Following the launch in May of their Dog Training Made Easy campaign, Dogs Trust Malta has announced that the campaign has received widespread support from the general public across Malta and Gozo.

Thecampaign is offering dog owners a free clicker (a device successfully used in positive reinforcement training), an information booklet and access to a comprehensive web-site. To date 3,000 clicker packs have been distributed and the informative videos on the campaign web-site have been found to be a useful training aid by many.

“We are very satisfied with the overwhelming response we have received from the Maltese public,” said Sarah De Cesare Dunkerley, Manager of Dogs Trust Malta. “Having been very active over the past four years via our neutering and microchipping campaign, through which we have so far helped neuter more than 12,000 dogs, we were very concerned by statistics emerging from SPCA Malta, among other shelters, indicating an alarming percentage of dogs abandoned due to behaviour issues such as excessive barking, destructive behaviour and inappropriate toileting.

“These are all issues that can be corrected using a holistic approach to dog behaviour and with positive training methods, leading to a happier and more mutually satisfying relationship between dog and owner,” continued Mrs. De Cesare Dunkerley.

From the extensive feedback received by Dogs Trust as a result of this campaign, many cases of perceived bad dog behaviour come as a result of insufficient exercising, poor socialisation and lack of positive training.

“All dogs need exercising, with some breeds requiring a substantial amount of exercise. Our Puppy Plan campaign, to be launched in the near future, will feature better public education on various dog breeds, their characteristics and the importance of dog owners being aware of the breeding background of their pets. The campaign will be addressed to dog breeders and owners alike.” concluded Mrs. De Cesare Dunkerley.

Members of the public who have not yet ordered their free clicker can visit www.dogtrainingmadeeasy.org, call 21421500, 77711100 or 77661000 or email office@dogstrustmalta.com.

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