Puppy Dog Tales

Innisfail dog trainer Wendy Craven runs dog training courses using positive reinforcement methods to reward a dog for it's correct behaviour. I met with her a few weeks ago at the Innisfail Showground after I saw her card on a noticeboard and rang her for a chat about dog training. She was running a one-on-one training session and invited me along to watch. Wendy says she's been involved in canine training in one form or another for around thirty years now and has been running her TOP DogS training courses for the past six years.  

This type of training was initially developed for dolphin training and later adapted for use with other animals, and involves signalling to the dog using a small clicker, and then once the dog has done the desired task, rewarding it with a small treat. The technique uses only positive reinforcement, there wasn't a choke chain in sight.

Wendy offers a range of classes, including a puppy class where dogs learn to socialise with each other and practice basic tasks such as learning to sit, walk and stay. More advanced courses continue the clicker training and dogs learn better walking behaviour as well as practice longer stays at greater distances. 

Wendy says it's important to build a bond between the handler and the dog. She showed me how well the technique works with her 6 month old working kelpie, Gidgee. A small piece of food was placed on the ground in front of Gidgee and it was obvious that she really wanted to eat it but she resisted the temptation. Wendy says this type of training is important and can prevent an inquisitive puppy from getting too close to toads and snakes.

Wendy Craven and Gidgee

If you're interested in Wendy's dog training classes, she can be reached on 0418 871 982.