Camp Love A Pet a big success

LEARNING TO HEEL:
Bradley Ciukowski of Anderson rewards Koby, a black Labrador, for good behavior while taking a walk during Haven Humane Society’s annual Camp Love A Pet.

Nearly 20 youth gathered outside Haven Humane Society for a demonstration of a Rottweiller with its professional trainer, Gunter Kuhnent, a demonstration that was a part of Haven’s Camp Love A Pet.

During the two-week course, youth learned about proper care and training for dogs. In turn, the dogs learned various commands and manners. Haven benefits by having well-behaved dogs that are more prepared for adoption, officials said.

Each of the youth was paired with a shelter animal at the camp. The animals were prescreened for temperament by Haven staff, and further tested by head of animal regulation, Captain Lee Anne Smith, according to Haven dog trainer Monique Gregory.

Although the youth did not get into bite training with their dogs as Kuhnent had with his, one brave volunteer stepped up to the challenge of wearing the sleeve.

Kuhnent helped Dakota Mayfield, of Anderson, put on the protective sleeve that separated him from the trained Rottweiler. A command later, the dog approached Mayfield and waited for him to move the sleeve. Mayfield took a step back and soon had the dog somewhat playfully tugging at the reinforced sleeve. Was he scared?

“A little, you would be too, if a Rottweiler was right there,” said Mayfield.

Of course, the youth weren’t training their dogs for such work. Mayfield’s black Labrador, Kuto, was such a quick study, that he was picked up by Shasta County Search and Rescue for further testing for work on a dog team.

“Kuto has high energy and was toy driven,” said Haven dog trainer Robin Ehn, who said that search and rescue dogs must have relentless search skills, which requires lots of energy.

Some of the students, including Kaylish McCabe of Redding, have successfully tried their new shaping skills with their pets at home. McCabe said she taught her dog how to wait when she’s walking out the door.

The youth held their graduation on Saturday. Each camp member presented a dog to the audience, showing off the tricks and commands the dog had learned.