The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2018 | Page 55

ASK THE TRAINER
multiple times throughout the night with
police drop offs or throughout the day with
high volume adoptions or lost and found
traffic. I discuss how we have to meet the
dog where they are each interaction. Don’t
assume pooch is the same as he was last
week or even earlier in the day. I also discuss
how to recognize stress signals.
Finally, I talk about safety and handling
options if they should be on a walk or at
a dog park and meet a dog whose handler
doesn’t have much control.
Robert Hooker
www.rockine-training-consulting.com
I only use dogs that are enrolled in my
classes for demonstrations. During the
announcement time at the beginning of the
first class I explain to my clients that I use
their dogs for demos and that I always ask
the owners first. I also explain that if a dog
has stage fright or is over aroused, I might
work with that dog next to his or her owner
Photos: Shutterstock
or pick another dog. I think it’s good for
everyone in the class to see that even trainers
understand that dog training isn’t always
easy or quick. Plus, it gives everyone in the
class perspective on what to expect during
training time at home. Because, in my
humble opinion, it’s what happens at home
that really matters.
Jamie McKay, CPDT-KSA, gained her
early experience at the Humane Society of
Westchester teaching safe handling skills to
volunteers to enhance the adoptability of
shelter dogs. Jamie teaches group classes at Port
Chester Obedience Training Club in New
York. She is a Canine Good Citizen evaluator
and competes in agility and rally obedience.
Jamie and her husband, Stephen, CPDT-KSA,
own McKay9 Dog Training, LLC.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2018
53