Dog owners often seek professional advice when it comes to training their animal companion and there are many options available. From DVDs, books and television programs, to local dog trainers offering private lessons and group classes, consumers have choices about the methods and styles in which they want to raise their pup.
Are you supposed to be your dog's parent or pack leader? Do you want your dog to be an obedience champ or do you just need him to stop jumping on strangers? What are the boundaries you want set?
If you do choose to work with a trainer, you must be sure that the trainer's methods are safe.
Red Flags:
Trainers should never use electronic aids like shock collars which will hurt your dog and can damage your bond with him.
Rubbing your dog's nose in the mess if they should have an "accident" will never work and will only confuse your dog. This method is harmful, unnecessary, unsanitary, and shows your dog that you do things to him that are scary and unpleasant.
Screaming is not training. While a confident tone of voice is helpful, yelling may work against you by instilling fear in the dog. Dogs will learn better when they feel safe and secure. Screaming takes that feeling away.
If your dog is afraid of a trainer, you should be too. A dog who is not normally fearful should not be cowering or whimpering around a trainer. If your dog is not comfortable, the training will not be successful and you should stop the session immediately.
Never let a trainer dominate you or your dog. People who try to physically dominate their dogs may get bitten. Trainers should never sit on, kneel on, or otherwise force your dog onto his back. Do not let anyone talk you into doing this. Your dog may try to bite or could get seriously injured from this process.
Choking is not training. Always avoid the use of choke-type collars and trainers who would lift a dog off of the ground by his collar. Recent scientific studies show that choke collars cause injury. Even if the trainer uses a regular collar or harness, they should never yank your dog around on the leash.
"Don't worry, he's fine," is something a trainer should never have to say. If your trainer is constantly reassuring you that their methods are safe, it's time to look for another trainer.
Physical violence is unacceptable. This may seem obvious, but never let a trainer hit or kick your dog. Such methods are ineffective, dangerous, and possibly illegal. Training should never be abusive.
Bleeding is bad. Your dog should never bleed, vomit, or foam at the mouth as the result of a training session. If any of these things occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Injuries should not be a part of a training session.
Trust your instincts. If you are ever concerned or uncomfortable with anything that your trainer is doing to your dog, end the session. Your dog depends on you to keep him safe, and you have an obligation to speak up to protect him.
1 comment:
I found out the hard way about some trainers.
Last night my husband and I took our dog for an evaluation at a training facility we contacted. We were only there for about 20 minutes and left after the man beat her. Yes, BEAT her. He tied her to a tether on a pole with a pinch collar, then he put a leash on the end of another pinch collar, and when the dog gave our other dog a dirty look, he pulled the leash and told her no. She instantly sat down and he yanked on it again, and pulled it so hard that she was being pulled by the collar attached to the pole and by him pulling her towards him, then he proceeded to beat her face with the end of a leather lead. The whole time the dog was being pulled by his lead on a pinch collar, and also tied to the tether with another pinch collar. The dogs was screaming and yelling and my husband jumped in and said (a few choice words) and grabbed the dog and put her in the car. We just left. It was uncalled for. The so called 'trainer' said he was conditioning the dog.
I'm turning him in to the humane society and anyone else i can think of.
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