(CN) Dog school opens in Wuxi/Dog school in controversy

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Dog school opens in Wuxi

Xinhua

2006-12-28

 

NANJING -- A school to teach pet dogs how to behave properly has opened in Wuxi

city, in east China's Jiangsu Province, but the high cost of tuition has sent

many pet owners on average incomes scurrying for cover.

 

According to Zhu Min, boss of the training school, dogs will be taught to sit,

stand and lie down in a " civilized " way, and be trained not to bark at or spring

on approaching strangers.

 

" For example, we train dogs to sit and walk on the left side of their owners. It

is easier for the owners to take care of the dogs and to avoid causing trouble

to passers-by, " Zhu said.

 

The monthly tuition fee ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan (US$385-641), and the

duration of training depends on the pooch's age and temperament.

 

So far the school has not been a barking success among pet owners because the

tuition fees are considerably higher than the average citizen's monthly income.

" It's too extravagant to send pets to such a school, " said a local resident

called Wu.

 

But some people believe it's better to pay for tuition rather than pay medical

costs if their pets accidentally bite someone.

 

So far, 10 pet dogs have received or are receiving training courses in the

school.

 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-12/28/content_769727.htm

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Dog school in controversy

Xinhua

2006-12-29

 

Sending your dog to school may be ordinary in the west, but in China it remains

a new phenomenon. And, a newly opened dog school in east China's Wuxi City has

aroused fierce debate among local residents.

 

The Yangzi Evening News reports, the Happy Dog Training School charges 2,000

yuan, or about 250 US dollars, for courses in dog etiquette, and 3,000 to 6,000

RMB for obedience training. Though expensive, they have already had 6 graduates

since opening this past October.

 

Zhu Min, the headmaster of the school, says that all the trainers in the school

are certificated graduates of pet training or other related schools. They even

have their own teaching materials.

 

However, some local residents have doubted the worth of spending several

thousand RMB to educate a dog. A resident surnamed Geng says the price is even

more expensive than the fees for children in primary school. It's not affordable

for ordinary people, neither is it worth doing.

 

Ms. Chen, a university teacher, says that maybe the dog owners themselves should

learn etiquette first. Some people just spoil their dogs so much that the

canines don't have to behave themselves.

 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/citylife/2006-12/29/content_770772.htm