Your Pet Training Questions Seventh in a helpful new pet series sponsored by Invisible Fencing of Birmingham. Frequently Asked Questions do you do then? How do you get both of you out of this situation without being hurt either emotionally or physi- cally? All in all, the physical methods requiring brute force and aggression are not necessary or safe. My dog is five years old. Is it too late to train her? Not at all. Dogs are social animals, accepting of changes in leadership at any age. It may take4rer a bit longer than a pup to understand—You're working against five years of guessing. Once she comprehends you're trying to teach her something, she'll learn whatever you teach her quick- ly. Can you find 10 dog bones hidden in this picture? Whenever I walk him, my dog holds the lead in his mouth. If I try to get it from him, he thinks it's a game. Help! Chances are someone used the lead to play tug-of-war with your dog when he was a pup. When they're young, it's pretty cute when they grab the lead; as an adult it is obnoxious. Never train your puppy to do something you don't want him to do as an adult. Stop all tug-of-war. Spray the lead with Bitter Apple right before the walk. If he grabs it, do several "Downs" in a row. That often takes a dog's mind off of being playful. If that does not work, take the lead on either side of the mouth and, using your wrist, snap it down and out in a "J" mo- tion. Remember to praise your dog the moment he releases the lead. Also, shortening up on the lead so it does not dangle in front of his face will help to resist the temptation. My dog bumps into me all the time. He's even knocked me over a few time outside. Why does he do this? There are two types of dogs that do this. The first is the touch-insensitive dog. Classically a sporting breed, bred to run through briars and swim in cold water to retrieve game, they just aren't aware that they have knocked into you. If they are aware of it, they mean it only in the nicest possible way. The oth- er type knows full well he is making contact. He's doing it to make a point. subordinates do not bump leader dogs often and nev- er without repercussions. He is telling you that it is your responsibility to get out of his way. He needs an attitude Brian Kilcornmons is one of the country's fore- adjustment. Use your "Off," "Sit," most dog trainers and the author of several widely "Wait" and "Down" commands to acclaimed books on dog behavior and training. Bri- gain the right of way. an is also the exclusive training consultant for I've heard of group classes, private training and sending your dog away to be trained. What kind of train- ing is best? Group classes are for an owner who has the time to train and for the dog who has no real problems other than he is out of control. Pick a class that is limited to 10 or fewer and that uses methods that make sense to you. Both the dogs and the people should be having fun and having some success. Private training is for people who don't have the time to go to class every week and for dogs who have specific home-related problems such as housebreaking, chewing, barking or aggression. It is individualized to suit your needs. Choose a trainer who has professional references from such sources as veterinarians or humane societies. You should like 0 - ern and see that their methods are effective with your dog. The trainer's job is NOT to train the dog but to teach you how to train the dog. After all, you'll be the one working with the dog most of the time. People who have no time to train or who have dogs that have advanced problems may find that sending the dog away for a few weeks is the answer. It is an excel- lent way to get things started, but you will still have to earn your dog's respect when he returns. The trainer will teach the commands and teach the dog to respect and respond to him or her. That respect can only be transferred to you through hard work and consistency on your part. Sending the dog away is a shortcut, but it is not a miracle. If you do not work with your dog, he will not listen. Invisible Fencing. Is allowing my dog to sleep on the bed bad? If your dog is otherwise well behaved, it is not a bad thing to let him sleep on the bed. Tri is always on our bed. Caras come up when invited. Piper prefers his dog bed. If you single and hope not to be one day, don't let the dog sleep up there all the time. Insist that he wait until he is in- vited. Have him sit, then say "OK, up" and pat the bed. If he jumps up on his own, put him off and make him wait. Other wise, the next time you have a friend sleep over, you may find that three is a crowd. A friend tells me I should roll my dog over and pin him when he is bad. What do you think? I think it's unnecessary and know it is dangerous. One 12-year-old boy heard about it, used it on his dog, and got a bite on the face for his trouble. I don't like methods that involve confrontation. If the dog chooses to accept them, they work fine. But what if the dog takes offense. What do you do then? And where does it leave you emo- tionally? You've pinned your dog and he snaps at you—what __/ Two Of A Kind Has anyone ever said you look exactly like your pet (or, do you think you do)? Well if so, we would love to see a picture! If we think you look just like your dog or cat or bird or fish or lion (lion?!?!?), we'll send you a free admission pass to the De- troit Science Center and run your photo on this very page. Please send photo to Pets Page, The AppleTree, 27676 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI 48034. If you would like your photo returned, please send a self-addressed, stamped enve- lope. The (Wail Electronic Pet ContaiMi‘t System SPRING SPECIAL r X100 up to 1/2 acre installed THE APPLETREE $200 0 1 acre + installed Offer expires: 5/18/97 Offer expires: 5/18/97 12 r Cal! Today for your FREE, No-Obligation Estimate! CD INVISIBLE W. 31645 Southfield Rd. • BIRMINGHAM (810) 646-WOOF (9663) ROCHESTER AREA: Call (810) 969-2600" Fun Facts Did you know.. •• The queen bee is the only member of her colony who can live through the winter. The largest living turtle is called the leatherback. These turtles usually weigh between 1,000 and 1,100 pounds (though one was found that weighed 1,500 pounds!). •■ • There are more than 3,500 different kinds of ants. • Despite their name, cen- tipedes don't necessarily have 100 feet. They.range from be- tween 30 and 100. ▪ It wasn't only the ancient Egyptians who suffered a terri-