Free program aimed at controlling dogs in off-leash parks

Out-of-control dogs in off-leash parks and can lead to dangerous situations for dogs when they don’t respond to their owners.

So in an effort to improve safety, the City of Calgary and the Calgary Humane Society are now offering free lessons in getting your dog to come to you.

Animal behaviour expert Barb Walmer said rewarding your pet with a treat is a good way to teach them obedience.

“When they are out and they are loose, and there are rabbits and dogs and people and different smells –  all of that stuff was rewarding,” said Walmer.

“To just come to an owner doesn’t come naturally, and it’s not going to be rewarding for them so we need to practice that.”

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But it’s not just about dogs.  Owners also have to pay attention.

City bylaw requires your dog be under control in off-leash areas.

“I think a lot of people, when they come to the off-leash park think, ‘I will take the leash off and away we go,’” said Cheryl Herperger of City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services.

“We really want everyone to have sight of their dog – and I know it’s easy to go on your cell phone or start socializing with other dog owners, but we really want people to be respectful of responsible dog ownership.”

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Lessons by professional dog trainers are being offered at no charge.

Owners who sign up for the classes learn “new techniques” designed to cut down on all the “out-of-control” dogs they encounter.

Chelsea Pearce admitted her pooch could use some professional help.

“My dog likes to chase little kids, so having her come back instead of chasing that kid and knock them over is really important,” said Pearce.

And what about that old adage, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Walmer said it’s a myth.

She said you have to start by putting the dog back on a leash, and practicing with a tantalizing reward that trumps everything else your pet might be interested in.

“So if your dog is four years old and has been chasing rabbits and other dogs for four years, they’ve learned that that works,” said Walmer.

“So we have to stop that option by putting them back on a leash and being able to say this is what is going to work for you – which is, ‘running to me is going to give you access to everything else,’” she added.