I have strong opinions on certain issues; okay on many issues, particularly when it comes to dogs and dog training. You may feel free to hold your own strong opinions and disagree with me. I’ve devoted many years of my life to learning about dogs, about learning and behavior, and about how to help dogs live the best lives possible. Based on my experiences and my perspective I have come to hold certain strong views on these issues.
Tag: dog training
What is a Dog? by Deb Jones
What is a Dog? This is an honest question! After 25 years of working with all sorts of dogs I am still mystified by them. They are so common and familiar, yet they are still so unexpected and amazing. I’ve been thinking about this quite a lot lately. My guess is that different people have vastly different answers to this question. Why does it matter? I think that’s what I’m even more interested in exploring! It matters because our vision of dogs shapes our treatment of them. And our treatment of them is vital to their mental and physical health.
Choose Wisely When Considering Shock, Prong or Choke Collars
Dog Owner Responsibilities by William E Campbell I think many professional dog trainers will appreciate what William Campbell said about using "shock collars" in 1999. I too have referred to these individuals as "predators" taking advantage of dog owners, who either lack understanding what their dog/s are communicating or as Campbell suggests prioritizes needs of the individual, not the pet.
Water Retrieves with Boudicca
Putting Chuck It ball next to "Spot" caused some distraction. Additionally, excitement level. However, her enthusiasm is excellent. I would not want to punish this, normally, her response to "Spot" is good. It was my mistake. Should have realized chuck it balls sink, so not good choice for retention pond when full of water. …
An Open Letter to Pet Industry Representatives Regarding the Use of Shock in Animal Training
Shocking pet dogs remains a common, if controversial, training practice worldwide. In this open letter, Pet Professional Guild (PPG) combines decades of research, the opinions of certified animal behaviorists, and the question of ethics to explain why using electric shock in the name of training and care is both ineffective and harmful. PPG concludes that shocking constitutes a form of abuse towards pets, and, given that there are highly effective, positive training alternatives, should no longer be a part of the current pet industry culture of accepted practices, tools or philosophies.
Diversity and Breed Distinction of Canis familiaris
The domestic dog, Canis familiaris is said to be the most morphologically variable of the mammalian species. According to scientist, artificial selection contributed heavily to the rapid development and variation in color, shape and behavior we see in dogs today. The difference among dog species rivals that of any other species in the family Canidae.