The internet is a wonderful way to find information quickly and efficiently. You can find the closest gas station or the best price on milk. You can look up contraindications of medications. You can order just about anything online and have it delivered. Thank goodness for the internet when you lose a recipe and company is coming!
Opinions are everywhere. References for services are rare, but some consider vital, in information searches.
If a water pipe bursts and I need a plumber, I likely won’t be too happy if the person who shows up has no tools and hasn’t earned the journeyman’s ticket.
Dog training is neither managed or legislated. Experience and skills should not be taking a back seat when finding a trainer… but it does. Some say certification is just a piece of paper but it’s my opinion that it is the basic line of knowledge to be applied hands-on.
- Someone might suggest removing a flat collar and use a prong collar. (A prong collar is fitted to the dog so any pressure on the leash and the dog experiences pressure, and possibly pain, on the neck.)
- Someone might suggest removing a prong collar and learning to use a clicker. (A clicker marks a desired behaviour with a promise of a reward.)
Does aversive training work? YES it does.
We see it daily in our everyday lives. You get a ticket for speeding or running a red light. The fine is “painful” enough that you avoid speeding or running red lights… for a while. Does the fine eliminate the behaviour? NO. The next day you speed and get another fine… likely more money than the first. So the first fine doesn’t eliminate your speeding and the second is more painful to your wallet. Have either fines eliminated your behaviour? NO.
Does your behaviour have fallout?
Does positive reinforcement training work? YES it does.
Does anyone remember the gold stars given by a teacher? Given in recognition of good effort, it is a reward.
Does your behaviour have fallout?
The ABCs of behaviour can be explained by understanding:
- A (antecedent): what occurred to bring on the behaviour?
- B (behaviour): what behaviour is observed?
- C (consequence) what are the consequences for the observed behaviour?
I would suggest that folks looking for a dog trainer, do some research.
- Read reviews and ask to audit a class.
- Ask for experience, skills and knowledge. (You should expect to pay for those three things.)
- Keep open communication with the trainer so your understanding grows and they can adjust their presentations if necessary. Trainers write curriculums and feedback is important.
Ask questions! my colleagues and I are happy to answer valid questions about methods and expectations. If a trainer says they are certified, ask if they STILL hold certification… because losing those papers can be for many reasons. If certification was removed, ask why!
If you read unbelievable statements on a website, they are likely un-believable.
Hug your dogs!