Dog Training By Lynzee

06/10/2025

A landmark study that directly addresses this question is:

Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102722
Summary of Key Findings:

Study design: This was a controlled, scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Lincoln. It compared three groups:

Dogs trained using e-collars (shock collars) by experienced industry trainers

Dogs trained by the same trainers but without shock

Dogs trained by independent force-free trainers using positive reinforcement only

Trainers were certified and professional, with Group A and B trainers belonging to the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and having extensive experience using the devices.

Key results:

There was no significant difference in training efficacy between the groups using shock and those not using it.

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

The study concluded that the use of shock collars was unnecessary and posed welfare risks without added training benefits.

Salivary cortisol levels, behavioral stress indicators (e.g., yawning, lip licking), and vocalizations were higher in the shock collar group.

Conclusion:

The researchers explicitly stated that the use of e-collars "has negative welfare consequences for some dogs" and "no clear advantage over reward-based training"—thus the use of shock collars is not justified.

So, even if the person operating the collar is a manufacturer-trained professional, this study showed the results were no better than training without shock, and the use of electronic collars resulted in unnecessary stress.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer

06/08/2025

This old guy got to be the helper/distraction dog today! From reactive puppy to helping other dogs!! It’s been a long road with him but he’s made me so proud over the years!

06/07/2025

Interesting and fascinating 🤔 It’s always my goal to help you create a secure and confident dog, and in that process create a lasting and sustainable bond between you and your dog.

There is a famous study based on domestication that was carried out in fox fur farms ( I know, it's both a tough and fascinating read)

Selective breeding for the tamest foxes was one area of this study. However, along with this research were findings of how the domestication process impacted some of the foxes fur colour, appearance and even breeding cycles.

However there was one area reported that really tugged on my heart strings. A fox that had spent more time with a human, would integrate back in with foxes with ease, BUT if there was any conflict the fox would instantly seeks the protection and safety from the human, darting to them and hiding behind them.

From memory ( my memory lol) this was noted within a fox born in the 6th generation of selective breeding, JUST 6 !!!

I think we need to REALLY take that in, these foxes, that in just a few generations had become open to human interaction, already seen a human as a point of safety.

Now think about our dogs, who through various evolutionary and domestication processes ( from what we can piece together so far) are far more ingrained to want and need their humans.

Imagine being with someone you have no choice over living with, who offers anything but a safe relationship.

BUT HOLD ON.....Not all safety seeking behaviour is healthy!!

Not all dogs that seek safety are doing so because they feel the person is safe. Some dogs living with someone who maybe offers mixed messages, nice one minute a smack the next, maybe the human expects full compliance with minimal considerations for the dogs needs, uses methods and tools that bullies or intimidates the dog into behaving or complying etc.

These dogs can appear loyal, loving, needy even, this is usually called an INSECURE attachment.

I've seen many a people boast about how their dog is so attached, follows them everywhere when sadly that particular dog is just desperate to appease the person, living life constantly walking on eggshells ( insecure attachments can happen for various reasons I should add)

TRUST is one of the most important things to have in any relationship, genuine trust, not the illusion of it.

One where when a dog says Im not OK, I need you, we step up and show them we are there and that WE DESERVE that privilege of being a trusted person.

( Picture taken by my lovely friend Jayne at her farm)

05/21/2025

05/20/2025

05/19/2025

Bit of a tough subject

Sometimes life doesn't work out for people and dogs.

Yes, I do personally feel it is far to easy to both breed and own dogs ( sadly they are classed as property we own in the eyes of the uk law.

Honestly, too many people get dogs when they just shouldn't.

They do it for the wrong reasons.

They got the dog from the wrong place, or believed they could save a dog without realising the work that was needed.
Liked the look of a dog with no considerations for their needs and most commonly already have enough on thier plate with kids and work etc.

For me some reasons for rehoming a dog are absolutely justifiable and I really dislike the stigma some people face about making a choice of giving a dog another home when the reasons are genuinly valid.

Sometimes dogs REALLY don't get on with another family pet, sickness and illnesses, traumatic incidents etc.

ADDED; I feel desperately sorry for those who seek help and don't get it , believing they are paying for a reputable professional and that's not what they get.

BUT.......

If someone has a dog that isn't coping, and you either can't or won't move heaven and earth to help the dog

DONT WAIT FOR IT TO BITE

I want to be clear, some dogs bite suddenly due to pain etc, I'm talking about a dogs in an environment that isn't working for them, we know the dog isn't coping or getting what they need.

Rescues are full to the brim of dogs with NO bite history. They are struggling already so the chance of them taking a dog on who has been pushed to bite is sadly minimal.

