The Graduate - May 11

by Pat Hennessy

It’s that time of year when you can smell the rain; spring is in the air.  It’s the “school is almost out, are you ready for summer” kind of feeling.  For some, when school adjourns this year, they will have reached a milestone – graduation! Certainly it’s an accomplishment to be proud of, and celebrations are in order.

The Steps to Get There!

When you think about what it takes to reach a graduation, you have to reflect on all the steps it took to get there.

• First you have kindergarten, an introduction to the learning and socialization process

• Second you have grade school, a foundation for the rest of your education

• Third you have middle school, preparation for higher learning and more socialization as you reach your teens

• Fourth you have high school, the final step before sending you out into the world

• Fifth is higher education, if you choose that path; on to college to specialize in a particular field

The Same Steps with Your Canine

These same steps would apply to life with your canine companion.  Every milestone is a building block to the next step and every milestone should be celebrated, just like placing your child’s artwork or report card on the refrigerator.

• First you have socialization, where you get your puppy out and about to experience the sights and sounds of nature, people, and other animals, as well as potty training, learning his name, and learning to give you “attention”

• Second you have a family manners or obedience type of class, where your toddler-canine learns some basic cues (sit, down, stay, come, etc.)

• Third you may have to work on some specific issues, such as appropriate chewing, excessive barking, or jumping on guests (some of the basic cues will come in handy for redirecting behavior and you may need some new ones, such as “leave it” or “give”)

• Fourth, as you work your way through the canine teenage phase, you will put some finishing touches on your pup’s education — teaching him how to behave in certain contexts (like the difference between wait and stay), or by using his basic cues under certain circumstances (like sitting and waiting for a “release” before going through a door)

• Fifth, if you aspire for higher education, you may pursue team activities such as Rally, Obedience, Tracking, Agility, or something a little more low-key but extremely valuable and rewarding such as therapy team work

Even if you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization, you will still need to take him through some of these steps, at least socialization and some basic cues. You will need to do that, at minimum, to help him understand how to live harmoniously in the family home as well as keeping him safe from harm.

Every Success = A Reward

Every successful step is worth a reward. If your child does all her homework, she might earn an extra hour of play time? When your dog can repeat a cue successfully ten out of ten times, she should get a bonus reward —extra play time or a chew treat. And when a milestone is reached it is worth a celebration. If your daughter gets the lead role in the school play or your son’s baseball team wins the championship, it is a big deal. And when you see your son or daughter walk across that stage and throw their cap up in the air, you know that they have achieved success. So when your dog graduates from family manners class, performs a series of tricks, or earns her first title, you will recognize her achievements, but don’t forget to celebrate the little success stories too and show your appreciation.

Our canine companions are wiser than we give them credit for, even if they never graduate from a class or earn a title. Sabrina will help old blind Barney find his way. Annie, when she is sick, will wake you up in the middle of the night instead of soiling in the house. And Titan will make Grandma smile when he puts his head in Grandma’s lap, so she can pet him, and he gives her a kiss.

Hats Off Graduates!

Hat’s off to those graduates, both 2-legged and 4-legged. Every step should be a celebration because life is our journey and each step takes us down that road. Enjoy the ride.

Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.