When We Know Better - We Do Better

by Patty Homer, DVM, CVA

Life is full of change and progress. Since the beginning of human civilization, progress has taken us from caves and fire to homes with many comforts and incredible technology. The way we interact and treat animals has also changed over the years. In my opinion, our awareness of other creatures as living beings that deserve our respect, kindness and understanding is one of the human race’s greatest advancements — and this includes how we teach our pets to live harmoniously within our homes.

Changes in Dog Training
Dog training has made an incredible progression over the last 15 – 20 years. Dog trainers that have been practicing for more than 15 years probably started out with some pretty aversive methods. When I entered the training world, dog training consisted of harsh methods like leash jerks and ear pinches. These methods taught dogs through fear, pain and intimidation. Training was not fun, dogs did not enjoy being jerked around, yelled at and dominated and many people were injured  when the dog decided they weren’t going to take any more abuse.
To explain why traditional training methods were harsh, you have to understand why these methods were used to begin with. Formal dog training started around the time of the first world war, when the military needed dogs to assist in combat and needed them quickly. The militaristic approach to training worked quickly to get more dogs into service, but these methods were used on dogs specifically bred to work and still, many of these dogs could not finish the intense training, breaking their spirit and ruining their willingness to work with and for the humans.

A New Era
Then a new era arrived with trainers like Ian Dunbar who, in 1982 taught the very first off leash puppy class focusing on positive reinforcement instead of the traditional methods and Karen Pryor who worked with marine mammals in the sixties and in 1987 started teaching seminars to dog trainers on the benefits of positive reinforcement training with the use of a clicker.
In 1976 the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) was founded with the “commitment to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.”

Dog Training Has Progressed
Every time I see Maya Angelou’s quote “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better,” I think about how far dog training has progressed. After learning about positive reinforcement dog training and the benefits of teaching both humans and other animals through positive methods, my eyes and my mind opened up with wonderment, followed closely by the thought of “Why did it take so long to discover this?”
When you teach with respect and kindness for the pupil, no matter what species the pupil is, the pupil learns eagerly, retains the information longer and readily comes back to learn more. One of the side benefits to teaching dogs through positive methods is it creates a stronger bond between teacher and student. It creates a happier, less stressful environment for dog and owner and teaches your dog what you want him TO DO as well as what NOT TO DO.

Positive Messages
Traditional (aversive) training includes the use of devices that reinforce the “dominance” theory (you must be alpha at all times) and only teaches the dog what NOT TO DO.
The dominance theory has been disproven by repeated research done by legitimate researchers in the animal behavior field. Many trainers, including me, believe that the use of dominance devices can make behavior worse or suppress a behavior causing frustration that can build to the boiling point. When you hire a trainer, ask them what methods or training equipment they use. If they use the dominance theory or any of these devices, they probably have not studied dog psychology, learning theory or the science behind dog training.
The AVSAB (www.avsabonline.org) has very specific position statements on dominance theory and punishment in dog training and the adverse effects. They also have set guidelines on how to hire a dog trainer. Please take a look at these before you choose a trainer. The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) says “Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.”

Meet HEART!
There is a not-for-profit group in Kansas City called HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance (www.trainerswithheart.com).
HEART has trainers located from Lawrence to Pleasant Hill and from North KC to Harrisonville. There are approximately 40 trainers in this group and they are all vetted and adhere to a strict code of conduct. The group meets 6 times a year and at each meeting, they provide educational presentations on topics relating to pet care. The group is not just for professional trainers; HEART has members that are pet owners, rescue organizations and other pet professionals. HEART’s mission is to educate the community and pet professionals about the benefits of using positive reinforcement training.

Patty Homer has worked as a vet tech for 10 years and has been training pets for over 20 years. She offers in home training, behavior consulting and private obedience classes for dogs and cats as well as Pet First Aid and CPR classes. Patty is certified through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is the founder and president of HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance. Her experience in the veterinary field as well as training gives her a unique approach to dog training, considering the mind, body and spirit of each pet she works with. You can find her at www.goodpupkc.com, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 816.699.2260 and follow her on facebook.