TRAINING THE PERFECT COMPANION

GORDONVILLE, Mo. -- It's the first day of school and Zeiss is excited. Eager to meet all the other students, he bounds into the room to say hello.

George is somewhat more reluctant. Smaller and shyer than the other students, she has to be coaxed inside and cries during the first group exercise.

Like any other class, getting and keeping students' attention is the main focus. Some use cooked ham, others use puffed liver or squeaky toys.

The dog training classes are offered by Canine Companions, a non-profit club made up of various dog-lovers who hold the philosophy that a well-behaved dog is much less likely to be abandoned, given up to a shelter or euthanized.

"Our main concern is keeping dogs out of shelters and off the streets," said instructor Yvonne Roman. "More dogs die from non-socialization than die from disease." She said most dogs are abandoned because of behavioral problems that stem from a lack of training.

George was rescued from the street when she wandered into a friendly family's yard about a month ago and was named George' because of one of the children's fondness for George Clooney. The family hopes obedience classes will help her come out of her shell.

Overwhelmed by the sight, sound and smell of all the other dogs, the small mixed breed cowered and yelped when asked to walk on a leash.

Instructor's assistant Chris Frazier took the dog and owner outside to work privately, aided by her own dog, Morgan, a Vizsla hound. Initially suspicious, George let Morgan greet her and soon was walking quietly on lead.

Made up of about 25 members, the club offers training classes to people who have dogs at various ages and obedience levels.

Puppy class instructor Marilyn Neville said she marvels that such a diverse group of people can come together for a common cause."This group of people, who really didn't know each other, got together because we simply love dogs," she said.

Neville's puppy classes are aimed toward dogs from 12 to 20 weeks old. Owners are taught to massage their dogs, which makes them comfortable with human contact and more compliant during veterinary and grooming visits. Also taught is gentle dominance exercises, simple commands and ways to play with the puppy that encourage good behavior down the line.

"I believe in beginning early," Neville said.

But that doesn't mean there's no hope for adult dogs with little or no training.

Instructor Larry Stone said he doesn't believe the adage about old dogs and new tricks.

"Of course you can teach them," Stone said. It just takes more patience, he said.

The only limitations may be the dog's physical ability, he said. In other words, old, overweight dogs shouldn't be expected to jump through hoops.

But they can be taught to be well-mannered companions, he said.

The most docile dogs may work their way into programs such as Canine Visitors or Pet Pals, sponsored by the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Dogs who pass a canine "good citizenship" test are qualified for these programs, which bring pets to places like nursing homes, day cares, children's hospitals and veterans' homes.

Delfine Seif organizes the Canine Visitors program for the club.

Initially, the club just did testing for the Humane Society's Pet Pals program. However, the Pet Pals program only allows dogs that have been sterilized, and some club members breed show dogs.

The Canine Visitors program allows unaltered pets into the program.

Testing is rigorous.

"Only about three of 10 dogs make it," Seif said. "It takes a special kind of personality." Dogs have to be absolutely docile, allow rough petting, and show no aggression even if provoked.

Agility classes -- which train dogs to race through complicated obstacle courses -- will also soon be an option. Many who own high-energy working breeds such as border collies choose agility classes to give their dogs regular workouts.

Normally an expensive venture, the club now owns agility obstacles built as an Eagle Scout project by Jacob Koeller.

Koeller -- whose parents, Stan and Marty, belong to the club -- has the equipment in his backyard until the club finds a permanent, enclosed spot to set up the agility classes.

Instructors are volunteers. Fees for classes and club dues all go into the Canine Companion treasury, which is used to pay for rent and equipment such as temporary fencing and non-skid rubber flooring. Eventually the club will use some money to send instructors to training seminars to beef up their skills and keep them current.

A portion of the club's funds is also donated to local animal shelters such as the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau and the Sikeston Humane Society.

Instructors must have completed a year's apprenticeship as an assistant instructor before they're approved to be an instructor.

Not everyone who can train a dog is cut out to be an instructor, Stone said. "Some have really good dog skills, but their people skills aren't the best."

Canine Companion classes:

Puppy class: for dogs 12 to 20 weeks.

Basic obedience: for any dog more than 5 months old.

Advanced obedience: for dogs who've learned commands like heel, sit, down, stay.

Novice: The first "title" for show dogs and allows pet to work in a show ring such as AKC or a mixed breed ring.

Agility: For more athletically oriented dogs. Teaches obstacle course skills, jumping and following commands at a dead run.

To be a member

To be eligible to join Canine Companions an individual must:

* Be at least 18 years of age.

* Pay an annual fee of $20 ($35 for a family membership).

* Complete 10 hours of volunteer work either for the club or for an animal shelter in the local community.

For more information, contact Larry Stone at 573-243-7187.

Training tips

* Isolate dog at least 30 minutes before training.

* One person should do all the training until the dog is consistent with commands.

* Train before feeding, not after.

* Make training session a game with lots of fun and praise.

* Do not train if you are in a bad mood.

* Praise (to build confidence and encourage the dog to continue).

* Patience (one command may take as long as a week to learn).

* Perseverance (teach it over and over and over).

* Practice only 10 or 20 minutes each session, but at least a total of 30 minutes a day.

Tip: If your dog is not cooperative while grooming, smear peanut butter on the refrigerator door and let him lick it while you brush him. He will thing "something nice happens when I am brushed."