I think why we’re still seeing this type of training is two-fold. One is that trainers who have been doing this for years and years are not looking to change. No everyone seeks to continue their education. The second part is that it seems to be a bit cultural. Many of my clients grew up in families where dogs that misbehaved somehow were a reflection on them. Rowdy dogs showed lack of discipline in the home and was not to be tolerated. The thought of building a ‘relationship’ with your family pet was unheard of and for many, it seems that it continues to be a culture of boss owner/dog subservient item of convenience.

On the otherhand, I have met people who own and train hunting dogs (though usually with coercive methods) that LOVE their dogs and fully understand ‘relationship’ with the dog. However, the idea of not letting the dog have too many priveleges or comforts still seem to prevail.

I think that the best way we can change things is to lead by example. I personally found out the hard way that compulsion does NOT work with every dog, and that serious fall-out can/will occur. However, kind, positive methods DO work with every dog…so why not go with the program that works on everyone? We can only be role models…and of course those who teach with compulsion often end up hiring me to fix ‘the fallout.’

Training can be exciting for your dog and something they look forward to. Communication is a two way street. Listen to your dog as well.

My dogs are sad when they are not the one asked to come and train/play. They wouldn’t feel that way if they were trained with punishment mixed with praise or reward. They would never know what to expect and that would make them fearful and SO not in the game.

I would like everyone that trains dogs or trains people to train their dogs to really give this some thought and open their mind to a better way to communicate with their dog.