Post by angelad on Jun 24, 2012 19:10:46 GMT
The scientific understanding of dog behaviour has moved forward a great deal in the past 20 years.
Many of the theories on which training and behaviour modification approaches were based in the past have been superseded by more modern approaches. Using training techniques that rely on inducing pain and fear in dogs, based on the belief that dogs try to assert ‘dominance’ or achieve ‘status’, is a concept that is no longer regarded as a useful way of understanding dogs, but which is also potentially harmful.
One of the most comprehensive websites dealing with these issues and telling you how to find the right trainer, is :
Dog Welfare Campaign
The use of firm, kind, consistant, reward-based methods to train dogs is proving far more effective. These established and validated techniques of behaviour modification without subjecting dogs to training techniques which may cause pain or distress are now advocated by all the major dog organisations and methods can be found on their websites.
One of best known advocates of positive training methods and a good starting point is Victoria Stillwell
Victoria Stillwell - Positively
But the best way to teach your dog is to learn yourself by you both attending a good, positive, reward based training class.
Find a Trainer
It's particularly important with Rescue Dogs that no harsh methods, particularly 'pining the dog down' are used. We don't know the dogs backgrounds but some have been abused and mistreated before coming to the Home. Dogs are very forgiving of humans and continue to love them despite their experiences, but 'pining' may remind them of previous harsh treatment and they may over react with disastrous consequences - and will certainly set their behaviours back. They in particular need kind, firm, postitive training, they need to know that they can trust you, unlike their previous owners
Many of the theories on which training and behaviour modification approaches were based in the past have been superseded by more modern approaches. Using training techniques that rely on inducing pain and fear in dogs, based on the belief that dogs try to assert ‘dominance’ or achieve ‘status’, is a concept that is no longer regarded as a useful way of understanding dogs, but which is also potentially harmful.
One of the most comprehensive websites dealing with these issues and telling you how to find the right trainer, is :
Dog Welfare Campaign
The use of firm, kind, consistant, reward-based methods to train dogs is proving far more effective. These established and validated techniques of behaviour modification without subjecting dogs to training techniques which may cause pain or distress are now advocated by all the major dog organisations and methods can be found on their websites.
One of best known advocates of positive training methods and a good starting point is Victoria Stillwell
Victoria Stillwell - Positively
But the best way to teach your dog is to learn yourself by you both attending a good, positive, reward based training class.
Find a Trainer
It's particularly important with Rescue Dogs that no harsh methods, particularly 'pining the dog down' are used. We don't know the dogs backgrounds but some have been abused and mistreated before coming to the Home. Dogs are very forgiving of humans and continue to love them despite their experiences, but 'pining' may remind them of previous harsh treatment and they may over react with disastrous consequences - and will certainly set their behaviours back. They in particular need kind, firm, postitive training, they need to know that they can trust you, unlike their previous owners