Besides PTS that leaves giving a dog away or selling it privately and if I have to explain the reasons why this really isn't a good option...well....!!

Leaving a dog in a situation that it's struggling in and not doing anything about it until it's forced to bite or snap isn't the dogs fault but usually it's the dog that ends up suffering the most

If its not working out please either get REPUTABLE help and ACTUALLY do the work or consider rehoming before it reaches biting point where possible.

Don't let things keep brewing away when you can see it potentially coming, give the dog the best chance you can.

04/20/2025

04/20/2025

These are the kind of pictures you can expect when I’m watching your pets! 😂😂😂

04/15/2025

The silent auction for CPAA's Denim Diamonds & Dogs Gala is LIVE! Here is the link to view the items and place your bids!
https://www.32auctions.com/DDD2025

You don't have to attend the Gala to bid or win. But if you'd like to support CPAA and its HOPE Dogs program, here are the details:

Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Place: Farm 1840, 101 State Road, Mechanicsburg
Details: Dinner buffet by Greystone Public House, desserts by Custom Treats and Sprigs n Blooms, DJ by
South Mountain Entertainment, Photo Booth by JUKE BOX HITS Entertainment Services, cash bar, and fabulous silent auction.
Attire: Denim, Diamonds or Rhinestones, and cowboy boots if you have them!

Special guests: HOPE dogs Booker & his girlfriend, Phoebe!
HOPE you’ll come out and help CPAA celebrate 20 YEARS of its life-saving HOPE Dogs program!

Make your reservations here:
https://www.centralpaanimalalliance.org/Denim-Diamonds-and-Dogs

04/09/2025

If you get your dog from a rescue, I’ll help you.
If you get your dog from a breeder, I’ll help you.
If you get your dog from a shelter, I’ll help you.
If you get your dog from your uncle’s cousins best friend, I’ll help you.

The movement of judgement on where people get their dogs is absolutely awful. No one can do anything right. Get your dog from a breeder? Even a reputable, outstanding one? You’re contributing to overpopulation and how could you and purebreds aren’t as healthy as mixbreeds. Get a rescue dog? Well it’s probably going to be aggressive and heaven forbid a pit mix you may as well kiss your whole household goodbye and they are much harder to train if you get them older and you won’t bond as well. Breeders aren't the enemy and rescues and shelters aren't either. The "enemy" are the judgements, myths and misinformation going around. Can't we all just work together here and stop slinging mud?

This is coming from me. I have purebreds and support ethical, reputable breeders. I also have had or have mixed breeds and rescues and support ethical and reputable rescues and shelters. I love DOGS, not just the pretty ones, not just the homeless ones, not just the ones who eat raw or have a perfect confirmation or came off the streets. I don’t care about any of that stuff I care about helping you and your dog, whoever he or she is, develop a communication together that is a compromise of your needs and theirs.

Where your dog comes from doesn’t tell me anything about you. How you treat him when he makes an honest mistake, how you care for him medically, physically and mentally, what you do when he’s afraid and needs your help tells me everything I need to know about what our work together will look like. That’s the stuff that matters. Enjoy your dogs guys, please. They don’t care where they came from, but they do care about you throwing the ball or a good belly rub. There’s enough judgement and negativity in this world right now. ❤️

09/20/2024

BEYOND CESAR MILLAN

20 YEARS LATER.....The following review was submitted to National Geographic by Dr. Andrew Luescher, DVM, Ph.D, DACVB (board-certified veterinary behaviorist).

Dr. Luescher, former director of the Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic was asked to provide feedback on "Dog Whisperer" tapes prior to the show's airing.

In this letter to National Geographic (date unknown), Dr. Luescher writes,

"I think this series, if aired, would be a major embarrassment for National Geographic. It is not stimulating or thought-provoking, since none of the presented techniques are new. They are outdated and have long been abandoned by most responsible trainers, let alone behaviorists, as inappropriate and cruel. I very much hope National Geographic will pull the plug on this program."

Please read the entire letter (It's not long.) and share: http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/andrew-luescher.html

This program and trainers who have mimicked the behavior seen in this program have done so much damage to the dog training industry, dogs, and the human-animal bond.

I have met and spoken to Dr. Luescher personally, and I share his sentiments, as do all other trainers in the evidence-based, best practice camp. Meanwhile, much of the unsuspecting public still looks to National Geographic as an authority and has no idea it has thrown science to the wind, at least in terms of dog behavior and training.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Canine Connection LLC
Willard, MO

Image copyright Valder Beebe Show, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Cesar_Millan_Mar_2018.png