38 ~ North Shore News — Sunday, October 8, 2000 ee PETS Extra lessons can help bring ". From previous page as Pthoughi, should I get it checked? I had every excuse running through my mind, desperately trying to find an answer because [ did aut want to accept the obvious: my sweet little boy was growing up. He wasno © jtonger the adoring puppy i that stuck to me like glue. He was an adolescent. Curiosity and contidence had replaced adoration and the need for safecy. And as I was soon to find out, he had quite a inind of his own. Sometimes referred to as the terrible twos or the brat phase, adolescence is proba- bly the most frustrating aspect of canine develop- ment a dog owner will ever have to experience. This phase of a dog's life can begin as early as five months of age and can because great prices and ‘outstanding customer service belong. together | 31 years. of unbeatable _ Customer service. © See for yourself. . “1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Varicouver Internet 201 Let's ‘Talkd October. 5th,.7:30 am (2 blocks behind the former Avaion. Hotel) Speaker: Director of Spec cial Projects, Meridex Network Corporation: -@-Commerce Toolkit A How To October: 19th, 7:30 am” r. Clay Brazilier peaker: resident of Triumph Cornmunications®- “21st. Century Marketing © November. 2nd, “Speaker: Mr.:Fred Armstrong Publisher of the Maple Ridge Times - . Sponsored by”. ‘Seating is limited. Wivw. nv ambertbe.ca : potentially fast until the dog is almost two years old. Although the level of behav- ioural intensity 2 dog exhibits may vary between dogs, no dog is immune and it affects both males and females. The brat stage is marked by a defiant refusal of com- “mands, not coming when . called, running away when off leash, picking fights with other dogs and challenging authority. Ifa dog has not received any formal training before this point, it can be a down- right exasperating experi- ence. In fact, the average age of most dogs in shelters is between the age of nine months and 2 years of age - because some owners are so overwhelmed, A dog owner can have some solace know- ing it is only a phase, but thar doesn't mean they should sit back and ride it out. During this time Fido should be enrolled in an obedience class, and if they have already taken one in the past, do it again! The fact is, the brain fairy didn’t remove the dog’s brain, she actually added to it. Fido has become more confident, curious and defiant. Sort of like a teenager, huh? Just like a teenager, dogs Start October 44 &45 ¢ Or, o "and October ‘21 & 22 4 hours of instruction : + Limited’ number. per class «Start at 10am or 1pm * Beginners and Intermediate * Snack, drinks and BBQ: provided Adult Winter Program 8 one-hour. ‘group lessons $149 © - Suitable for Intermediate or Beginner * Focus. on practice and swing changes ‘necessary to start the season playing better * Includes video and “S FREE tokens” card ~ ‘Last CHANCE! #10 toke ane Fido into at this age should be kept busy and well-exercised. Rezaking an obedience class or continuing on into differ- ent levels is a must. This will help establish your leader- ship and give Fido a needed job: listening! He or she should also be | kept on leash when distrac- tions are high. Also consider - enrolling the dog in some alternative training, such as tracking or agility. Both of these are mentally and phys- ically challenging to a young dog and can be just the tick- et a frustrated owner is looxing for. Since this phase is wo wrought with belligerence, : NEWS photo Jults {verson line it is nnportant to cemember that the dog is testing you, to see if you are qualified to be in the position of pack. | leader. Being patient with their behaviour and consistent with your commands, as well as satisfying their need to exercise their brain, will prove to the dog that you are a capable leader, and: maybe Fido will get through: this phase a little quicker. —~ Joan is the..owner of | Sierra K9 training. For training tips or questions, e~ mail .