For members of Canine Advocates in Newtown, dog training is not really dog training but people training.

Last Saturday, Pat Charla and Adria Henderson, both dog trainers and Canine Advocate members, began a series of training sessions for the walkers to learn to give consistent training commands to the dogs at the Newtown Pound, using the same hand signals and giving the same verbal commands.

The focus is to teach the dogs to sit on command, walk without pulling or dragging, and to respond to positive reinforcement of food or praise. These behaviors may help to get the dogs adopted more quickly into their new homes.

Ms Charla brought her own obedience-training dog Murphy, and also enlisted the help of Rufus, one of the Pound dogs. Murphy is an old pro at this, and went through his routine even before signals were given. Rufus, a beginner, loved being the center of attention and performed very well. Clyde, another Pound dog, is looking forward to volunteering for the next round of training.

After the training lesson all three dogs enjoyed a session of chasing, racing, rolling, and just plain fun

Members who participated in the Saturday session included Liz Wilson Moore, trainer Adria Henderson, Mayra Mesa, Phil Vail, Jackie zVon, pound keeper Carolee Mason, trainer Pat Charla, AnnMarie Testanero, Matthew Ziem, Virginia Jess and Municipal Animal Control Officer Gerri Breyan.