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07-19-2004, 09:52 AM | #1 |
YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 6,238
| [News] Even a Mean Yorkie Can Be Trained DUNDEE, Mich. (AP) — Ed Wing strolled across the lawn and left behind his little dog, which sat unflinchingly. "Edison, come!" he yelled. The Yorkshire terrier mix immediately hopped up on all fours, walked to his owner and promptly sat in front him, anticipating the next command. Across the yard, dog trainer Douglas Ritter watched with a sense of satisfaction. Not too long ago, Edison was destined for doggy death row. He was mean, a real biter. He was overprotective and a runner. "Edison," Ritter said quietly, his eyes still fixed on the small dog as it circled Wing's legs and sat down. "He was a bad dog." If it wasn't for Ritter, hundreds of dogs surely would have been unclaimed or eventually put down. For about 16 years Ritter and his wife, Evelyn, have trained dogs for a living at their business called Dundee K-9, based at their home. But for the past three years, Ritter also has volunteered his time to make unwanted dogs become obedient and loving pets. Ritter, 42, trains dogs for the Humane Society of Monroe County. Every week or so several dogs get trained on how to behave properly: less biting and growling and more listening and obedience. The attitude adjustments appeal to those looking for a pet. "He's very valuable," said Dawn Musko, assistant manager at the Humane Society. "If people come in and the dogs behave well, they are more acceptable that way." Helping dogs find homes is what motivates Ritter to train homeless pups. Of course he does get referrals to help bolster business, but the satisfaction of saving dogs is the key. Although the local Humane Society is a no-kill organization, some dogs adopted from there certainly could end up at the county pound where euthanasia is practiced. Ritter believes that all dogs can be trained. The deciding factor is the owner and how much effort they are willing to put forth. "A lot of it is the people," Ritter said. "Sometimes they give up." Wing wanted to keep Edison despite the dog's terrible temper and disposition. He adopted Edison, who was found wandering along Telegraph Road. Going to bed at night was a challenge for Wing and his wife, Andrea. Edison would fiercely protect whoever was in bed first. Blankets had to be tossed over the dog's head so that the other person could get in. Both of the Wings eventually were bit. "He wouldn't just growl, he would snarl," Wing said as Edison sat quietly at his master's feet. "He wouldn't just bite, he would attack. Now he's as docile as they come. He's a wonderful dog." Ritter believes most dogs bite out of fear, so socializing is a major component of learning obedience. Angela Vinciguerra of Monroe brought Ginger, her Australian shepherd, to Ritter so she could learn to be obedient. The year-old Ginger now sits and waits before being beckoned and responds to commands. "I'm taking her to the fair," said Angela, who is a 4-H member. "I want her to be able to follow me." In most cases, it takes about 10 weeks to get a dog trained at the intermediate level. Naturally, the time it takes to train a dog varies. In one particular case, Ritter needed eight weeks to train a pit bull that was being used in dogfights in Detroit. "That was about two years ago and she's still fine," Ritter said. "You're not going to get 100 percent perfect, but you can get 75 percent better." A better-trained dog is more marketable, which leads to a better chance of getting adopted. And that is Ritter's goal. Dogs once unwanted are being transformed into polite pets. It's a system that seems to work and Edison is one example. Wing said he was tempted to return Edison at first, but decided to stick with it. He's glad that he did. "The change is just amazing," Wing said. "If it wasn't for Doug, there's no question Edison would be gone." http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michi...3951109340.xml |
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07-19-2004, 05:55 PM | #2 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA
Posts: 659
| That story reminds me of a PBS special I watched a couple of weeks ago called "Cell Dogs", they were in a "Second Chance Program" in an Arizona prison where the cell mates also got a second chance. This time to take a dog, that would otherwise be put down and train it to be a partner for a handicapped person. It was a very moving program, with dogs of all sizes. They all got a " second chance ", and the person that finally got the trained dog was so happy. Enough to bring tears to my eyes, what a good program for all.
__________________ Mom of Lindsey R.I.P. 3-12-13 & Lacey: 10-22-13 |
07-20-2004, 02:14 AM | #3 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Florida
Posts: 852
| I saw that same program about cell dogs. It is indeed a WONDERFUL program for all involved! Too bad there aren't more programs like that one. |
07-21-2004, 04:20 PM | #4 |
Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc.
Posts: 9,031
| I too have seen similar stories on Animal Planet called "Cell Dogs". Isn't it amazing, not only how things change for the dogs but how those seemingly "tough" men and women are so visibly touched by these animals? I think this program is great!! It's sad after they spend all this time with the dogs ... bonding and teaching them ... then to have to part with them. I know it's the whole point of the "rehab" but it's still very touching!!
__________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein |
04-05-2005, 06:45 PM | #5 | |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 24
| Would love some pointers Quote:
Hello, this is a wonderful story. Unfortunately, I did not see the special and I would love to have some more info on Ritter's training techniques. Does Mr Wing offer and instructional booklet or tap that someone could use ? Is his techniques easy for a novice, such as myself, could learn fairly easily? I clicked on your link, however, the article or info did not appear. Any techniques or info on how to get in touch with Mr Wing would be GREATLY appreciated. My Cassius is so loving and playful, but I'm unable to take him places now becuase he's nigger and he no longer minds me out in public. When I first bought him home, I'd take him to my office everyday and all of my employees, some 21 of them would take turns carrying him around and baby sitting him. II wouldn't get him back until it was time for me to go. I work in a very professional office so I wouldn't have done that if he was then as he is now. My folks keep asking me when am I going to bring him back in and I said I simply can't. He'd be all over the place and whereas folks were able to still get their work done before, they certainly won't be able to do that now. I would LOVE to be able to takae him back in my office. Please help..
__________________ Cassius "CASH" Clay | |
04-05-2005, 08:53 PM | #6 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: House Of York
Posts: 1,079
| great story! |
04-05-2005, 09:18 PM | #7 |
BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,246
| I agree! Doggy rehab!! So much better than"death row"!! I really believe in the difference training can make for any dog. It's essential for the dog's health and confidence to know what is expected of him. |
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