04/18/2022
Here's some good information!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=312253034377609&id=102847521984829
So I'm just going to take a moment to share some thoughts about the idea that some people have, that some dogs "need correction".
I work with dogs that are showing complex behavioural issues, with specific care needs. Different sizes, different breeds, different backgrounds.
I have spent years studying dog behaviour, psychology, neurobiology, physical health, nutrition, training, genetics, emotional states, body language, plus others things. I update my studies year on year.
I've seen some rather extreme cases and I haven't had to (and will not) resort to positive punishment at any point. If you aren't familiar with the language there, this is the term for adding something to a scenario to punish a dog. This could be a lead jerk, a water spray, a verbal shout, use of citronella or prong collar, for example. Think positive in the mathematical sense rather than the good/bad association we have with this.
Today, somebody that describes themselves as balanced trainer has made a statement about those that use ethical methods when working working with dogs, suggesting that they will struggle when they get outside of their "skill set". I assume by this they mean the type of dog that they might refer to as 'easy dogs' - without complex needs. I must admit, I laughed behind my keyboard as I stepped away from the conversation.
If we can work with tigers, lions, and bears using co-operative methods that are positive and consent-based, why on earth do we feel we need to start jerking leads, using citronella collars and the like, using pet correctors, with a species who have evolved to work and live WITH HUMANS? This just shows a gap in understanding and skills, so punishment has ultimately been resorted to, at the detriment of the dog.
Furthermore, we need to get past looking at behaviour on its own. There is a big picture to take in to account with our dogs. Health, diet, genetics, environment, past trauma and history, emotional experience, to name but a few. To ignore these does a disservice to our dogs, as each of these things will affect behaviour itself, but most importantly will affect the wellbeing of the individual dog.
I've said before I won't ever do "before" videos of dog behaviour, because it isn't ethical. You don't need to see a struggling dog and a magical transformation to believe me. The science is out there, confirming the same things over and over, and debunking old theories.
Real behaviour change doesn't happen over night. It will not happen quickly unless we are suppressing the behaviour, and ignoring the needs behind the behaviour...(suppression isn't real behaviour change and ultimately doesn't lead to a happy dog, just a depressed one). Have you ever tried to change a habit? How long did it take? A HUGE portion of our behaviour is driven by our subconscious. Have you ever tried to walk home and just ended up home...without really acknowledging "yep I'll turn left here, now I'll go up this road, now it's a right". We do it without thinking and just end up home. That is your brain that is used to a certain behaviour, performing a certain behaviour, without conscious thought. Behaviour 👏 change 👏 takes 👏 time 👏...unless you are not doing it properly.
If you do find a Trainer or Behaviourist refers you to another Trainer/Behaviourist, there is probably a reason why. I might refer somebody to a trusted colleague if I feel that I don't have the room in my caseload to offer them the support they really need and deserve. If somebody else offers a type of service I do not, I will refer on. I am proud to be part of a network of professionals who will refer between each other, not seeing each other as competition, but knowing that we are working towards a better understanding of dogs, whilst helping dogs and humans live happier lives, with the wellbeing of the dog at the heart of what we do.
There is never a need to resort to suppression when training or coaching a dog. There is never a need for emotional or physical abuse.
A species that WE have genetically manipulated over the centuries to work and live alongside humans deserves a hell of a lot better.
