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Wonder Dog Award Announced
TFH/Nylabone® and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Honor Matilda the Wonder Dog
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.
The dog 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."
Nylabone and its affiliate TFH Publications are the sponsors of the Wonder Dog award for 2002. "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, 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 turned in 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."
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. APDT offers individual pet dog trainers a respected and concerted voice in the dog world, promotes professional trainers to the veterinary profession and increases public awareness of dog friendly training techniques. Founded in 1993, it is the largest association of dog trainers in the world with nearly 4,000 members. Visit them on the web at www.apdt.com.
Learn more about Matilda the Wonder Dog.
Congratulations, Matilda, the TFH/Nylabone®/APDT Wonder Dog of 2002.