10/31/2026
Excuse the choppy presentation on this post but it's early morning and I have things to get to before 9:00 a.m. today so forgive me for the bad grammar, repetition and the ongoing sentences:
I feel it's necessary to post a statement for the record and then try to somehow...some way.... move on with a heavy heart and sleepless nights.
Over the last 24 hours I received an email and also screenshot of what has occurred with one of our long-time former courtesy posts, Ruby.
For almost 2 years HHA offered and was happy to take on posting Ruby to find her a home after the previous 2 failed her due to their choice of training techniques, or to marry, have children, etc.
She was never an HHA surrendered, or intake dog. I personally never spent time with her.
However, HHA covered the cost of her food and whatever else was not covered by her temporary caretaker.
We went by the updates given to us as to how she was doing. The times I would get messages, for lack of a better word, whining, about her reactive nature towards certain situations, I did the best I could to find options.
Myself not being a dog trainer, suggested either anxiety medication (that really wasn't tried much for more than a few days) or balance training over the purely positive technique.
I ll say it now. Purely Positive Training is nonsense and it can be very dangerous for dogs that have certain behavior issues. An e-collar (which by the way does not have to shock, and can be used with vibrations and tone levels to correct inappropriate behavior) was asked to be tried but was ignored.
We do not believe in violent treatment of animals which is why we have distanced ourselves from a specific trainer in Iowa who has a history of beating on dogs when he couldn't control them.
However when a dog has certain issues that can be considered a threat to not only their own well-being, but possibly the well-being of another, consequences -such as a vibration or an annoying tone or pinch, is much more effective at getting the point across. Much like how a mama dog would correct her puppy when it acts up.
Hopefully, laying down consequences is also how most of us raise our children.
From what I understand, and from somewhere deep in my gut I knew, has occurred is that this sweet dog now is waiting a decision on her fate at the local shelter because of some incident. I do not know the incident
I no longer follow that page for various reasons beyond Ruby.
I don't even know if there was an incident but in my heart of hearts
I know if we tackled whatever issues she had two years ago by using other methods besides purely positive I believe she would not be in the situation she is in now.
Again I'm not a dog trainer but I have seen the damage that purely positive training has done to not only the dogs themselves but to the trainers who have been bit constantly, been attacked by their own animals let alone clients dogs. Their knee-jerk reaction is always to put the dog down.
It's not "what am I doing wrong" instead of the typical " there's no hope for this dog" and "it should be put out of its misery."
What is the difference between balanced and positive only dog training?
Positive only training uses rewards alone and never applies consequences. Balanced training uses rewards plus clear, fair consequences, so a dog learns both what earns reward and what ends a behavior. Positive only works well for teaching new skills. Balanced training is generally more effective for stopping established, self rewarding behavior like aggression.
HHA supports humane, LOGICAL training and trainers that know that they don't always know everything.
We are unable to help Ruby anymore We cannot get her out of the situation she's in but I know in my heart of hearts compared to others who do courtesy posts, this rescue has not only courtesy posted her but treated her like one of their own while trying to find her another home.
The comments on this post will be closed because we're not going to debate all day on the fairy dust that is purely positive training or what people believe to be the horrors of balance training.
I can only tell you my 25 plus years of doing rescue that I have seen more fails and more dogs put to death because of the PP nonsense.
If this post upsets you and you feel the need to unfollow us, do so.
I said what I said. I will stand by this statement in memory of dogs whose trainers have failed them. - Rose
