Training Thoughts

I often get asked about dog training & trainers.  Here is what I know, based on all the conversations and communications I've had with dogs so far (and other species too,  even a few cats have weighed in on training, believe it or not.) I will focus on dogs here but it applies across species. I know without a doubt that positive reinforcement training is the only way to go. By positive reinforcement I am referring to rewarding desired behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior. 

Negative reinforcement often makes dogs fearful of their human companions and sometimes a well intentioned interspecies parent hires a trainer (very likely also well intentioned) who traumatizes the dog so much they get ptsd type reactions to certain things. I have connected with quite few dogs whose behavior got much worse after training and then dealing with the fear on top of the initial situation becomes very complex and trust can take a very long time to be rebuilt. 

Some dogs are simply more sensitive than others, just as certain children and people in general are more sensitive. There are dogs who barely bat an eye if you raise your voice and others will be very upset by it. So the first and most important thing is to first get to know your dog (especially if newly adopted) and get a sense of their personality. Background can also affect their disposition, whether they came from an abusive or neglectful situation before finding you. Open your heart wide to them and get to know how they react to you, to their environment, to other animals & people. Show them you are trustworthy and only planning to love & take care of them. Be gentle. If in doubt, the more gentle you can be the better. 

Next, if you are looking for a trainer, make sure they only employ positive reinforcement methods. Read the fine print on the website (if there is one) and schedule a time to talk before any training happens. There are wonderful kind trainers out there who can help animals and their people so much and greatly improve situations & relationships. I would never say to avoid training, training helps everyone with expectations and that is healthy. Simply be very cautious and vigilant to connect with a trainer who understands you will only allow positive reinforcement. Even some very nice effective trainers will use e-collars which are technically negative reinforcement because they administer a small electric shock. They can "work" quickly -yes- but can also be very traumatic for many dogs. 

Finally - if anything at all makes you uncomfortable, please listen to your intuition & instinct. A "gut feeling" could be your dog trying to communicate with you that they are scared or uncomfortable. Watch & listen with your eyes, ears and heart. You are the parent /caretaker. You know them best. Always listen to that "little voice" or "feeling." Trust between us and our animal companions is precious. Building that trust is essential and once it is there you can feel it &  see it in your animal companion's eyes and it is sacred. Honor that trust and always protect and put them and their emotions first because you are the only one who can. We are their voice and protection from the rest of the world. And that is a privilege and an honor.