The importance of training and teaching pets good manners

I have always taught my son that manners will get you everywhere in this world.

That is why we stress the importance of teaching your pet manners. So many dogs are surrendered to animal shelters for being too high energy or undisciplined.

If we don’t teach our children manners they are disliked, frustrated, angry… it just causes a lot of issues! A little ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way!

So why is it different for your puppy or dog? Why is it ok to dump your dog off at a loud, crowded shelter because you didn’t invest the time, care and tools to help train your furry friend?

Okay, I do understand the power of frustration. I had a dog that had a taste for flip flops. Not all flip flops, just the right one from each pair. I had ten black left flip flops at one time. Now, I could have surrendered my dog, but I didn’t (at times I wanted to). Instead, I taught her what toys were appropriate by rewarding her, and got a little better at putting away my shoes. She is now my best friend and brings me more happiness than I can ever say.

Manners can be taught
When adopting a pet, you have to know there will be some bumps in the road. Once you get over those bumps it’s so rewarding and nothing beats coming home to a snuggly, well-trained pup.

Poor Badger was brought to us for having too much energy. But he just needed more exercise and training. He is so good now! He sits patiently in his kennel trying to be the best little gentleman; he just needs some love and attention. A one-year-old dog is still in the puppy stages.

Sweet Broski is a handsome mixed breed who was destined to be an only pet because he didn’t seem to like other dogs. But we discovered that although male dogs intimidate him, he plays well with most female canines. If he doesn’t follow gentle play etiquette, staff or the other dogs correct him. Broski is now not only great with people, but he’s on his best behavior with his female peers.

We provide training support to adopters
I do hope when you look for your next pet you will consider coming to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Our dogs go through basic training with our volunteers, and they want so badly to please!

We are there to support our adopters and their new best friends. We even have the support of a local trainer, Karen DeCamp, who offers a free training session at the shelter with your newly adopted dog.

Recently surrendered dogs such as Leah, Bandit, Kodac and Jack are just some of the dogs that are wondering why they’re here and questioning what they did wrong. Moving, health of owner and unwanted are the reasons they were brought in. These surrenders sit in the corner of their kennels, they spin in circles, they don’t understand. Don’t you want to be a hero? Be theirs.

Their lives are in our hands.

JUNE SPECIAL: All dogs and cats over one year of age are free of charge at the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month!

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator