We want to highlight the excellent and gentle training methods and individuals who do not use force and intimidation. There are proponents and opponents of each method but there is actual scientific evidence that supports this methodology; such as what is highlighted by Dr. Temple Grandin and other experts on our site.
There are several companies who use force, fear, and intimidation to fix a dog’s behavior. We highly caution anyone searching out trainers to ask specific questions such as the ones we provided. Anyone who throws objects should be shut down and brought up on animal abuse charges. Animal behavior is not something to be studied for a month or two and then POOF you are an animal behaviorist. You should look for someone with a strong background in biology and animal psychology. They should have years of experience and they should have worked with thousands of clients. Thousands of dogs are euthanized and thousands more were harmed by poor and inept training methods. Particularly those dogs over the 50% preset level can be damaged or permanently scarred in the same way as an abused child will suffer PTSD. Yes, animals can and do suffer from PTSD. Remember your hypothetical spouse practicing with the dartboard by your front door? How many years would it take for you to stop wincing or ducking after you come in the front door? Shock collars, electric training collars or e-collars are never recommended. Imagine if a dog is at the 50% mark and he feels a shock which feels like another dog biting him in the neck. If the dog is looking at a person and feels the shock, particularly those dogs in the lower 50% preset range, the dog may become phobic and actually believe that whomever or whatever he is looking at is actually causing the pain or sensation. So, when you have a dog that is naturally uncertain or fearful and you throw something at him, squirt him in the face, or zap him with an e-collar you are changing their temperament. Sometimes people, and animals, who are abused physically or mentally never fully recover. This is why it is so critical to never to abuse or use such “training methods” that can permanently damage or destroy a dog’s trust and respect.
