Waiouru dogs now better behaved

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 467, 21 December 1992, Page 5

Waiouru dogs now better behaved

By

Jan

Savell

Monday night, 14 December, saw the conclusion of Waiouru's first basic dog obedience course. Participants of both the four and two legged varieties were tested on what they'd learnt, with certificates being presented to all who completed the course. "I guess it was special because it was the first," said Lois Kohiti, dog ranger for Waiouru. "The difference in the dogs was just amazing but it was more than just lessons. People grew quite close." The eight week course was marred by tragedy when one of the participants was killed in a motor accident. Two of the dogs also died during the period of the course. Twenty dogs originally enrolled despite it being incorrectly advertised at $10 per night (instead of $10 for the complete course). Mrs Kohiti was

overwhelmed with the response and believes it has been extremely beneficial for Waiouru. Dog owner Michelle Larkin can testify to the value of the training. Her three year old rotweiller/rhodesian ridgeback cross, "Sly", was so aggressive towards other dogs prior to the course that it could not be left unchained in their fenced backyard. "Now the only time we have any trouble is if another dog comes right up to the back gate. The dog association we did made such a difference to his behaviour. I think it reinforced the need to remember to praise instead of just taking it for granted when he's good." Michelle said that at times her husband John, who took Sly into the ring, would feel he wasn't winning but from her position as observer she could see

big changes each lesson. Instructor Gail Larsen praised John and Michelle

for the time and effort they put into working with Sly.