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Wounded Dogs, healing the mind as well as the body
Over the time I worked as an Animal Control Officer I heard over and over “the reason this dog is being surrendered is because he (pick one) destroys the house, barks excessively, runs away, is not house trained, is uncontrollable, is too aggressive, is too fearful, etc.” I rarely heard a medical reason for the surrender of a pet. Most dogs with medical problems end up at the Veterinarian, some to be euthanized but unfortunately many are also euthanized due to behavioural problems.
More dogs are surrendered or abandoned every year due to behavioural problems (many easily resolved) then medical problems, ask any pound or shelter worker.
Many of the clients I assist with their dogs are shocked at how easily many behavioural problems can be resolved or managed without using any form of punishment. With the proper guidance and information the owners can make great long term changes. In general, most behavioural issues are a misunderstanding between the species. Another common reason for problems; is the lack of understanding in relation to the capabilities and the personality of the dog. We have to recognize that dogs do not understand our language and we must give them guidance in order for them to fit into our world. When dealing with canine behavioural issues we must always remember that punishment does not work, nor does it create a bond between us. What punishment does, is produce a dog that is fearful or intimidated by the human, very similar to children that have been abused.
Many dog owners will have the physical treated, but are confused and frustrated when the problems are behavioural. I believe the confusion is created due to the lack of regulations in the dog training/behaviour field. We need dog trainers and we need behaviour experts, these are two different fields. In Canada as with the rest of the world, there are no regulations regarding who can call themselves a Behaviour Expert or Dog Trainer. There are schools stating you can learn to be an expert in dog training and/or behavioural problems, trouble is most times they themselves do not have both experience and an education in an animal related field, are they experts? Check the credentials of the instructors at the school. I believe a true expert would only work with the issues in which they have been educated and trained in. Be cautious,your dog's life may be at risk.
Remember, you are the caretaker and friend of your dog, healing the mind as well as the body creates a balanced soul.
Leadership vs. Dominance also known as Kindness vs. Punishment
When studying animal behaviour, experts never recommend physical punishment when rehabilitating or training dogs. Techniques such as pinning or alpha rolls, kicking the dog in the side and devices such as choke chains, shock collars and pinch collar are punishment. No matter what words are used to describe cruelty, it is never OK.
The way to teach your dog is through kindness and positive interactions. When using positive training or behaviour modification, the bond between dog and owner becomes stronger and the dog learns to trust and rely on it's human to give them guidance.
Your dog’s physical and mental well being are at risk, proceed with caution.