CHECK HERE FOR LINKS, TIPS, AND ADVICE!
WHY WE USE POSITIVE REINFORCMENT TRAINING
And why Dominance Theory is wrong
https://positively.com/dog-training/myths-truths/pack-theory-debunked/
Sophia Yin, DVM (blog excerpt): “Experts say dominance-based dog-training techniques made popular by TV can contribute to bites.” http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/experts_say_dominance-based_dog_training_techniques_made_popular_by_televis
Barry Eaton: Dominance in Dogs; Fact or Fiction, (softcover book) 2011, Dogwise Publishing. “…the alpha wolf is not the dictator of a pack, but a benevolent leader, and domestic dogs are not dictatorial and are unlikely to try to raise their status to rule over other dogs in a pack environment.” “I believe it’s time to open our minds and consider the concept of pack rules as a thing of the past and recognize that dogs are not constantly trying to dominate their owners.”
Meghan Herron, DVM (article excerpt): “Our study demonstrated that many confrontational training methods, whether staring down dogs, striking them, or intimidating them with physical manipulation such as alpha rolls [holding dogs on their back], do little to correct improper behavior and can elicit aggressive responses.”
The American Society of Veterinary Animal Behaviorists Position Statement on Dominance (excerpt): “The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians not refer clients to trainers or behavior consultants who coach and advocate dominance hierarchy theory and the subsequent confrontational training that follows from it. (https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/)
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Position Statement on Dominance (excerpt): “The APDT’s position is that physical or psychological intimidation hinders effective training and damages the relationship between humans and dogs. Dogs thrive in an environment that provides them with clear structure and communication regarding appropriate behaviors, and one in which their need for mental and physical stimulation is addressed. The APDT advocates training dogs with an emphasis on rewarding desired behaviors and discouraging undesirable behaviors using clear and consistent instructions and avoiding psychological and physical intimidation. Techniques that create a confrontational relationship between dogs and humans are outdated.” (http://www.apdt.com/about/ps/dominance.aspx)
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Kathy Sdao (article excerpt): “But even if dogs did form linear packs, there’s no evidence to suggest that they perceive humans as part of their species-specific ranking. In general, humans lack the capability to even recognize, let alone replicate, the elegant subtleties of canine body language. So it’s hard to imagine that dogs could perceive us as pack members at all.” (http://www.kathysdao.com/articles/forget-about-being-alpha/)
https://dogbizsuccess.com/danger-dominance-theory/
Cool info on how dog noses work: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201902/how-dogs-see-the-world-through-different-odors?fbclid=IwAR3QsHWwNHFa1Hms9W7q_MlYJROIZQ0B1-aCndInV2Cob0_v8gTjmBXw5wQ
RECOMMENDED TOYS
If I have recommended a product for your pet during a training session, you should be able to find it here!
Easy Walk Harness
Gentle Leader
6 foot leash
Clicker
Training Treats
Adaptil
Feliway
Kitty Holster