By Monica Collins

Dear Dog Lady,

I also write about dogs for a local Web site published by a dog store in my city. A trainer in the area uses this site to extol the virtues of shock collars. He seems to believe the answer to every bad dog behavior question is a shock collar. On the other hand, I've devoted many of my "Perfect Paws" columns to the evils of bad training methods, which included a long interview with a veterinarian who's a certified behaviorist.

It was really good to read your column in which you agree that shock collars are a bad idea. Thanks for standing up for the pups.

Penny

Dear Penny,

Shock collars emitting electrical charges as well as metal pinch collars that squeeze around the neck with prongs seem unduly harsh when training dogs. There are exceptions of course. For example, electric fences save dogs' lives because they keep the animal contained without walls. Until the dog is trained to stay inside the perimeter, the animal wears a collar that dispenses a zing whenever he or she starts to stray beyond the boundaries.

Dog Lady knows a dog named Thomas so well-trained the dog doesn't even need the shock collar to stay inside the electric fence. You could wave a sirloin steak at him and Thomas would not cross the line.

The actress Eva Mendes once claimed on a talk show that she used a shock collar on herself before she put one on her pet Hugo, a Belgian Malinois (large shepherd). Mendes admitted she tested the shock collar on her arm and not around her neck.

Zapping a dog with an electric shock might work in the short run but it is no way to train a dog humanely for a lifetime.

Dear Dog Lady,

My husband and I will be adopting a rescue dog from our local shelter. We seek a female puppy on the medium to large size. We aren't into "toy" breeds. My question: What age do you recommend obedience school? She will be crate trained and since I'm retired and active, the dog will have plenty of "homeschooling" and exercise. But I believe formal training is the way to go.

We did it with our last pup (dear Gretta who passed away a year ago at age 14). Now I wonder if maybe Gretta was too young for class at six months. Although she turned out to be a great dog she was the youngest in the class by about four to six months and was often sent to the "principal's office" for excessive barking and playfulness. Your advice will be appreciated. Thanks for helping to keep us dog lovers informed on how we can always strive to be better parents.

Mary Beth

Dear Mary Beth,

Puppy kindergarten is wonderful basic training for the new dog owner and a great course in "Socialization 101" for the puppy. The best learning we can offer puppies is how to live in the big world of dogs, people, cars, and all the myriad of creatures and modern conveniences. The Urban Hound in the South End (617-755-5775) offers such a class.

You should keep in mind that dog training classes are really for the people not the dogs. Oh sure, the dogs may learn a thing or two but they learn it only because their humans are with them. You admit your late dear dog frequently flunked in obedience class but she still turned out to be a great dog. Make sure you provide the bulk of the training and exercise.

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