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Elaine Yau

Name: Cheung Chung-chiu Age: 62 Occupation: Dog trainer

Young Post: How did you become a dog trainer?

Cheung: After completing secondary school,  I learned dog-training skills from an expert coach, Master Lau.

In 2002, I set up Cheung Chun Chui Dog Training College in Yuen Long. Now, I have more than 20 students who directly come under my guidance.

YP: What  type of dogs do you train?

C: We train security dogs which we sell or rent to  luxury residential estates.

We also train show dogs that take part in obedience contests.

Many canine stars featured in local advertisements have been trained by us.  This includes the golden retriever appearing with TV host Eric Tsang Chi-wai in the  current commercial about mooncakes.

YP: What are the tricks in dog training?

C: You have to devise training methods based on a dog's characteristics. If a dog likes to eat, the trainer should design a programme filled with snacks and treats.

For example, when you train a dog to sit, you should dangle some food above his head. With his two hind legs on the ground, the dog will raise his head and two front paws to grab the food.

When he can perform this 'sitting' posture, you should reward him with food and generous praise. After you repeat the ritual several times, the dog will know that to sit is an act that can bring rewards.

Dogs are loyal and obedient animals. With the right training methods, they can be turned into great helpers and performers.

YP: We  sometimes hear  about dogs attacking babies and even their owners.  Why do  dogs attack people?

C: With the exception of canines living in the wild,  dogs are tame animals. When they attack people, it's often the owners who are at fault. Their lenient training methods give the dogs the mistaken belief that they are the masters. So the animals may be tempted to bite their owners.

No matter how much you love your pet, you have to let him know who calls the shots. Dogs should never be allowed on sofas and beds.

When walking their dogs, owners should never let the animals lead them.  I have seen many dogs on a leash,  with their owners trailing behind.

After returning from their walk, dogs often dash inside the house, leaving their owners at the doorstep.  This makes the dogs think they are the boss.

Without a proper sense of authority, dogs may bite their owners when they are excited or unhappy.

YP: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

C:  I'm very happy when my students show  great skill during training.  I have loved dogs since I was small. Being able to work  with them all day is also satisfying.

YP: Why do you love dogs so much?

C: Dogs are loyal animals. They love their owners no matter what they do to them.  A person may harbour grudges against someone who has scolded him. But a dog is not like that. He will obey your commands even after you have hit him.

Dogs are also willing to sacrifice their lives  for their owners. While a bodyguard is unlikely to take a bullet meant for his 'boss', a dog will protect his owner at all cost.



A master at work