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Blog Entry 42 of 46 Ask the Dog Guy
The Dog Guy (me) answers questions about dog behavior/misbehavior.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~AsktheDogGuy

P.H.A. T. in Jefferson County

Contributed by: Dave Pearson   on 10/29/2008

P. H. A. T. (Psychology, Health And Training)

Those letters stand for a training regimen for so-called "dominant" breeds (can you say Pit Bulls) at the Table Mountain Animal Center, the "Dog Pound" in Jefferson County. Full disclosure - I am a volunteer in the P. H. A. T. program and once a week queue up to take a "Dominant" breed for a walk.

Kudos goes out to Table Mountain for stepping up to the plate and trying to do something positive for "dominant" breeds. While the area's wet finger politicians are busy banning the breed, the good folks at Table Mountain are trying to make a positive difference.

The regimen, based loosely on Cesar Millan's theories, seeks to take advantage of the canine's method of communication in shaping their behavior. I stole this from their website: "In May of 2006 we began experimenting with long term shelter dogs using a training method known as Dog Psychology. This behavior modification training differs from many other training systems. Dog Psychology is based on how dogs communicate with each other, rather than rewarding dogs for obedience type behavior like sit, stay and heel. What is remarkable and truly rewarding is excellent results are being seen with the "dominant" breed dogs, dogs that are bred and used for guarding and working. Dog Psychology is based on natural dog behavior; socialization, exercise, discipline and affection. Most people respond to unwanted behavior in dogs by applying "humanizing" techniques to the animal, which promotes the unwanted behavior. Dog Psychology addresses unwanted behavior through the discipline and body language dog's use with each other..."

My experience with P.H.A.T. has been very good. I believe Table Mountain Animal Center is the only shelter around that is accepting "dominant" breeds. My personal experience with the so-called bully breeds is very good. I've never met a mean pit bull, all I'm sure there are some. (I've seen some that I would not want to test, but not at Table Mountain).

The program has proved to be so successful that it has been opened to the public. I urge you, if you are curious, to do some more research at www.tablemountainanimals.org. Others with often join us on our morning walks other than pit bulls, but still larger or dominant type breeds like German Shepards. (and I've seen a few mutts in the mix too!) Also, a local professional trainer often joins the walk and often brings her two Husky's and what ever type of canine she happens to be working with that day.

As a trainer myself, I gotta say the folks at Table Mountain may be on to something. In the end, what matters most is if the pooches find good homes. I'm betting they will.
And, if you have a pooch who could use some manners, I'd suggest you give Table Mountain a call or check them our on their website at www.tablemountainanimal.org. For more from me on training, you might want to take a peek at www.pearsonspetservices.com/ask_the_dog_guy/art2008sep23.html where I talk about dogs training people.




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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Dave Pearson

Arvada , CO

Dave Pearson has posted 46 blog entries and 2 comments since joining on 1/7/2008. Dave Pearson 's average blog rating is 5.
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