From Stray to Pet: Is it too Late to Train Princess Kate?
By: Lane Stone
Updated: September 11, 2011
A few months ago a stray dog wandered into the KTAB parking lot. Animal Control came to pick her up, but I couldn't get her out of mind.
So a few days later when no one had claimed her, I adopted her. I named her Princess Kate and she's turned out to be a royal mess! So we decided to go to obedience school.
We enlisted the help of Bettie Lutzko of A-Plus Canine College in Abilene. She offers an array of classes, from simple obedience to agility and handling. Lutzko uses a 3-part unity praise system. First, verbal reinforcement of the command. For example, "Good Sit". Then she gives a the treat and a pat on the head. The pat on the head is key.
"Pats are for pets. Strokes are for folks," explained Lutzko.
For more tips from Lutzko and to see how Princess Kate and I did at class, watch the video attached.
So a few days later when no one had claimed her, I adopted her. I named her Princess Kate and she's turned out to be a royal mess! So we decided to go to obedience school.
We enlisted the help of Bettie Lutzko of A-Plus Canine College in Abilene. She offers an array of classes, from simple obedience to agility and handling. Lutzko uses a 3-part unity praise system. First, verbal reinforcement of the command. For example, "Good Sit". Then she gives a the treat and a pat on the head. The pat on the head is key.
"Pats are for pets. Strokes are for folks," explained Lutzko.
For more tips from Lutzko and to see how Princess Kate and I did at class, watch the video attached.
