I think one of the biggest problems in the dog training world today is dog trainers developing the attitude that they are the best trainer there is. That they have the best method(s), that they know everything there is to know about dog training and no one is better than them. Not only is this attitude toxic, but it seems to be unfortunately common. A saying I have often heard in the dog training world is “There is only one thing two dog trainers can agree on and that is that the third trainer is wrong”. It’s one thing to disagree, but in the dog training world it often seems that if one trainer disagrees with another’s methods the first trainer will do everything possible to rip the second trainer down in order to build themselves up. This is just sad!!! I try to hold true to the saying that while we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. I understand that the dog training world can be a competitive one; however, dog trainers should be able to learn and grow from each other, not rip each other down!
In light of this, I would like to say a few things to dog trainers and prospective dog trainers everywhere:
In light of this, I would like to say a few things to dog trainers and prospective dog trainers everywhere:
There is no such thing as a “one all end all” training method
It’s sad the number of trainers I have run into who were unable to work with certain people, train certain dogs, or work in certain fields simply because they weren’t willing to change their training method(s). I had a friend who was once told by a trainer that her dog wasn’t "actually" trained because she had done all of his training up to that point without the use of a clicker. I knew another trainer who was great with training pets, but was unable to be very successful with service dog training because this person wasn’t willing to really change the training method they thought was "best." It is critical for all trainers to understand that all people and all dogs work and learn differently. Not only that, but different types of dogs require different types of training. A service dog is highly unlikely to be trained using the same methods as a police dog. It is also unlikely that you will use the same techniques on an extremely nervous, timid Vizsla that you would use on a strong willed, pushy Dachshund. The same goes with owners. It is unlikely that you are going to be able to do clicker training with a client who has Cerebral Palsy, or that an older person with a soft, raspy voice is going to be able to use a loud commanding voice. A truly great trainer will have knowledge on as many different training methods and techniques as possible. This way, when a client (be it the owner, or the dog) is struggling with grasping training, the trainer can mold and shape their techniques to fit the client’s individual needs.
Every training method exists for one reason and one reason only: Because it works!
If a training method didn't work, it would stop being used. Some methods are founded on modern science and have been proven to be more successful and glean better results. Some methods may be questionable as to whether or not they are “humane.” Some methods are truly downright abusive; however, all of these different methods exist because at some point, somewhere, with some dog, they have worked. Now, I obviously believe that the best training methods derive from those that help encourage bonding and a positive relationship. I would much rather my dogs do what I ask because they love and respect me and because they want to do what I ask, not because they are forced to or afraid of what might happen if they don’t. I focus on using positive training methods that are up to date with the most recent, proven science and behavioral studies. I understand that there are some dogs out there with stronger temperaments that may do well with stronger, more heavy handed techniques though. I just feel like stronger methods should be a last resort, not what you start with. I will not deny that results can be gained through more adverse methods either (I would also do what was asked if someone threatened to shock or choke me). I understand that the only reason these sorts of old fashioned methods and beliefs are still used is because it is possible to gain results from them (I’m not going to touch the argument about “at what cost to the dogs mental state?”). Police and Military dogs in the U.S. are evidence of this. I know that Police and Military dogs in other parts of the world such as Germany and the U.K. are starting to be trained using positive only methods just as successfully, however, I'm not arguing which method is "best" I'm simply stating that both methods work. Even if I personally generally disagree with more adverse methods, and believe there is a better way, I still believe that there are things that can be learned from them. Which brings me to my next point. . . . .
There is something you can learn from every trainer that you meet
Whether that trainer has more experience than you or less, whether you agree or disagree with that trainer, there is ALWAYS something that you can learn or take away from them. I have been able to learn something from every trainer that I have ever met, regardless of how I felt about them. The world of dog training is an ever growing and expanding field. New knowledge about dogs, how they think, and how they learn is coming out every day, so it is absolutely critical for every trainer to make sure that they never stop learning. Don’t just “poo-poo” something because you disagree with it or don’t believe it. Do your own research. Find out what the information is founded on. Learn about all the different methods, techniques, and tools there are, why and when they are used, and how to properly using them. Find out all the information you can before you shoot any idea or training method down. It is far better to give an educated opinion than to give a half hazard guess or suggestion (and even worse to make a clear statement that ends up proven to be incorrect). If you are unable, or unwilling to learn or be taught you will find that your value as a trainer will be minimal and may even become obsolete.
A Final word
Dog training can be an amazing career and everyone who joins this field does it for one reason: because we love these animals and recognize their potential and the amazing changes they can make in their owner’s lives. This is why we should spend every day trying to better ourselves and better those around us rather than tear each other down. We are all here trying to do something good, and that deserves to be respected.
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