Zak The Dog Trainer

01/11/2024

Another first day of training complete! Keep up the hard work pups!

12/18/2023

12/07/2023

As a dog guardian, finding an ethical dog trainer is crucial for both the welfare of your dog and their development. Here are five tips to guide you in your search:

Investigate Their Education:

An ethical dog trainer will have formal education in animal behaviour or a related field. In the UK, trainers may have completed courses or certifications from recognised institutions. This education should extend beyond initial qualifications, with ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest training techniques and research.

Check Their Methods:

Ethical dog trainers employ techniques that are rooted in understanding and respect for the dog. They use force-free, positive reinforcement methods and should be able to clearly explain these techniques to you.

Observe Communication Skills:

Good trainers explain their methods clearly and are open to questions. They should be able to communicate effectively not just with dogs, but with humans as well, making sure you understand the training process and your role in it.

Ensure They Conduct a Thorough Assessment:

Ethical trainers take the time to evaluate your dog and understand their specific needs and temperament. They don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach, but customise their training plan to suit your dog.

Ask for References:

A reputable dog trainer should be able to provide references from previous clients. This will allow you to gauge their level of experience and reliability, and get a sense of their reputation within your local community.

Remember, ethical dog training is all about enhancing the bond between you and your dog through respectful and understanding methods. By following these tips, you're on the right path to finding a trainer who will nurture this bond while fostering your dog's growth and development.

12/06/2023

I have always said this!

The outdated concept of pack leadership and dominance in domestic dogs has not only been proven incorrect, but also promotes a harmful relationship dynamic. Born from flawed studies of captive wolves in the 1940s, this theory has been wholly discredited by modern research.

Believing a dog is trying to dominate can foster negative emotions towards confused dogs and lead to unfair interpretation of their behaviour. This, in turn, can provoke inappropriate responses from the humans involved, escalating fear and anxiety in dogs, and creating a cycle of adverse behaviour.

Current understanding of canine behaviour underscores the importance of empathy, respect, and positive reinforcement. Canine Principles champions these evidence-based practices, offering an enlightened approach to dog-human interactions.

Don't let misconceptions taint your relationship with your dog. Join Canine Principles, debunk the myths, and cultivate a more compassionate bond with your dog, based on understanding their true nature and empathy towards them.

https://www.canineprinciples.com/online-dog-courses

11/16/2023

You’re not teaching them, you’re threatening them. Put in the time to work with your dog and I promise any dog can learn to walk without pulling and without the use of a prong collar!

Yes they work, we know they work - lots of things work to stop things we don't like.

Threatening and harming a child works to stop their natural behaviour that we don't want, until it doesn't.

Until that child is 60 years old and realises that those threats have affected their ability to trust people, for their entire life.

It's not good enough to threaten those who can't defend themselves.

It's not good enough to say "I'm doing it for their own good".

We need to be better at kindness, empathy and ethics for our dogs.

If you can't teach every single dog without using a prong collar - then you need to develop yourself, not change your approach to the dog.

Dogs who are struggling need our love and our help.

Not our lack of knowledge and our threats.

Let's be people who bring love and autonomy to the dogs we share the world with. Let's do that.

11/15/2023

I’ve never felt the need to force a dog ever. Much more satisfying when they chose to listen

In dog training, there are three commonly used methods: teaching through understanding, positive reinforcement, and kindness; discouraging unwanted behaviours through punishment; and an approach labelled 'balanced' that combines elements of both positive reinforcement and punishment.

However, it is crucial to recognise that the ethical and welfare concerns associated with aversive techniques make the skilful application of positive reinforcement the most effective and compassionate approach.

When trainers become highly skilled in the use of positive reinforcement, they can minimise or eliminate the need for punishment in their training methods. By creating a training environment based on trust, cooperation, and clear communication, trainers can shape and reinforce desired behaviours without relying on aversive measures. The strategic use of rewards, such as treats, praise, and play, establishes positive associations and motivates dogs to willingly repeat these behaviours.

Moreover, positive reinforcement promotes a positive emotional state in dogs, reducing stress, anxiety, and fear during training. By focusing on rewards rather than punishment, trainers create an enjoyable and engaging learning experience, increasing the dog's receptiveness to learning and their motivation to participate actively.

By understanding the dog's individual needs and motivations, skilled trainers can address underlying causes of unwanted behaviours and promote alternative, more desirable behaviours without resorting to punishment. This approach builds a strong bond, enhances cooperation, and fosters a harmonious training relationship between the dog and the trainer.

It is important to note that all aversive approaches, including punishment-based techniques, carry inherent welfare and ethical concerns. The use of punishment can induce fear, anxiety, and distress in dogs, potentially compromising their overall well-being. By prioritising positive reinforcement and avoiding punitive measures, trainers demonstrate their commitment to promoting the welfare and ethical treatment of dogs.

By emphasising the skilful application of positive reinforcement, trainers can achieve effective results while maintaining a compassionate and respectful approach to training. This approach creates a positive and enriching training experience that prioritises the well-being and happiness of the dog, while fostering a strong bond and cooperative partnership between the dog and the trainer.

Skilled positive dog trainers go beyond blindly training a dog and question the necessity of the training itself for every dog they help. They are educated in recognising signs of pain, stress, anxiety, and environmental triggers, understanding that it would be unfair to solely focus on changing a dog's responses without addressing their underlying needs.

Unfortunately, dog trainers with less education and skill are more likely to rely on forceful methods and be less capable of recognising and addressing the dog's needs in an ethical manner.

NICE exists to be a safe space for people who want to be excellent , ethical dog professionals, talk to us about joining today.

https://www.nicemembership.com/

10/04/2023

Another first day of training complete! Keep up the hard work Shuggie!

10/03/2023

Congratulations to Sawyer for his hard work completing Intermediate Training!

10/02/2023

Congratulations to Teddy for his hard work completing Intermediate Training!

09/30/2023

Congratulations to the graduates for completing Beginner Training!

09/29/2023

Another first day of training complete! Keep up the hard work little Kevin!

09/28/2023

Congratulations to these puppy class Graduates! Keep working hard!

09/27/2023

Another first day of training complete! Keep up the hard work Ellie!

09/25/2023

Congratulations to Ivy for graduating from our puppy class!

09/22/2023

Congratulations Rupert for completing Beginner Training!

09/21/2023

Congratulations Ozzy for completing Intermediate Training!

09/18/2023

Congratulations Burgo for completing Beginner Training!

09/16/2023

Congratulations Archie for your hard work completing Intermediate Training!

09/14/2023

Congratulations on Graduating from the Advanced Training class Mona Lisa! Her and her family have put in so much work and it shows! Ready to take our Canine Good Neighbour Evaluation!

09/13/2023

Congratulations to Ringo and True for completing Beginner Training!

09/12/2023

Congratulations to Daisy for her hard work completing Intermediate Training!

09/09/2023

Congratulations to these brainiacs 🧠 for completing our Brain Games course! Great work and don’t forget to keep challenging your dogs!

09/08/2023

Congratulations Stella for your hard work completing Intermediate Training!

09/07/2023

Congratulations Charley for your hard work completing Intermediate Training!