The animal welfare community is reeling over the sudden death of Dr. Sophia Yin. Dr. Yin is one of our familys personal heroes. My mama has been fortunate enough to have heard Dr. Yin speak several times, we have her books and mama refers clients to her handouts and website frequently. In honor and memory of Dr. Yin and the tremendous impact she made to help us understand how dogs learn, please watch this video. We understand that because our following is vast, there will be some of you who are from the more traditional camp of force-based or dominance dog training, who subscribe to the alpha or pack leader theory. We respect your rights to believe as you will. We have not come out if you will publicly in support of LIMA methods (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) in the past because we knew it would be a heated conversation. But as we and so many in the animal welfare community are mourning the death of Dr. Yin, I feel that in her honor, now is the time for us to speak our mind and stand up for what we believe to be right. Please know that I spent time at Best Friends Animal Society* — they support science- and relationship-based training and behavior modification because it works. It is the kindest and most humane way, and we see first hand every day how this LIMA style works without pain or fear; we are not alone in these beliefs. The larger animal welfare organizations with which we have had the honor of working also use and recommend relationship-based training, including the Humane Society of the US** (HSUS) and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals*** (ASPCA). When the Handsome Dans Rescue team deployed to the HSUS temporary shelter to work with the #367 dogfighting survivors, there was zero force or dominance used. What was used was the most up to date science based methods. We had two volunteers from our team deploy to work on the behavior team at the ASPCAs temporary shelter for the #367 dogs, and there too, only science-based behavior modification and training was used. Why? Because the best of the best know that this is what we owe the dogs in our care. The most educated and forward thinking groups understand that this industry has moved beyond force and dominance in exchange for a kinder, more humane style of training and behavior modification. This shift in training style is based in decades of research, that provides lasting results rather than band aid fixes using corrections and force. About 20% of my mamas case load, as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), is made up of dogs who have come to her after having gone to a trainer without credentials who uses force and dominance. She helps many of them, and sadly, some are already past the point of return. There are a good many dogs who go to dominance based trainers who turn out just fine. Are we saying we never use prong collars? No, we have, on occasion used prong collars, and have then phased them out in favor of less aversive equipment (My mom has personally never used a remote control shock collar). We believe that there is room for many types of equipment, but more importantly, we owe it to our dogs, especially those of us who choose dog behavior as a profession, to educate ourselves on the most up to date methods, practices and science. We are constantly attending trainings, seminars, conferences and workshops. In just two weeks we will be at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers 2014 conference in Hartford, CT. We will be learning from the best and most respected in our industry. So, we know there will be fall out from this post. We know many of you will disagree. We know some of our friends our there watch and support Cesar Millan, are you are entitled to your beliefs. By the same token, we wanted to share our beliefs, and this video, to honor Dr. Yin and her legacy. _______________________________ * From the Best Friends Animal Society Website: The trainers at Best Friends have found that dog training built on a positive relationship is the kindest — and also the most effective — method of training. Training methods that build a positive relationship with the dog have lasting beneficial effects. When you have a good relationship with the dog, you have the animal’s trust, and he/she wants to spend time with you and work with you. Training based on punishment or dominance negates any sort of positive relationship you might develop with the animal. bestfriends.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Resources/Initiatives/Pit_bull_initiatives/Resources_for_Owners_and_Rescues/ABCsofDogLife.pdf ** From the HSUS (Humane Society of the US) Website: Its essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. 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. humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/choosing_dog_trainer.html?credit=web_id101199907 *** From the ASPCA (American Association of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Website: Some people believe that the only way to transform a disobedient dog into a well-behaved one is to dominate her and show her who’s boss. However, the “alpha dog” concept in dog training is based more on myth than on animal science. More importantly, it leads misguided pet parents to use training techniques that aren’t safe, like the “alpha roll.” Dogs who are forcibly rolled onto their backs and held down can become frightened and confused, and they’re sometimes driven to bite in self defense. If you ask around, you’ll get all kinds of advice about training your dog. Some people will tell you that the key is to use a “firm hand”—to make sure your dog doesn’t think she can get away with naughty behavior. Some people argue that you should only use rewards in dog training and avoid punishing your dog in any way. Some people insist that all you have to do is “be the alpha dog,” assert your status as the dominant leader of your “pack.” It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the glut of differing opinions out there. Regardless of which method and techniques you use, effective dog training boils down to one thing—controlling the consequences of your dog’s behavior. If you want to influence the way your dog behaves, you need to: Reward behaviors you like. Make sure behaviors you don’t like aren’t rewarded. aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/training-your-dog
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:45:07 +0000
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