06/20/2023
Yea, social learning! It's like going to doggy school without the fancy uniforms and lunch boxes. Dogs have a natural knack for observing and imitating behaviors, just like humans. And trust me, they're not just watching to steal your snacks or copy your fashion sense. Nope, dogs are little social scientists, learning by watching their canine buddies and even their human companions. So, if you're a dog trainer who hasn't grasped the concept of social learning, buckle up, because I'm about to tell you some cautionary tales.
Picture this: a trainer who believes that dogs are blank slates, devoid of any observational skills. They stick to the good ol' methods of yanking on choke chains, shouting "no" at the top of their lungs, and generally treating dogs like they're auditioning for a role in "Boot Camp: Canine Edition." Well, let me tell you, the fallout from this kind of ignorance can be a real doggy disaster. Jeff Gellman - and the poor Pyrenees service dog he threw a towel wrap at- came to my mind ( https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-51120105) or The Dog Daddyy who drags and chokes dogs on their prong collars until submission ( thank you Zak George for making a video about this most dangerous individual) https://www.tiktok.com//video/7209773407842356523
Sorry I got side squirreled,
First, let's talk about imitation. Dogs are like furry mimics, and they're not afraid to copy what they see. So, if a trainer is using harsh, punitive methods, guess what? The poor pup is likely to imitate that aggression and become a master at growling and snarling. Congratulations, trainer! You just turned a sweet little Fido into a canine shark. Now, let's see if you can handle that black orca.
But wait, there's more! Enter emulation learning. This is when dogs achieve the same result but using a different method. So, imagine a clever Hans-trainer who insists on dragging dogs around by their leashes, completely disregarding the fact that dogs have their unique ways of doing things. Well, guess what? The clever canines will figure out their own techniques, often resulting in leash pulling that would make a tugboat blush. Way to go, trainer! You just taught those dogs that a peaceful walk is as mythical as a rainbow-colored unicorn.
Now, let's not forget social facilitation. This is when the presence of others enhances behavior. And boy, does it enhance! If you have a group of dogs in training, and one dog is anxious and barks, congratulations! You've just orchestrated a synchronized acapella-bark team. It's like a canine barking disaster; it's high-stress for everyone involved. Bravo, trainer! You've created a chorus line of chaos.
Finally, we have emotional contagion. Dogs are emotional sponges, soaking up the vibes around them. If a trainer is stressed, frustrated, aggressive, or just plain grumpy, guess what? The dogs will catch that emotional bug faster than you can say "negative reinforcement." That's right, folks. The trainer's bad mood will spread like wildfire, turning a training session into a canine flooding session. Congratulations, trainer! You just became the world's first anti-therapy trainer for dogs. Give yourself a pat on the back, preferably with a rolled-up newspaper.
So, dear trainers, let these cautionary tales be a lesson to you. Suport social learning, understand the power of observation and tap into your dog's innate ability to learn from their peers and you. Do No Harm Dog Training and ethical training methods are the way to go. Leave the outdated techniques in the history books where they belong. And if you need a serious training handbook to guide you on this enlightened path, grab Linda Michaels's "The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook." It's like a GPS for the ethical dog trainer, guiding you away from training pitfalls and steering you towards a rewarding and harmonious relationship with your four-legged companions.
Remember, folks, train with empathy, humor, and a sharp wit. Because in the world of dog training, it's not just about teaching tricks—it's about fostering a bond based on trust, understanding, and a mutual love for belly rubs.