If it is to be your first dog you may be thinking about the companionship and affection of your little pooch nestled at your feet; walks along the beach and in the woods, and a faithful four-legged companion offering security for your home, if only by its bark.

 

You may not be thinking about that same little pooch nestling on your new couch tearing into a cushion as if it was a T-bone steak; pulling blood-gorged ticks off Fido after his own leisurely walk through the woods when he ran away; the mind-numbing effect of a constant bark; or the wish to throttle your faithful companion as he barely throws you a glance down the road while you plead, then threaten: "Come. Come!"

 

The trials and responsibilities of dog ownership are many, but so are the rewards. And nothing determines that balance - and whether you get to know the dog officer on a first name basis - more than proper training.

 

Ron Whitney, director of the M.S.P.C.A., says, "Those first three months are imprinting months and good training early will save a lot of headaches in the future."

 

Dog owners interested in getting off on the right paw with a new puppy may choose to rely on the help of books written with a specific breed in mind. But while books can be useful in training your pet, there is still no substitute for the experience and guidance of a skilled dog handler.

 

Gina Hayes of Vineyard Haven is one of several professional dog trainers who offer "puppy kindergarten:" a series of classes that will not turn your pooch into Lassie, but will provide a solid basis for training your dog and give the new dog owner a better understanding of a pet.

 

As with people, many of the problems dogs have as adults begin during puppyhood. And while this may not present a serious problem with a Lab who likes to lick, other large breeds with natural aggressive tendencies may pose a serious danger. But with all due respect to Father Flanagan, there is no such thing as a bad dog, only a poor owner who shirked the responsibility to train a new dog. Puppy kindergarten is as much about educating the dog owner, particularly the new dog owner, as it is about training the dog.

 

Gina Hayes' six week puppy kindergarten stresses a method of positive reinforcement obedience training, rather than a "spare the rod, spoil the doggy" approach. Her approach relies on a system of food and verbal rewards, liver treats coupled with hugs and a lot of praise, and a change in verbal tone. At times, class seems almost a combination of encounter group and Outward bound.

 

Fluvee, a four-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog, is a puff ball of puppy fur and stubborn determination. When he doesn't want to move he just spreads out his two big front paws in the manner of a mule and stops.

 

Fluvee is asked to sit amidst the distractions of the other class members. With Bernese equanimity he fulfills the request.

 

In unison, the entire class praises and coos, "Good boy, Fluvee, good boy." Fluvee basks in the praise.

 

Calvin, a second Bernese in the class is no longer a pup. He is a dog with an adult problem. Calvin doesn't like Tom, his owner's fiance. Slowly, Tom works through the various class exercises with Calvin. By the third class, Calvin responds to Tom's command and wins praise from the entire class. Trust and the basis for a relationship have been established.

 

Moose, a German Shepherd, is the class overachiever and spends most of the class focused on his owner Wally, undisturbed by the rambunctious nature of Tashmoo, a four-month-old Lab.

 

Gina treats every dog separately and reminds the class that dogs vary both as breeds and individuals. A nationally recognized trainer and handler of Bloodhounds, she stresses that not every training method is right for every dog. But Gina emphasizes the need to reward each accomplishment with praise toward a goal of promoting happy, well-adjusted pets.

 

Every hour-long class provides a foundation to be built upon during the week. There are the obvious commands: sit, stay, and come. But beyond that is the interaction among the dogs themselves as they learn to follow commands and ignore, to varying degrees, their playmates - welcome restraint while walking your dog in town or on the ferry.