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I decided to professionalize my enjoyment of canine behavior after being asked to work at a popular Pearl District dog
daycare. The manager approached after observing me for two years as my neighbor. She had been silently watching me
raise my American Staffordshire Terriers puppies. I've worked for three daycares since beginning this journey. At each I
would hear stories from concerned pet owners about how they believed they must jerk their choke-chained dog into the
down position, or flip them on their backs and smother them in an alpha roll as a consequence for their actions. I couldn't
help but see the huge injustice their trainers were causing, some using words like “whisperer” and “gentle” in their title or
techniques description. Many techniques simply encouraged continuation, even escalation of the bad behavior. Others
ruined what little relationship and bond the owner and dog previously shared. Most of these methods discouraged the
dogs from actively communicating with us and each other, and only treated the symptom of the issue. Actively
disciplining a dog for growling will never help them end their actual concern. It may actually compound the emotions,
causing dislike, or making your dog view this concern with even more hatred.
When I decided to go pro with my “hobby” I began to educate myself on more scientifically proven methods of training;
some frightened me, some seemed to contradict themselves, some confirmed what must be avoided. A few inspired me
more than all others, proving my suspicions of the canine mind.
daycare. The manager approached after observing me for two years as my neighbor. She had been silently watching me
raise my American Staffordshire Terriers puppies. I've worked for three daycares since beginning this journey. At each I
would hear stories from concerned pet owners about how they believed they must jerk their choke-chained dog into the
down position, or flip them on their backs and smother them in an alpha roll as a consequence for their actions. I couldn't
help but see the huge injustice their trainers were causing, some using words like “whisperer” and “gentle” in their title or
techniques description. Many techniques simply encouraged continuation, even escalation of the bad behavior. Others
ruined what little relationship and bond the owner and dog previously shared. Most of these methods discouraged the
dogs from actively communicating with us and each other, and only treated the symptom of the issue. Actively
disciplining a dog for growling will never help them end their actual concern. It may actually compound the emotions,
causing dislike, or making your dog view this concern with even more hatred.
When I decided to go pro with my “hobby” I began to educate myself on more scientifically proven methods of training;
some frightened me, some seemed to contradict themselves, some confirmed what must be avoided. A few inspired me
more than all others, proving my suspicions of the canine mind.
| Here are links to a few other inspiring techniques |
| Please enjoy their words of wisdom! |
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| ~Save The Planet~ |
