“BOSS” dog clinic slated for May 22

Published: April 26, 2010

Montana’s nationally known dog behavior expert, Susan Overfield, will be holding one of her popular “BOSS” Dog Clinics at her dog center in Vaughn on May 22. This is an all-day clinic, with dogs and their owners or other human partners. Because of its popularity, slots go fast. Pre-registration is required.

This year, to recognize the growing homeless pet problem in Montana and the U.S., Overvield is training to shelter and rescue staffs at the clinic at a reduced rate.

Overfield has shown shelters across the U.S. how to save dogs with behavioral training. She teaches handlers how dogs think, and how to quickly change unwanted behavior by communicating the way dogs do with each other.

Most dogs under the age of two end up in shelters and rescues because of behavior problems. Changing the way dogs are handled solves this problem. Overfield showed trained staff at the Cut Bank Shelter in Montana how to use her method five years ago. Since that time, Cut Bank has had a 100 percent success rate in permanently re-homing dogs. Overfield promises to teach owners and rescue/shelter staff the same proven method at her camp.

For people who are not available on May 22, another series of “Saturday Dog” classes begins June 5. These classes run once a week, two hours on Saturday mornings, for five weeks.

All of Overfield’s training is guaranteed. She does not use choke chains, clickers or treats.

For more information, call 800-658-4889, email , or visit http://www.aahhtt.com.

Aahhtt!! How to quiet a puppy in his crate

By Susan Overfield ©2010

Q. My six month-old puppy barks and whines in his crate. How do I teach him to be quiet?

A. This behavioral problem began long, long ago – the first time he was crated and you reacted to his hissy-fit.

People read all sort of hogwash: Start with 20 minutes, cuddle, play Brahms … it’s all ridiculous. If a female dog can teach pups to stay quiet during her absence without psychological damage, why can’t humans? It’s because we won’t communicate ‘NO’ effectively and many feel it cruel to do so.

I expect some resistance from the pup first time. He can kick up all the fuss he wants, but it won’t change the fact he’s not coming out until he’s quiet or I say so. (You should respond at night for a week or two in case he needs to relieve himself.)

In the beginning I ensure the pup is very tired from a long walk and hungry before putting him in a crate. With his food and water waiting for him there’s not a negative issue. But do not work up to a specific time. Just pop ‘em in and walk away. Don’t baby talk or explain that you’ll return or you make a simple process difficult.

Be matter-of-fact. This is a skill and maturation process the pup needs to learn … patience. Do it wrong, and you actually run the risk of creating separation anxiety. Do it right and both you and the pup will sleep well at night.

Susan Overfield is a Montana dog behavior expert and author of Saturday Dogs…and the owners they trained. She trains, conducts clinics, consults with owners, and speaks about dog behavior across the country. She can be reached through her website, www.aahhtt.com, or by email at .