You’d be barking mad to miss this unusual lot in the YP Christmas auction

A private dog training session with Ms Howson is one of the rare and unusual lots on offer this week in the Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal auction.

We are aiming to raise £20,000 to pay for the specialist training of an assistance dog for a Yorkshire family by Support Dogs, which trains autism assistance dogs, seizure alert dogs and disability assistance dogs.

While the intensive training Support Dogs provides can take months, Ms Howson says the one-to-one session on offer can be incredibly beneficial, and will focus on whatever you wish for your dog, even learning some of the useful tricks assistance dogs do everyday - like emptying the washing machine.

The session is not suitable for dogs with behavioural problems, but Ms Howson firmly believes that any dog can benefit from training, whatever its age.

“I don’t believe that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” she said. “My own dog is 13 and I teach her new things all the time.

“While we won’t be able to get to grips with any behavioural issues in a couple of hours, we can do basic obedience training, or specific tricks, like teaching your dog to do a high five, open a drawer or even empty the washing machine.”

Support Dogs have never offered their training to pups who aren’t on one of their three assistance dog programs, so this prize truly is a one-off.

As well as the training session with Ms Howson, the highest bidder will spend the full day at the Support Dogs training centre in Sheffield, meeting some of the assistance dogs and their trainers, seeing them in action, and going for lunch, before your own dog takes centre stage.

Ms Howson’s years of experience have taught her the importance of training dogs from a young age, not just in the case of assistance dogs, but in pets too.

“Training your dog is so important, not just for you as an owner, but for the dog too,” said Ms Howson. “Dogs are routine animals, they like things to be black and white, and it is inconsistency that makes things grey, and you have an unruly dog.

“Getting your dog socialised, with new people and other dogs, from a young age, and putting them into a variety of situations and places, makes sure they have nothing to be scared of.

“Teaching them obedience skills and basic good manners helps them to become a well-rounded dog, but puppy classes also help them to work with their handlers and develop a happy relationship.

“Dogs are like children, they will push the boundaries, but good training gives you the tools to help enforce those boundaries.”

Ms Howson began as a volunteer with the charity in its beginnings, more than 20 years ago, after previously working in kennels, veterinary practices and farms. She became Support Dogs’ head trainer in 1998 before becoming training manager six years later. After becoming director of operations, she became chief executive around two years ago.

To see your dog benefit from her vast experience, log on to www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/appeal to bid on the training session. Bidding closes at 5pm tomorrow (November 27), with a new set of lots up for grabs from Saturday.

How to get involved

■ You can bid for an array of exciting and unusual gifts that are available now including a one-to-one training session with Rita, a tour of the Yorkshire Dales in a vintage sports car and the chance to be business editor for the day at the Yorkshire Post.

■ Each week in Saturday’s edition of The Yorkshire Post we will reveal 10 new lots up for grabs. Bidding closes at 5pm the following Friday and then the next day another 10 exciting lots will be unveiled.

■ To bid visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/appeal

Keep up to speed with what’s on offer on twitter @yorkshirepost #YPxmasauction and also follow The Yorkshire Post’s facebook page.

OTHER DONATIONS

■ Our online auction is not the only way you can help.

■ You can donate at www.supportdogs.org.uk/donate or Text DOGY15 £5 to 70070 to donate £5

You can also send cheques payable to Support Dogs to Support Dogs, 21 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, Sheffield, S9 2RX

Please make it clear it is for the Yorkshire Post appeal.