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1. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Good dog training lays groundwork for growth

   By Sherry Davis

   Friday, Jun 14 2013 08:00 PM

   When I start a new dog on basic commands I am laying the groundwork for everything it will learn in the future. It is a valuable, if not exciting, part of a process.

   Basic commands in obedience are similar to the compulsories in figure skating; if you're not good in your compulsory or foundation skills, you'll never excel in freestyle.

   And because I train my own dogs for competition as well as want them to be well-behaved pets, I set goals for each lesson. I teach in short, rewarding sessions, avoid patterned or monotonous repetition and because I expect it in return, give the dog my undivided attention. I don't ask for perfection or precision in the beginning, just a good effort on the dog's part.

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2. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Pit bulls will take a hit from this incident

   What do pit bulls and Justin Bieber have in common? A shared propensity for making ugly headlines. And whether you're a pittie-lover or "Belieber," nowadays what people associate most with the object of your affection is their bad...
3. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Dog doors don't take the place of learning how to use them

   Dog doors. For people with long or erratic work schedules, they are heaven-sent; for others, they are a constant source of anger and frustration. That usually happens when dogs and their owners have different viewpoints on the dog door's...
4. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: The peril of owning a 'shop-vac' dog

   Recently, as I chastised Frank for the zillionth time about eating the mulberries that fall into my yard every year, it brought to mind my first Newfoundland, who likewise would suck up and swallow anything in his path. Or, as I call them:...
5. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Don't ever leave dogs in the car

   It's only the beginning of May and we have already experienced several 90 degree-plus days. So before you take your "best friend" along while you run errands and leave him locked inside your car for even just a few minutes, read this...
6. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Rescue a wonderful way to give dogs a second chance

   Last week's column was a tribute to a special dog, two very special people and that roller coaster of emotions we all ride as dog lovers. But Xeoe was special not only for being a beloved dog, but also because she was a rescue who...
7. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Saying goodbye to dear canine companions

   A few weeks ago some very dear friends of mine said their last goodbyes to their beloved dog. After the news came, I hung up the phone with that sick ache in my chest that any of us who has ever loved and lost a pet knows only too well. I...
9. 

   SHERRY DAVIS: Let's hear it for the toys -- dogs, that is

   I have large dogs, but I love little dogs and one will share my home in the future. He just hasn't found me yet. That makes it all the more disturbing that lately I've been seeing an inordinately large number of pint-sized canines with...
10. 

    SHERRY DAVIS: Zeutering emerges as way to sterilize male dogs

    While attending the recent Kern County Kennel Club shows, I picked up a copy of the March 22 Dog News. This weekly magazine, which advertises the recent wins of show dogs, has a target audience of exhibitors and dog show judges, albeit...
11. 

    SHERRY DAVIS: Dog socialization isn't a walk in the park

    The word socialize, as it applies to humans, may conjure a picture in your mind of people gathered at a party or picnic, eating, drinking or catching up on the latest family news. That's right on target since Webster's dictionary...
12. 

    SHERRY DAVIS: Some cures for the 'Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde" dog

    I frequently get calls for what many owners refer to as their "Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde" dog, that perfectly well-mannered pet who can be observed walking nicely at its owner's side until that moment it spots another dog and transforms into a...
13. 

    SHERRY DAVIS: Help for the barking poodle and other canine questions

    Lots of mail has arrived in response to last week's column on the value of dog training. Here's what people are asking. One couple writes, "We have a 10-year-old toy poodle who anxiously barks when visitors come to the door. I want her to...
14. 

    SHERRY DAVIS: I've heard the excuses for no dog training

    As a dog trainer, I believe that every puppy should be given a minimum of basic obedience training, and taught to respond to commands like sit, down, stay and walk politely on a leash. They should be housebroken, taught to bark only at...