Dog training part of life, again

Flipping through the TV channels and coming to rest at one of the numerous national dog show competitions, one cannot help but be fascinated by the peppy,self-satisfied look on the faces of those canine competitors. Theyre all handsome examples of their respective breeds, no doubt, but could these dogs really be enjoying their strut in front of the judges as much as it appears? The answer is yes, according to Teresa Vila, a local business owner and someone who grew up in a family that bred and exhibited dalmations. Show dogs are raised with constant handling, Teresa says. From the time they are born they are stroked and handled by their owners. They are crate-trained and socialized from birth. Even as puppies, they often accompany their breeders to shows, where they are surrounded by people.

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