06/28/2025
I’m almost tempted to included the backhanded screenshots of my conversation with this woman…
This business owner defended
❌ The gross misuse of a prong because the owner was ‘working with a trainer’.
❌Another dog nearly attacking mine while in their facility because of overarousal in the environment
❌Puppies screaming in a pen for hours because they’re ‘just excited’
❌The use of a prong on every single puppy under 6 months old they owned personally
When I questioned these practices I was told I was ‘defaming them’ which was not true in the slightest. My inquiry was truly to understand if this was the culture of dog sports everywhere - if it was, I didn’t want to go back.
I was told it was a shame I made such a fuss because my dog ‘showed potential’ and ‘clearly enjoyed the sport’.
The air all came when the same dog is jumping further and more consistently and is competing at all of the same events, with invites to nationals in our division.
My dog is not over threshold, despite being somewhat leash reactive.
He is a perfect gentleman in line. No barking, no screaming, no defending the dock or breaking focus to react at other dogs.
And yet he is still successful. He shows great engagement and focus, he jumps, Qs and places.
You don’t have to compromise your morals or preferences to participate in dog sports or any other niche activity in the dog world. You don’t have to give up just because competitors don’t train the way you do.
Go. Show up. Compete and have fun, but don’t feel the need to conform. You can do it and feel good about the methods you use. If you are pressured to do something you are uncomfortable with, find a new trainer. Find a new facility, try a new sport.
Feel empowered to say ‘no’ and find someone you align with.
#
