02/18/2023
Most people who aren't trainers, behavioral trainers, etc. don't follow the dog training/behavioral world drama, but right now there's a heated controversy going on between two sides of training...one side is known as the "fear-free, purely positive" group (like Zak George or Victoria Stillwell)...the other side is considered more "balanced trainers" (reference Robert Cabral or Ivan Balabanov) who may also use what ff or pp trainers view as inhumane or aversive tools. I usually steer clear of the training world's drama, and only further educate myself with reading worthwhile studies/attending seminars and classes, etc. to learn about evolving methods but would like to comment on my stance regarding this issue. First of all, to be ANY kind of behavioral trainer, (or even a standard trainer,) you must ALWAYS have more than one tool in your tool belt...if not, you're failing both the client and that dog. Secondly, trainers who are educated, open-minded, and confident in their methods don't bad-mouth one another...they help promote change in the animal. The proof is in the pudding...and I HIGHLY caution people when looking at any kind of training, to be open-minded because that will ultimately make or break your relationship with your dog...and to do your OWN research because many times the information people give is based on personal opinion...which can also be MISINFORMATION and subjective. Lastly....we are all in this journey to build a better relationship with our canine friends so for the love of God, trainers need to learn to respect one another, to ALWAYS CONTINUE TO LEARN, and if your methods don't seem to be effective with an animal, be open to helping your client find someone whom you respect and who's methods MAY work because this may ultimately mean the difference between rehoming, surrendering an animal to a shelter, or at times worse. I am also attaching an interview with an amazing Doctor who has a Masters in Science, a PhD, and MANY other titlings and her viewpoint on fear free, purely positive training, etc. Thank you have a great weekend. https://fb.watch/iLR9TKxqg3/?mibextid=NnVzG8
