Hoping Obama will bite

Jan. 23, 2009

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Obama,

You're a busy man so I'll be brief. I can't help you with Wall Street, the auto industry or job creation, but I can help you with one pressing domestic issue: the soon-to-arrive First Dog.

I understand you're scouring shelters for a Labradoodle or a Portuguese water dog for your daughters, Malia and Sasha. The two breeds are good options considering Malia's allergies, but, and here's where I can assist, you'll have your hands full with either choice.

Both dogs are high energy and require lots of consistent training--unless you don't mind them tackling a visiting head of state, soiling the Oval Office rug or snatching food off an East Room table during an elegant reception.

I've trained dogs for 25 years and my tips for living with them might also prove useful as you start running the country and dealing with U.S. and foreign leaders:

Aim for progress not perfection. There will be mishaps. Clean them up and move on.

Set limits. Dogs are opportunists with no moral code. If something looks good to them, they'll go for it.

Anticipate pitfalls. View your surroundings from their perspective. Remove anything that could prove harmful. Keep a close eye on them even after you've established a bond of trust.

While campaigning across the country, you probably missed last summer's CBS program, "Greatest American Dog." My dog Andrew was a finalist, but, more importantly, the 10-episode program provided me a platform--I guess we all have them--for showcasing my philosophy of positive training.

Recognizing that you and first lady Michelle Obama are busy people, I'm providing a video (see fredericksburg.com). My goal is to develop a bond between dog and owner that's based on respect rather than fear, reward rather than intimidation--an approach not unlike your outlook on foreign relations.

Please keep me in mind as you search for your Canine Trainer-In-Chief.

Sincerely,

Laurie Williams

Pup 'N Iron

More info

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is currently soliciting ideas from its members for training they would suggest for a dog living in the White House.

Those ideas are expected to include tricks as well as basic behaviors such as house training aimed at preventing historic treasures from getting soiled.

The list is expected to be posted in early February. See apdt.com.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers compiled this list of training tips from its member trainers.

Work with your vet. Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian. Make the first visit a fun, positive experience.

Train the family. Teach children how to properly interact with the dog to build a loving, trusting relationship between the dog and its people.

Take training classes. Sign up the family and dog for classes to teach the dog household manners and life skills.

Use a dog crate. Crate training can help with house training and prevent the dog from practicing unwanted behaviors when you can't be there to supervise him.

Provide chew toys. Give the dog a variety of chew toys even when he's in his crate to teach him what items are appropriate for chewing.

Socialize your puppy. Expose the puppy to lots of people, noises, objects and surfaces in a gradual and positive way that encourages exploration.

Use positive training techniques. Based on scientific understanding of dog behavior, training has moved to more humane training methods that rely on positive reinforcement.

--For more information and to find a local trainer, apdt.com.

THE ASSOCIATION of Pet Dog Trainers contacted the Obamas in November offering to help them find and train their anticipated dog. Spokeswoman Mychelle Blake said Stafford resident Laurie Williams would be her top pick for trainer based on her location, skill with a variety of breeds and experience working with children.

After interviewing Williams, we elected to present the information in a cover letter crafted by reporter Pamela Gould.

Date published: 1/23/2009

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