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Dogs learn manners on way to finding a home

A "dog trainer to the stars" shows how even the more difficult canines can be turned into happy, obedient pets.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published January 19, 2005

LARGO - The 12 dogs tethered to a fence at a shelter run by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas County were considered problem pooches, an unruly pack of characters that could use a few good manners.

Dog trainer Brian Kilcommons walked over to a white and tan shepherd mix named Maui who had been adopted, only to be returned to the shelter three days later. Within a minute, he had the 1-year-old dog sitting and lying down as if she'd been doing it all her life. Jaws dropped, but Maui got the treat.

"This isn't a magic show," Kilcommons said. "It's all about communication and establishing a relationship with the dog."

Kilcommons, touted as a "dog trainer to the stars," has worked with clients such as actors Harrison Ford and Ashley Judd and designer Geoffrey Beene. Over the past 30 years, he has trained some of the finest pedigrees in all of dogdom.

On a recent cold and gloomy Saturday, he found himself on a less glamorous, but nevertheless important, mission: saving the lives of shelter dogs by making them happier, well-adjusted and, above all, trainable pets.

At the 10-acre animal shelter and sanctuary, Kilcommons and two of his trainers instructed the staff and the volunteers in the methods of the Turken Training for Adoption program. Some 66 volunteers have committed five weekends to learn how to evaluate dogs, teach them basic obedience and social skills, counsel prospective adopters and more.

After completing the training, the volunteers agree to donate time to work with the dogs.

"The goal is to take the more difficult dogs with issues and turn them into pets," said Beth Lockwood, executive director of the SPCA. "We want to improve their manners and address behavioral issues so they can be placed in a forever home."

Roughly 5,000 sick, injured or unwanted dogs and puppies are brought into the local SPCA each year. Last year, 2,281 of them were euthanized, some at the request of their owners because of the dogs' age or medical condition. But the most widespread motive was probably preventable.

"The most common reason was behavior or temperament issues where they were aggressive toward other people, children or animals," said Lockwood.

Not only does the shelter want to make more dogs adoptable, but it also wants to make sure that once they are in a home, they stay there. In 2004, 372 dogs and 32 puppies were returned to the shelter because their owners couldn't handle unwanted behaviors.

"Our goal is to reduce the number of animals returned by 20 percent," Lockwood said.

The program is being funded by donations. Lockwood said she asked Kilcommons to bring the program to the SPCA after seeing him work with some dogs.

"It was like magic," she said. "Every time he touches a dog, something magical happens."

The SPCA is one of four shelters in the country using the program. Kilcommons said he hopes one day to expand the program nationwide to save millions of canine lives.

"This program creates calmer, happier dogs that have positive relationships with humans," he said.

After a dog is adopted, follow-up classes are offered to new owners, and the SPCA has a pet behavior helpline to assist with behavior issues and training.

Problems originate within the community, Kilcommons said during an interview.

"This is a dumping ground for dogs with behavior and medical problems. These are nice dogs who have never had training. Many have been tied up, locked up, yelled at and abandoned.

"When we isolate and don't give dogs appropriate human contact, the behavior disintegrates. We have to start by creating relationships with our dogs. They can be turned around in a very short time and made into wonderful pets."

The program is the legacy of Walter Turken, a friend of Kilcommons' who was concerned about the millions of dogs euthanized each year. When he died, he left money to establish the Turken Foundation.

Kilcommons said his approach is "fun, fair and firm." He emphasizes consistent praise for dogs when they do right, but cautions against constantly rewarding with food.

"All you end up with is a dog that is fat and flatulent," he said. "And you don't want to walk around all day with a deli in your pocket."

On the other hand, he stresses that rough handling should never be used with a dog.

"It's not training; it's abuse," he said.

"People need to have a good understanding of dog psychology," he said. "They need to be taught the correct timing and application as well as lack of emotion, because they tend to be reactive and too emotional."

Kilcommons, who describes his training methods as eclectic - "you use whatever is appropriate for the dog" - has studied with legendary British dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse. He has appeared on many national television shows and has written for many national publications, including Parade.

Now in his 50s, he lives on a 120-acre farm and training center near New Paltz, N.Y., with his wife and co-author, Sarah Wilson, and five dogs, two horses, one pony and a cat. Together, he and his wife have co-written six books on pet training and have two more in the works. His mother, Eleanor Kilcommons, is a Clearwater resident.

Saturday, volunteer Gary Echerer, 58, of Clearwater said he attended the session because he wanted to help save dogs.

"These dogs are in an unusual situation. They are scared and going through separation anxiety because their family broke their commitment to take care of them. They need our help."

Volunteer Marie Conrad, 39, of Tarpon Springs said she was considering becoming a trainer.

"I love animals, and I'm just following my heart," she said.

Maureen Godwin, 48, of St. Petersburg said she was volunteering "because so many animals need homes, and people will know the shelter is a good place to get good, well-behaved pets."

Pet behavior classes are offered at the SPCA. Call (727) 586-3591.

The free SPCA behavior help line assists with pet behavior issues and training. Call (727) 586-3591, ext. 133, for more information.

Brian Kilcommons and his wife operate a free Web site with message boards where people can get answers, exchange advice, talk to other dog lovers and discuss techniques. The Web site is http://familydoginc.com

[Last modified January 19, 2005, 00:33:17]