Here are guilt-free ways to train old, new dogs

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Indy Star

By Korin Miller

Your household is in crisis. The couch? Shredded. Shoes? In bits. It's time to consult the experts on how to raise a safe, lovable and fiasco-free pooch.


Many dog owners feel as if they've failed in some way if they can't manage their dogs on their own, says Gerilyn Bielakiewicz, author of "The Only Dog Training Book You'll Ever Need" (Adams, $7.95) and owner of Boston-based dog training facility Canine University.
"I think every person needs professional guidance," she says. "Even professional trainers take their dogs to classes." Instruction -- whether from a book, one-on-one trainer or group class -- is a great way to counsel not only the dog, but the owner as well.
Dog experts agree that it's never too late to train your dog. Dogs are lifelong learners. Ask yourself what expectations you have for training and think about what kind of dog you have.
Most experts recommend solo training for aggressive dogs, but if your pup is just stubborn, a group class might be the way to go. Association of Pet Dog Trainers board member Melissa Bussey says instructional books or DVDs are a good option for dog owners on a tight budget.
She recommends "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson (James & Kenneth Publishers, $17.95), "Don't Shoot the Dog!" by Karen Pryor (Bantam, $15) and the "Click & Treat" video by Gary Wilkes (www.clickand treat.com/Products/products .html, $49.95).
Once you've decided on a method, it's time to find a trainer. Contact an instructor and ask to observe a class or solo session. "If they're not going to let you observe, I'd be wary and ask why," Bussey says.
It's important to feel supported by the trainer, not criticized, Bielakiewicz adds. "I've been to many places as a client and felt like they were going to yell at me or that my dog was going to make me look like a fool. That's awful. You can't control everything that a living thing does."
To find a trainer, talk to other dog owners or visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Web site (www.apdt.com). If your dog has behavioral problems, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants' Web site (www.iaabc.org) has a search feature.