Kids benefit from dog training, too

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

School program helps boost self-esteem

By Stan Donaldson - Free Press Staff Writer


David Becker used to have a little bit of trouble when it came to keeping his word to others.

And when it came to completing chores at his home in White Lake Township or finishing his homework and studying at Kingsley Montgomery, a school in the Waterford district, the 17-year-old wasn't that reliable.

But when David met Rosebud, an Australian cattle dog mix, he couldn't back out of this assignment, or his promise.

David participated in Teacher's Pet Dogs and Kids Learning Together, a program at the school. The program lets children who have experienced emotional problems help to train neglected and abused dogs with behavior issues. The students who participate in the 10-week program help train pooches to be obedient, but during the process they also learn about how to deal with emotional issues in their lives and become more responsible.

"I was it," David said of Rosebud. "If I didn't help her there was no telling what would have happened."

Amy Johnson, a certified teacher and dog trainer who runs the program, said the dog training helps kids with their self-esteem and teaches them team-building skills.

The program graduated its second class last month. The program gets participants from recommendations from teachers and social workers.

Johnson said the dogs come from agencies such as the Detroit Animal Control and Genesee County Animal Control centers and also from the Canine Companions Rescue Center in Clarkston. The kids meet with the dogs twice a week for 2 hours at the school and teach them tricks and orders, such as sitting down, rolling over and coming.

Johnson said without the training, the dogs likely would not able to be adopted by prospective owners and would end up being euthanized.

David's mother, Theresa Becker, said she has seen an improvement in her son and said he is more sociable and active in his responsibilities at home.

"This has been a great program for him because it gave him a sense of need and belonging."

[rmci]

Sounds like a great program- Thank you for posting this story