SALT LAKE CITY — In February, to protect pets from euthanasia, Gov. Spencer Cox declared 2024 a no-kill year at all Utah animal shelters. If you can't deal with your dog's behavioral problems and want to give them up, don't burden the shelter and consult a professional, advises a dog trainer in Utah.
According to Best Friends data, 47 of the state's 60 shelters are no-kill. To date, 45,538 dogs and cats have been rescued. The total rescue rate was 87.8%, with 1,700 dogs and cats euthanized. This information is based on the latest data from Utah shelters in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
Governor Cox declares Utah will be the nation's largest no-kill state
Many people give up their pets because of behavioral issues that the owners cannot tolerate or control.
According to Zebra Paper,
- Approximately 6.5 million animals enter shelters each year, but only 3.2 million are adopted out. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
- In 2020, the number of dogs admitted to animal shelters decreased by 32% and the number of cats admitted to animal shelters decreased by 23%. Euthanasia decreased by 44%. (Spots.com)
Ask a Utah expert about pets
Joined by Wayne Ogden of Bar T Kennel Training in Kuushalem (Sevier County, Utah) dave and debbie Discuss ways owners can manage unwanted behaviors in their pets.
She said trainers are good at spotting and correcting behavioral problems in dogs.
“[Dogs] They need your time, training, direction, patience, consistency, love and all of that, and they really want and need leadership,” he said. “I think this is something that a lot of trainers can offer to people who are having issues with their dogs.”
Mr. Ogden said to train your puppy quickly and don't wait.
“Typically I don’t take anything within eight weeks, but [between] Dogs are ready to learn at 8 to 10 weeks. They are ready to please you and will do what you ask,” he said.
train your pet the right way
When it comes to training a puppy, some people prefer a more disciplined approach, while others choose a less aggressive approach, but the key is to strike a balance, Ogden says.
“Dogs thrive on love and praise. They thrive on being told 'no' and then immediately being told 'good boy.' [or] As soon as you do what you're supposed to do, you'll become a “good kid.”
“So dogs need to learn what 'no' means. They need to learn boundaries, but they also need love and praise.” [and that’s] That’s why they keep doing things for you,” Ogden said.
The great thing about owning a dog is that they can be trained at almost any age, he said.
“We have trained and trained dogs that are 10 and 11 years old and they have done great. We loved it because we were able to turn it around within a few days.”
But if the dog is overly aggressive and beyond the owner's control, he says, it probably needs professional help.
“Anything with aggression. . . . You definitely need an experienced trainer. You definitely need someone who can deal with aggression and work with you.”
However, he said 95 percent of negative behaviors in dogs can be remedied.
Related:
Fawn's Family Rescue offers a lounge to relax with adopted cats
Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL News Radio. Users can find the show on his website and app at KSL NewsRadio, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
