Using 'Dominance' To Explain Dog Behavior Is Old Hat

Very interesting article here...puts a lots of whisperers in perspective:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0521112711.htm

Oh!

I was hoping someone would show me how to alpha roll a patterdale.

I'd got the gear and everything.

You might need something sturdier

Old hat?? Old hat?? what d'ya mean??

There's nothing quite like just showing a dog who's boss eh? All these new namby pamby non compulsion methods nowadays - gets you nowhere lol




Only kidding

Good research, that

"Dr Rachel Casey, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University, said: “The blanket assumption that every dog is motivated by some innate desire to control people and other dogs is frankly ridiculous. It hugely underestimates the complex communicative and learning abilities of dogs. It also leads to the use of coercive training techniques, which compromise welfare, and actually cause problem behaviour".

“In our referral clinic we very often see dogs which have learnt to show aggression to avoid anticipated punishment. Owners are often horrified when we explain that their dog is terrified of them, and is showing aggression because of the techniques they have used – but its not their fault when they have been advised to do so, or watched unqualified ‘behaviourists’ recommending such techniques on TV.”

Says it all really .

Wys
x

It does Wys.

I wonder if people will listen?

That last para that you quote says it all for me Wys, living, breathing proof here!!

I wish I'd known otherwise but am so pleased that with help from others and hard work and effort we have managed to quickly turn things around.

I worry that it'll take a good few years for the old schools to die off and this new approach to come in.

Hooray to that - just wish people would listen!

It might happen much faster if the new ideas were more successful at explaining dog behavior.

I think while certain dog trainers are on the tele promoting these strange theories it will unfortunately persist, I see Victoria Stillwell is starting some new programmes soon - I don`t think she uses the Dominance theory, does she?
When I first had dogs these ideas were not in circulation. They have only become `popular` since these tv programmes started to disseminate them, so I think the only way they will be laid to rest is if an equally forceful proponent comes along to combat them. A sort of Rolf Harris figure for Positive training? Any volunteers?