The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

July 13, 2009

‘Dog social’ good for man and beast, trainer says

By Bev Davis

Each Thursday, dog owners and their canine buddies can gather at New River Park in Beckley for a “Dog Social.”

“The Dog Social is all about having fun, socializing for both animals and owners, spending time with their companion dog and bonding with their pet,” said Eva Morales, owner of It’s a Pet Thang.

As an instructor and trainer as well as an avid dog lover, Morales said the event provides an informal setting that gives owners an opportunity to learn more about managing their dogs in public.

“Meeting new people is a common interest,” she said. “This gives people an opportunity to acquire new friends, and it’s a great way to help dogs that don’t get much socialization to learn how to behave in a group of people and dogs.”

Folks who do not yet have a dog are invited to get a look at different breeds and learn more about what type of dog might be best for them and for their family,” Morales said.

“The success of owning a dog and having everyone in the family happy is to pick the right dog for that family and that home environment,” Morales said. “Some dogs are more active and require more time and attention. Some are better suited to a person who lives alone or for an older person. Some dogs are happier when they are with a family with kids. If you get the right mix of personalities and temperaments, you’re more likely to enjoy your new pet.”

Companionship is vital to a dog’s emotional well-being, Morales said.

Socializing means exposing the puppy or adult dog in a positive way to as many people, including children, other animals, new environments and to as many experiences as possible, she added.

“The primary reason to socialize the pup is to prevent fear aggression as the pup grows to adulthood. The most common cause of unprovoked aggression is the lack of socialization,” Morales said. “Socialization efforts give the dog its outlook on life.”

The “Dog Social and Fun Stuff” is free, and all breeds of dogs are welcome. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., July 16 and will be held Thursdays only until Sept. 3 at New River Park in Beckley.

Dogs and owners meet at the water slide archway, and owners should bring a chair, water, dog treat, blanket and squeaky toy. Meetings are canceled only if it’s raining at 6:30 p.m.

Activities include a 15-20-minute walk around the park, obedience commands practice (optional), trick learning challenge (optional), and dog owners can show the group a trick they’ve taught their pet.

The Rev. Edward Lewis, assistant pastor of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, has volunteered to assist with the Dog Social.

For more information, call Morales at 304-222-3643 or visit www.itsapetthang.com.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com

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