How to Find a Positive Based Trainer
Feb 3, 2020 Tracey Aston Training
Whether in need of a trainer
for a behavioral problem with your pet or just looking to brush up on basic
obedience, the most important part of the equation is finding the right trainer
for you. Finding the right trainer will
put you and your pet on the road to success, and finding the wrong trainer
could have devastating and lasting effects.
Unfortunately, dog
training is unregulated and un-credentialed making finding the right trainer
even more difficult. In addition, anyone who has taken a class, or watched a TV
show, or read a book can claim to be a dog trainer. For this reason, it's essential to evaluate
and interview trainers before choosing the right trainer. Many pet parents will simply pick the trainer
closest to their location without finding out the trainer's methods,
background, education or experience.
When looking for a
trainer, look for the words positive reinforcement, force free, modern,
scientific based training. Positive reinforcement means rewarding a pet for
good behavior with praise, treats, pets or something the dog highly
values. This teaches the pet what is
expected of them, and that by giving this action, they will receive something
they value. It also allows dogs to make their own decisions. Our pets are
thinking creatures and positive reinforcement training allows them to make
their own decisions based on the incentive of reward. If a child is offered $20
for every A on their report card, they will attempt to get that ‘A' every time.
The incentive for our pets is similar based on what they value, such as owner
praise, treats or positive attention.
Force free is teaching a pet without fear, pain or use of
aversive techniques such as e-collars, shock collars or choke collars. For a pet to truly bond with their pet
parent, the relationship must be built on trust and the pet must feel safe.
Dogs trained with aversive training methods are more likely
to exhibit signs of fear and stress and develop new defensive behaviors such as
biting. Not only will using aversive equipment and training cause a pet fear, stress,
aggression and it could lead to serious behavioral problems in the future for
not only the owner but the pet's family, friends, veterinarian and dog walker.
A pet who has experienced negative stimuli from a shock or
choke collar will react negatively to any type of collar being put on their
neck. If every time someone raised their
hand to you, you received a smack, you would start to get very defensive when
someone raised their hand. In the same way a pet who has been trained with pain
will react defensively in any similar situation. This means anyone attempting
to put a collar on a dog, a veterinarian trying to examine a pet, are now in
danger of a pet reacting defensively.
Balanced, punitive or
aversive trainers will tell you that this equipment used properly does not hurt
or cause problems, this is untrue. The equipment designed to cause pain. For
example, a choke chain is basically a noose and there is no way to properly use
a noose that wouldn't be painful or cause choking. This type of equipment also
runs the risk of a pet damaging their trachea and developing thyroid issues.
Positive reinforcement allows a pet parent to build trust
and respect with their pet by communicating in a way the pet can understand and
benefits pets as opposed to the fear and pain of aversive training. Please
realize, training takes time, be wary of anyone offering a quick fix. Training
is essentially building a bond, and building a bond takes time, patience and
perseverance.
Referrals are good in most cases, as long as the pet parent
and the person referring share the same views on training methods. Always make
sure you are interviewing a potential trainer, even one who has been referred.
Ask them what types of methods and equipment they use, their educational
background and continuing education, or if they belong to any professional
associations. While it is true dog
training isn't regulated, there are certification programs available. The
Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP) offers a Certified Dog
Trainer program (AABP-CDT). Requirements include 300 hours of professional
training within the last five years, 30 hours of supervised skills development,
proof of insurance, a proficiency exam, and two references. For more information
on dog training certification, visit https://www.ccpdt.org/certification/dog-trainer-certification/
Due to the lack of
regulation in the industry, “experts” are popping up all over the internet, on
TV shows and in pet stores everywhere.
This experts not only put themselves in danger, they are putting the pet
in danger and anyone who comes in contact with in improperly trained pet or a
pet used with aversive equipment.
You wouldn't choose an
untrained veterinarian or your pet, or an uncertified groomer or let just
anyone care for your pet, and the same should be true with a trainer.
To find an educated
and certified professional in your area:
Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior
