Making dog training click Trainer reinforces the positive

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jan 31, 2004 by Dianne Lawson Capital-Journal

TAILWAGGERS LLC

What: Dog training and behavior counseling

Services: Group classes, private classes, behavior consultations, services to shelters and rescue groups and veterinarians

Who: Trish Pooley, certified instructor, trainer, behavior counselor

Phone: 379-0587

E-mail: TailwaggersLLC@aol.com

Web site: www.TailwaggersInfo.com

TAILWAGGERS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Dog trainer Trish Pooley works on impulse control with her Border collie, Remy, at her training facility behind her house at 3045 S.W. Tecumseh Road. Pooley lays food inches from Remy and allows him to get a piece when she gives him permission. Pooley owns and operates Tailwaggers, a dog training and behavior counseling business.

By Dianne Lawson

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Trish Pooley trains dogs with an awareness of the canine point of view.

In a park-like setting in a renovated barn, Pooley, a certified canine behavior counselor, uses clicker training, a technology that reinforces what the dog is doing right, unlike traditional methods that focus on what a dog does wrong. A dog's correct response is marked by a click and then rewarded by something that motivates the dog, such as food or praise. Clicker training doesn't depend on a leash for control.

It is best to train a dog with consistent communication, Pooley said.

The clicker is a small plastic box with a metal piece that clicks - -- sort of like a kid's toy.

"It is a pain-free method of training that offers mental stimulation to dog and person," Pooley said. "It's a philosophy of teaching and learning."

Pooley's specialty is working with aggressive dogs. She offers consultations to owners whose dogs have maladaptive behaviors, such as chewing, or fears of thunderstorms, being home alone or strangers.

"I train from the dog's perspective," Pooley said. "I try to help people understand normal dog behavior."

Dog behaviors that are a problem for people, such as chewing everything in sight, are normal from the dog's perspective, she said.

Pooley provides dog owners with a written report that includes the results of an evaluation, an appraisal of how long it might take to resolve the problem and a behavior-modification plan. Then a treatment plan can be started with her coaching and supervision.

Pooley conducts group classes that provide problem-solving tools for dog owners.

"I coach people in discovering how to communicate with their dogs," she said.

People can start the group classes at any time and advance at their own pace, which is cost-effective and less frustrating, Pooley said.

All group classes are limited to six dogs so each dog and owner can receive individual attention. But the group setting also gives the dogs opportunities to improve their social skills with other dogs and their owners. Owners also benefit through learning from other owners as well as from Pooley.

Pooley also conducts private training sessions at her facility or at a dog owner's home.

Pooley is a graduate of the San Francisco Academy of Dog Trainers and Behavior Counselors, which is known as the "Harvard for dog trainers."

The academy accepts only 10 people four times a year from its international applicants. She takes a minimum of three advanced training sessions every year.

Dianne Lawson is a freelance writer based in Topeka who can be reached at Cappie0113@aol.com.

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Trainer:

Private

sessions

available

Pooley uses a clicker to communicate with her Border collie, Remy, at Tailwaggers