training.
"Remember that whenever you are training your dog, consistency is the key to success. Give praise and treats only for the behavior you are encouraging, and consider trying a clicker. ..." Hutchins said.
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ADOPTABLES
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Tag No. 10065
This regal year-old tabby is learning to walk with a kitty harness and leash. Friendly and inquisitive, Thai came to the shelter because his owner moved away. Thai is ready to go to his new home today.
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Tag No. 627
This medium-size Shepherd mix is shy. Now during Love-a-Dog Month, Delilah will go home with free Nutro food and a free month of heartworm preventative. She is black with a white blaze on her chest.
These animals already may have found new homes. Visit the pets at the Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park, 2700 Wai'alae Ave., noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the humane society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.
