A good image and a well-trained dog

In this activity young people learn how professionals train their dogs to do very complicated and responsible tasks using only reward-based training. They are encouraged to train their dogs in this positive manner and are given the opportunity to ‘hit back’ at some of the negative media young dog owners receive in the press.

Young people will:

• develop the understanding that dogs may be more obedient and easier to control if they are trained through reward-based training
• be given the opportunity to reflect on why they think they are good dog owners and/or why the dog they choose to keep is a good dog
• be given the opportunity to teach their dog a trick using positive, reward-based training (see Extension ideas section).

Before completing this activity, please ensure you have completed both Motivations for dog ownership and Encouraging responsible dog ownership: All about dogs.

This session is most useful for young people who have dogs who they love and admire, but you are concerned that they possibly do not know the best way to train or care for those dogs. It is unlikely to have any impact on a young person who has been keeping a dog specifically for illegal dog-fighting or who is heavily involved in gang warfare. If you are working with someone who has been involved in illegal dog-fighting, refer to The incident section in Breaking the chain in the first instance.