Wonder Dog Award Announced
TFH/Nylabone and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Honor Matilda the Wonder Dog
October 2002
Contact: William Allcott
(804) 775-1906
NEPTUNE CITY, NJ - Matilda, a 5-year old Australian Shepherd, is the winner of the 2002 Wonder Dog award, given by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and TFH/Nylabone, to a dog who has overcome potentially fatal behavior traits through training.
Owner Marni Cherniss found Matilda at a shelter in 1999. "I felt right away that Matilda had chosen me," said Marni. But Matilda had a rocky start in her new family environment. She panicked at the sight of strangers. She paced the floor all night and never left Marni's side during the day. When the family was away she released her anxiety in destructive chewing. One day while hiking, Matilda lunged at a bike rider. "I was at my wit's end," said Marni.
When she called the shelter for help she was advised she had only two choices: return Matilda, who would probably be euthanized, or contact a trainer. Marni didn't hesitate to call the trainer. Matilda was evaluated, and she and Marni were referred to Connie Brenton, a trainer at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley who specializes in managing aggressive dogs. Connie put the pair on a structured plan of recovery that included clicker-training (positive reinforcement) classes, dietary changes, crate training, recommended reading and daily structure. Marni noticed a difference in Matilda almost immediately, and Marni herself loved the work. The team bonded and blossomed.
Today Matilda is a certified therapy dog who loves all kinds of attention. She participates in agility competitions and has a repertoire of tricks she'll happily perform for anyone who will watch. "Matilda continues to amaze me with her scope of love and silly side," said Marni. "None of this would have been possible without a solid foundation of trust. We built this trust in each other through training and good management."
The Wonder Dog award is a part of the Nylabone Saves Lives Campaign, which is dedicated to saving the lives of dogs that may be given up to animal shelters due to destructive chewing habits. "We are proud to honor a dog who overcame a potentially fatal problem to become a happy, healthy pet," said Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President of TFH. "Destructive behavior - particularly chewing - is one of the leading reasons that pets are given up to shelters. But destructive chewing need not be a death sentence. Good training, appropriate chew toys and a good chew toy habit can spell the difference between a happy life and a sad ending. Our objective is to educate pet owners about the reasons behind their pet's destructive chewing and offer solutions to this easily corrected habit." Recommended by veterinarians for over 40 years, Nylabone manufactures chews in many styles and sizes so there is one for every dog. "Finding the right chew is the answer to destructive chewing," continued Johnson.
As the world's largest and most respected producer of premium dog chews, as well as a distinguished publisher of high-quality care and training books, Nylabone Products and TFH Publications, Inc. offer safe, constructive solutions to destructive behavior. For more about how Nylabone saves dogs' lives, click on www.nylabonesaveslives.com.
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), founded in 1993, is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. Visit them on the web at www.apdt.com. |
