Letters: Training dogs reduces, eliminates future behavioral problems
Jan 7, 2010
Training dogs reduces, eliminates future behavioral problems
Dear Editor,
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the largest educational and professional association of dog trainers in the world, has proclaimed January "National Train Your Dog Month." The goal of this campaign is to promote the importance of training and socialization to all dog owners.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million dogs and cats are turned in to animal shelters each year, and about four million are euthanized for lack of good homes. Many dogs are turned in to shelters for common behavior and training issues that could easily be solved with the assistance of a professional trainer or behavior counselor. In fact, it has been proven that training and socializing dogs when they're young reduces or eliminates behavior problems in the future.
Since January is the time for New Year's resolutions, it is the perfect time for the dog-owners of South County, and those who may be considering getting a dog, to learn about the importance and impact of training for their pet. The ADPT Web site, www.adpt.com/petowners, has a wealth of information.
ADPT and its more than 5,000 member trainers are dedicated to helping keep dogs in homes, in showing dog owners how to fully enjoy and have fun with their dogs, and to experience the joys of having a well-trained dog.
You are invited to attend any free lecture or workshop I give at Princevalle Pet Hospital, 7995 Princevalle St, #100, Gilroy, Tuesday nights once a month, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 12.
Daphne Robert-Hamilton, Certified Dog Trainer and
Behavior Counselor, Morgan Hill
Columnist continues to exhibit xenophobic view of America
Dear Editor,
Burt Anderson just doesn't get it and it is becoming ever more apparent that he never will. In his latest letter to the editor attempting to explain or justify his ignorant and xenophobic view of America he once again displays his blustery intolerance for all to appreciate.
To quote: "...although all religions are equal in this country, please remember that even in elections, majorities win."
Exactly what does "win" mean in this context, Mr. Anderson? Is religious faith some sort of competition?
Do you not see that it is fundamentally contradictory to claim simultaneously that all religions are equal and that one religion is special because its adherents are a majority and therefore "win"?
Further, quite contrary to your letter claiming that you are only asking others "that if you don't like our majority religion, then please have the decency to let us celebrate our festivities" your column actually ended with "Now altogether, Merry Christmas!" "Just let those of us who are Christians celebrate our festivities" and "Now altogether, celebrate a Christian festivity" don't go together. That's not political correctness, it's an understanding that equal means equal, and that the notion of religious winners and losers as though faiths were merely the equivalent of political parties is not just preposterous, it's dangerous.
Do you get that, Mr. Anderson?
Robert B. Mitchell, Morgan Hill
Council spending big money to fight dispensary - it's nuts
Dear Editor,
There's no doubt that marijuana can make people stark raving insane. However, the lunacy does not come from using cannabis, but springs from reefer madness propaganda utterly lacking any factual basis.
A case in point is Gilroy's City Council which is prepared to waste hundreds of thousands of dollars to stop a medical marijuana dispensary from operating there at a time when vital public services are being cut (they are reducing fire and police protection).
It is complete insanity to waste money attacking marijuana outlets that cause no significant harm.
Ralph Givens, Daly City
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