[PET OHANA]

HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY PHOTOS It's more fun when you take the dog along! From left are Sabina, her mom Eileen and their adopted dog Petie, who's comfortable with his new family.

Building a relationship
with a dog takes energy

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By Hawaiian Humane Society

Developing a relationship with a dog should not feel like "work." It should be doggone fun. Here are some ways to build your relationship.

Teach your dog something new

Studies have shown that dogs that exercise and are accustomed to being with other dogs and people are more friendly and less likely to be problem barkers. "Well-trained dogs get to go more places," said Elaine Dobashi, who coordinates the Hawaiian Humane Society's animal behavior program.

"Dogs are constantly learning, so dog owners should be continually teaching them how to be good canine citizens."

In fact, "Canine Good Citizen" is a designation that dogs can earn, and many dog organizations in Hawaii offer this training.

"It's a wonderful achievement that both dog and owner enjoy," said Dobashi, "and if your dog is no longer a puppy, he or she is still able and willing to learn how to please you. There is no age limit on learning for dogs."

Start with basic obedience in a class or on your own, and then go on from there. There are dog clubs that have agility courses, teach field trials, tracking and utility training, and classes in handling for showing your pet at a dog show.

For a list of dog training organizations and clubs, visit the Humane Society or check the pages of Ilio & Popoki, a magazine available at pet shops and at the Humane Society.

HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY PHOTOS Shown here is a view of the McInerny Dog Park.

Play in a park

From Crane Park on Kaimuki Avenue to Whitmore Community Park in Waipahu, the Department of Parks & Recreation welcomes dogs on leash at 35 parks throughout Oahu.

Dogs may run free at two off-leash dog parks, both supported by donations. Pamela Burns, president of the Hawaiian Humane Society, said, "Fenced dog parks provide a safe and enjoyable place for dogs and their people, particularly those who live in apartments and condominiums that lack outdoor play areas. Dog parks also provide dog owners with a place to learn and exchange information about dog health, behavior and training. It's a great way to socialize for both humans and canines."

Check out:

>> McInerny Dog Park is located at the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., open noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. Dogs may run around the hilly park or play in the waterfall and pond, so bring a towel. This one-third acre offers tables and benches, shade, water, poop bags and restrooms. Volunteer Park Pals are often watching the fun during peak periods.

>> Bark Park, Diamond Head Road at 18th Avenue, is open sunrise to sunset every day. This flat, grassy acre and a half in the shadow of Diamond Head offers tables and benches, shade, water and poop bags.

There is a separate fenced area set aside for small dogs who may not be comfortable playing with bigger dogs. Bark Park Rangers oversee the activities and ensure harmony.

The park is looking for volunteers to help with park cleanup and grass planting from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, but the park will remain open as usual.

>> Additional off-leash dog parks are proposed by Honolulu City and County. The first one, at Moanalua Community Park, may open later in 2002.

Join the club

There are many dog (and cat) clubs in Hawaii where people and their pets find new friends with similar interests. Check the calendar of kennel club shows in the back of Ilio & Popoki, and look through the long list of dog clubs. There are breed-specific clubs and all-breed clubs for Hawaii's islands and areas on Oahu.

Get a taste of what a dog show is all about next weekend. Thomas Square is the site of the Aloha State Sporting Dog Association's group show and obedience trials on Jan. 26, followed by breed specialty shows on Jan. 27.

"There is more to see on Saturday," said show chairman Claire Inouye, "with competitions involving beauty and brains."

Sporting dogs include retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels. Spectators are free, but leave your pooch at home.

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"Pet Ohana," written by the staff of the Hawaiian Humane Society, runs the first and third Saturdays of the month. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.

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