My Philosophy is remarkably simple! I apply force-free (or aversive-free) methods in all dog training cases. This means that I do not, under any circumstances, employ or recommend pain, fear, intimidation or startle techniques to influence dogs’ behavior.
Unlike many other dog trainers, I have no use for painful collars, shake cans or alpha rolls. I simply do not have the stomach to knowingly instill pain or fear in a dog, but equally importantly, I don’t need to. Not only that, but using intimidation or fear has been shown to cause long-term trauma in dogs.
Operant and classical conditioning, the foundation for all animal learning, give me the tools I need to teach dogs and modify their behavior – without subjugating their nature.
But it doesn’t end with operant and classical conditioning. There is another piece to the puzzle! Dogs are social learners and I firmly believe that the bond we build with them based on trust and provision of choice, plays a substantial role in how our dogs behave. The absence of a deep trust-based bond leads to countless behavior problems.
Meeting the dog’s needs in every way will result in better behavior.
I adhere to the Hierarchy of Dog Needs ™ approach by Linda Michaels, M.A. – more information here.
I am a Proud Member of Truly Dog Friendly and the No Shock Coalition
TrulyDogFriendly.com was launched in May 2006 by a coalition of dog trainers and behavior consultants concerned with the proliferation of the use of shock collars and other harmful tools and methods within their profession. How do we define dog-friendly? Simple: pain-free. In order to be an effective canine behavior consultant, it is essential to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of humane science-based training.
A Word from an Expert.
"Without exception, I oppose, will not recommend, and generally spend large amounts of time telling people why I oppose the use of shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, and any other type of device that is rooted in the adversarial, confrontational interaction with the dog."
— Dr. Karen Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVB, CAAB
To use shock as an effective dog training method you will need:
A thorough understanding of canine behavior.
A thorough understanding of learning theory.
Impeccable timing.
And if you have those three things, you don't need a shock collar.
— Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM
Step 1: Roll up a newspaper and keep it handy.
Step 2: If your puppy pees on something or chews up your shoe, pick up the rolled up newspaper.
Step 3: Hit YOURSELF in the head while saying "I should have been watching my puppy!"
Repeat as necessary.
Trick or Treat?
YOU control your dog's development....Choose wisely.
BAN THE SHOCK
