Finding A Good Dog Trainer
One of the most important decisions you will make in paving a path to happiness with your pet is choosing a competent and kind dog trainer. The absence of standard credentials required by law, or established professional ethics, can make it confusing for pet parents when searching for an educated and qualified trainer in an unregulated field.
However, it's important to note that both science and culture are moving far away from punishment/pain-based methods when training all animals, regardless of species. Behavioral scientists resoundingly endorse dominance-free, reward-based training as the most effective, long-lasting, and safest method, particularly for dogs displaying aggressive behaviors who may bite if underlying emotional issues are not adequately and humanely addressed.
Where to start
Victoria Stilwell-licensed trainers are hand-picked by Victoria and are held to the highest standards in the industry. These trainers use non-aversive leash-walking equipment and the most effective and sound behavior modification protocols available. They suggest that you:
• Find a trainer both you and your dog like.
• Reward behaviors you want to be repeated.
• Manage environments to prevent the opportunity for unwanted behavior.
• Remove reinforcement to stop or decrease a behavior.
• Teach alternative behaviors for behaviors you want to change.
The Pet Professional Guild adheres to the “do no harm” ethic and a strict code of conduct for trainers, holding pet welfare as the top priority. It’s the right thing to do for those who cannot speak for themselves. Search www.PetProfessionalsGuild.com for a trainer near you.
Skilled trainers understand how to utilize the resources in the environment in order to achieve the behavior they are seeking. They never need to resort to force, intimidation, or pain-based methods in the name of training.
Killer whales, dolphins, wild animals at zoos worldwide, and wolfdogs trained with positive reinforcement methods are powerful examples of the effectiveness of these methods. Please never doubt that they can work for your dog, too.
