02/14/2024
During the course of my life there have been a number of important people who not only influenced me, but offered me tools I could use to improve how I live and act in the world. Jean Donaldson is one of those people. Picking up a copy of “The Culture Clash,” took some vague understanding I had about dogs, and began to course-correct my misunderstandings.
In 2007 I gave up my apartment in the French Quarter, took all my savings, and headed to San Francisco to study with her at The Academy for Dog Trainers, which changed - and may have saved - my life. I was in my mid-50’s and hit a crossroad in my life. Like every other great change of course I’d experienced over the decades, the Academy struck a spark in me, and lit the way.
The way we approach training dogs isn’t a matter of “philosophy.” The moment we choose to use force or threat philosophy has left the building, leaving the door open to unkindness and cruelty.
No other figure in modern dog training has laid this out with more compassionate, moral, and evidence-based clarity than Jean.
Check it out:
"But dogs aren’t people. They don’t have the complementary software to learn the right and wrong we feel compelled to teach. They can, however, learn safe and dangerous, and so we fool ourselves that this is proof that we’ve morally improved them when we eschew treats and instead intimidate, and they then do less of what bugs us. Because, make no mistake, righteousness or your approval isn’t driving him."
Another classic by the Academy's director, Jean Donaldson, from our archives.
https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/blog/an-open-letter-to-owners-who-think-treats-are-bribery/
