OBEDIENCE training for dogs should be made compulsory for pet owners, experienced Limestone Coast animal trainer Lea Clark-Sandercock believes.
With a spate of animal neglect cases reported across the Limestone Coast in recent months, Ms Clark-Sandercock has urged the community to take leadership over their animals, particularly dogs.
The Blue Lake Obedience Dog Club president said all dogs had the ability to be trained.
“No dog is untrainable, although some can be slower than others and some can pick it up with ease,” Ms Clark-Sandercock said.
“I honestly think if somebody can not give their dog the time and care then they should not have a dog or puppy at all.
“If you do not put the effort in to train the dog then you will consequently end up with a nuisance.”
Ms Clark-Sandercock said the club trainers guided pet-owners through training exercises to provide long-term success.
“We do not allow cruel or harsh behaviour at the club and it is very much frowned upon,” she said.
“People must be prepared to do the homework.
“We try and make it the most positive experience as possible for dogs and their handlers.”
Club vice president Ian Mallard said obedience training aimed to increase owners’ confidence and craft a socially-acceptable dog.
“Some dogs take longer to learn than others but we aim to have an obedient pet as the final result.
“Dogs need an owner they can look to which show them leadership.”
Mr Mallard said it was important to keep dogs physically active.
“If the dog is not kept active, there is lack of attention or it does not experience any physical contact by its owner then there is a high chance boredom will arise and will become irritable,” he said.
“Dogs like a change of scenery and become bored if they do not have the stimulation of going outside their backyard.”
Mr Mallard urged people to consider their personal circumstances before obtaining a dog.
“If you are looking to obtaining a pet, you need evaluate whether you can look after and cater for its needs adequately,” Mr Mallard said.
“Dogs can adapt to their surroundings but smaller dogs are suitable for smaller residential areas and bigger dogs need space to run around.”
Mr Mallard said the club encouraged people to complete basic training.
“It does not have to be ongoing or forever,” he said.
“The sooner you can train your dog the better, although the dog has to be old enough to learn and have some sort of attention span.”
Mr Mallard encouraged people to make changes to the dog’s daily routine so the training had a purpose.
“Dogs understand and never forget,” he said.
“I think training is beneficial and you do not have to be cruel or harsh.
“Trained dogs will listen and the owner has the ability to take control of the dog when necessary.”
Ms Clark-Sandercock said she was grateful for both Mount Gambier and Grant District councils for the support of animal management, including training.
“We are lucky the opportunity for training is there for people,” she said.
“Basic training makes a large difference for the whole community.”
