Ames Animal Shelter and Control . . . where best friends meet

Training Tips

Is Your Pet a Good Neighbor?

Training Tips	Dogs Cats
TRAINING TIPS FOR THE GOOD PET NEIGHBOR If you would like more information about any of the following topics, contact the Ames Animal Shelter.

DOGS
Quiet, Bark Control Plan
Make your pet a good neighbor! Excessive barking must be corrected. Teach your dog to be quiet, bring it in the house, and speak with your neighbors for an update if your dog is left out when you are away from home.

Sanitation, Clean-Up
Scoop-up your pet's waste immediately if deposited on property other than your own and routinely if on your own property. It's the law!

Use a Leash
Leashing and restraining pets is a citywide requirement. Training collars can be purchased which will prevent the dog from pulling excessively, when walked on a leash.

Additional Training
For more information, visit the library or call an obedience trainer. The Cyclone Country Kennel Club of Ames offers obedience classes.

No Bolting Out the Door
Train yourself to stop and look for your dog before opening the door. Quickly leash dog or spray with water, commanding it to stay while people are entering and exiting your home. Teach your dog to sit and wait even when letting him or her outside.

CATS
Cats can be leash-trained and outdoor pen-trained.
If an outdoor pen is used, be certain to build a secure pen with a ceiling. Leash training a cat takes gentle coaxing, time, and patience. Always safeguard against tangling. Cat owners are expected to keep cats home or strictly on their own property. Outdoor pens must have ceilings to prevent escape.

No Bolting Out the Door
If kitty tries to split every time the door opens, train yourself to STOP, LOOK, then move kitty or spray him/her with water.

Helping You with Cat-i-tude
For problems such as Biting, House-Soiling (provided there are no medical problems and litter is cleaned), and Aggression, many people have found a 3-step program to be successful in combating "cat problems" that they are experiencing.

Hand feeding/food control, means that food comes from you and only you - they don't just find it in their dish. This will help them appreciate you a bit more.
Movement control, a gentle placing into an indoor (rest-time) cage for 30-60 minutes per day, shows them that they have boundaries.
Affection reversal means that you give it when you initiate it, not when they do. This will show them they may need to depend on you too!

More information is available upon request. Email us.

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