Letter from the Editor On the cover

It’s the start of Spring…and Spring Training is top of mind for those of you that may have gotten a pup for Christmas or a rescue dog deserving a good home, or perhaps even if your canine isn’t new to the family, training may be in order. A compliant canine makes for a peaceful home and a healthy, connected relationship with your dog. However, to achieve that compliance, obedience training is a top priority which is why we publish our Annual Dog Training Issue each March.

which incorporates understanding natural behaviors and the science behind learning, positive reinforcement, patience, repetition, and typically, a good mentor to guide you. For the purpose of our feature, that would be professional dog trainers who can assist you on both a private and group basis.

THE WELL-TRAINED CANINE

Does your dog need to jump through hoops to be considered well-trained?

Definitely not but what they DO need is to understand and respect boundaries and expectations for both their safety and your sanity! Our cover boy, Cash, owned by Stephanie Bennett of Believe In Dog Training, shows off his skills for our annual training issue. Cash is adept at obedience as well as some fun tricks! Admittedly his mom is a professional dog trainer so he has a "leg up" on training!

In our annual training feature, you'll find tips and advice from local trainers to help you on your journey to a compliant canine. Cover photo: Kem Coan

The topic of animal training could of course fill books…and does…but with limited space, we still try to offer our readers a glimpse into the science, methods and tips of training that can help you and your dog understand one another through a common language and expectations. Personally, I have always been fascinated by animal training of any species. From the otters that perform their hilarious stunts at Sea World to the behaviors taught to animals at the Houston Zoo for veterinary care, each time I witness the animal offering a flipper, blowing a kiss, sticking their paw out for a treat or offering their rump for an injection, I always want to know more. I want to understand how the animal and trainer got to that point of trust and behavior management. One of the highlights of my work career was during a photoshoot with gorillas where the trainer showed me how to ask each gorilla that came to the glass to open their mouth, based on a movement of my hand, and then they would get a peanut through a feeding chute. Having nothing between us but a piece of glass, and looking into each other’s eyes, then asking the gorilla to do something and have them respond was breathtaking. And it’s all from training,

In this issue, we feature local trainers writing about topics including clicker training, crate training, puppy school, choosing a trainer, family involvement in training, handling dog aggression, stages of training based on age, and much more. Plus, as an added treat, we showcase an article about mantrailing. What is that you ask? (I just learned of this sport myself!). Find out on page 42. I hope you discover valuable information in our training feature and be sure to keep this annual issue for future reference when your dog may need a “tune-up” or perhaps you add a new pup to the family.

Also in this issue, we have some excellent veterinary articles including a look at handling health issues with your senior pet by Dr. Julia Spade and Dr. Shea Cox of BluePearlVet.com, plus a fun shopping guide to get you and your pet ready for St. Patty’s Day!

March also represents the beginning of nice weather and the opportunity to get out and about with pets. Soon the famous Texas Wildflowers will be in bloom so remember to get out there and take the best shot of your pet in the flowers and enter our 15th Annual Pets In The Wildflowers Photo Contest with entries starting April 1. For more fun things to do with your pet, check out our news section monthly or visit our online calendar at PetTalkGoFetch.com.

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE

14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560

Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL