The "2024 Dog Behavior Training for Owners and Dog Behavior Education Promotion Class" came to a very successful conclusion on August 25. This event was taught by the well-experienced Hsiao Mama Lu, who was assisted by the lively Trainer Wang-wang and two D.I.N.G.O. teaching assistants. Taught in two sessions over the course of 6 weekends, the training class instructed owners in how to correctly recognize their dogs' state of mind, which can help owners to enjoy harmonious, happy relationships with their furry kids.

The class had around 4 dogs that had been adopted from the Taichung Animal Shelter, and their sensitivity to noises, food guarding behavior, anxiety, and shyness around strangers are also worries for many dog owners. By observing the instructor and teaching assistants, participants gained a better understanding of the causes of their furry kids' behavior, and on-the-spot demonstrations, hands-on practice, and analysis of videos ensured that the owners went home ready and able to re-establish positive relationships with their furry kids. Apart from in-class dog behavior instruction, out of concern for the everyday care of the owners' dogs, the instructor also established a online classroom community to encourage owners to share practice videos and ask questions. Following the 3-week classes, all of the dogs' behavioral problems had improved to various degrees, which gave the participating owners great confidence.

To further promote dog behavior education, the Health Inspection Office also arranged two talks on the topics of "Characteristics and Care of Mixed-breed Dogs" and "All about Dogs Interrelationships" in tandem with the classes. The former talk introduced the common sources of mixed-breed dogs in Taiwan and their characteristics. Because of their inborn physical constitution and life experiences, Taiwan's mixed-breed dogs tend to be quite intelligent, generally healthy, and sensitive. The speaker therefore recommended that owners pay close attention to their furry kids' perceptions when caring for and training them. The speaker emphasized that the purpose of training is not to change a dog's personality, but to improve the way the dogs feel and establish social skills. Due to its extensive content, the latter talk was split into two sessions, and began with the three topics of play, safety, and role of humans. The talk was accompanied by video analysis and demonstrations by Animal Shelter dogs, which helped participants to grasp canines' subtle body language.

Socialization is an important aspect of introducing a dog into a human household, and patient guidance from the owner is the key to success. Now that the 2024 dog behavior training for owners and dog behavior education classes have ended for the time being, we hope that dog owners will continue to practice and apply the knowledge learned in the class with their own furry kids.