Newton Young is the main dog trainer at Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i and has 40 years of experience training dogs for American Kennel Club trails and dog shows.
Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i was founded in 1983 with the goal of improving the quality of life on Kaua‘i by providing dog obedience training classes.
During the year, DFK offers two sets of obedience training classes, one held in the fall and one in the spring. There are four categories of training: Kindergarten Puppy and Novice Obedience are held on Saturdays at the Grove Farm Park in Puhi; Advanced Novice Obedience and Performance Novice Obedience are usually held in the evening at Kmart’s rear parking lot. Each hour-long class meets once a week for 10 weeks. Agility classes are offered once a week for eight weeks starting in June.
Registration for obedience classes are held on the second Saturday of February and August and classes start at the beginning of March and September.
For more information call the Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i at 246-6889.
1. How long have you been training and working with dogs? How did you get started?
Newtown Young: In 1974 I started showing my cocker spaniel at American Kennel Club shows on O‘ahu. A fellow handler was observing my dog and I. He suggested I take an obedience class and enter the obedience trials also, because of how attentive and responsive my dog was with me. So, February 1975 was my start into competitive obedience class, under the instruction and mentor of Grant Onaga. He liked the “willingness to please” in my dog and he pushed us in training. As a result, my dog Alfie became the first champion cocker spaniel to earn a Utility Dog title in the state’s dog sport history.
2. What exactly is dog obedience training? What is the goal?
NY: Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i train your dog to behave at home, in public places and around other dogs. Our goal is to train you and your dog, so your dog will be a useful member and companion of the family.
3. What are the most common reasons people bring dogs to your class?
NY: Many dog owners call or come to Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i classes because of aggression, pulling on their leash, barking, unsociable behavior and jumping on people. Those are just a few reasons people come to our classes.
4. How does a person know that their dog needs training? What signs should they look for?
NY: I’m sure your friends and/or family members have stories of what their dog did to their yard or house, killed a chicken, attacked the neighbors cat, got run over by a car or bit a child. Now, you have a dog! Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i, or any obedience classes on this island, can help steer you and your dog away from such happenings.
5. What does a dog really want form its owner?
NY: Because dogs are “pack animals,” they are looking for you to lead them. If you, as the owner, do not take that leadership, your dog will do his best to lead you. You are now part of his pack. He owns you and may growl or snap at any other dog that comes around, or even a person — boyfriend, girlfriend or a child. But if you are that leader, when they respond to your command (not request) and obey, lots of loving praise is needed. That’s a dog’s way of knowing the leader is pleased with their performance.
6. To what extent, if any, should a person discipline their dog?
NY: A correction must be given when a dog disobeys. A verbal correction and/or physical correction with the leash may be needed. For example, a dog and handler, biker or skateboarder is approaching. Your dog could be corrected to “leave it alone.”
7. What is your stance on choke and zap collars? Can they be effective?
NY: At Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i we use a slip collar — sometimes referred to as a choke collar — in training. All collars are useful and effective when used properly. It does depend on the problem we are trying to solve in this dog’s behavior. An electronic collar or zap collar works, but it’s not my choice of device to start with for a new dog in my pack.
8. What are some of your tips or secrets for dog owners?
NY : All dogs need to be exercised, to let that energy out. If not, they’ll let it out by digging up your yard or chewing up your shoes or house. And may I add it should be a controlled exercise — you lead, they follow. Having a feeding schedule is also important and you should let them out to relieve themselves 20 to 30 minutes after meals.
9. What is one thing most people don’t know about dogs that they should?
NY: Dogs will bite! Too many times we approach a new dog without giving them a chance to identify or greet us. After giving them a chance to smell us and feel at ease, you can then extend your hand to greet them. We teach handlers to sit their dog and get them to except a stranger politely.
10. Is professional dog training really worth the money?
NY: Yes. I’ve been to seminars with many professional dog trainers and it is worth it. Some of those professionals include Bill Koehler (dog trainer for movies), Janice DeMello, Ian Dunbar, Bob Self and many other obedience trainers and handlers. I was told never disregard other methods, learn from them. The last seminar my instructor and I attended was with Cesar Milan in Honolulu four year ago.
