Sit Stay Snap

14/12/2024

What a great article!

By Ren Volpe

04/12/2024

24/11/2024

The only correct way to use choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars is by throwing them in the trash.

That's all. That's the post.

27/10/2024

If you have a dog who pulls, and you use a prong collar to prevent them from pulling, and they pull through it but you still use it, please understand that you are likely causing serious damage to your dog's neck skin, trachea, esophagus, thyroid glands, cervical spine, and damaging your relationship with them.

"Yeah but if it's fitted properly..." THERE IS NO ETHICAL WAY TO USE A PRONG COLLAR. Full stop.

And if you teach your dog how to walk nicely on a leash, there will be no need for punishment devices.

🐾💜

26/10/2024

HOW??? How do these dogs not have homes??? They're all just... Such good pupperses.

www.syvhumane.org

24/10/2024

The dog training industry is lucky to have these two "firebrand" humans! Love Zak George and Victoria Stilwell

I recently had the pleasure of joining Victoria Stilwell on her podcast for a conversation about dog training and advocacy. I know you all will be interested...

17/10/2024

Oh look, you get two posts from me today!!!

Read. This. Article!

Dominance theory is often misunderstood, which can lead to the development and/or exacerbation of behavioural issues in dogs

17/10/2024

This is a ten minute video and it's GREAT! Why would anyone use pain, fear, threats, or intimidation to train a dog? Not only is it simply NOT NEEDED, it can make everything so much worse!

Aversive training methods—they can work, but there’s a hidden cost. In this video, we’re exploring why even when these techniques seem to get results, they o...

01/10/2024

It's kind of like toddlers. Make the options you want them to choose the easy, obvious ones (and put the others behind child safety locks and barriers.)

27/09/2024

I got to meet Bombay at yesterday. He's a therapy dog for the and he DEFINITELY cheered me up--traveling is stressful!

25/09/2024

BEYOND CESAR MILLAN

20 YEARS LATER.....The following review was submitted to National Geographic by Dr. Andrew Luescher, DVM, Ph.D, DACVB (board-certified veterinary behaviorist).

Dr. Luescher, former director of the Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic was asked to provide feedback on "Dog Whisperer" tapes prior to the show's airing.

In this letter to National Geographic (date unknown), Dr. Luescher writes,

"I think this series, if aired, would be a major embarrassment for National Geographic. It is not stimulating or thought-provoking, since none of the presented techniques are new. They are outdated and have long been abandoned by most responsible trainers, let alone behaviorists, as inappropriate and cruel. I very much hope National Geographic will pull the plug on this program."

Please read the entire letter (It's not long.) and share: http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/andrew-luescher.html

This program and trainers who have mimicked the behavior seen in this program have done so much damage to the dog training industry, dogs, and the human-animal bond.

I have met and spoken to Dr. Luescher personally, and I share his sentiments, as do all other trainers in the evidence-based, best practice camp. Meanwhile, much of the unsuspecting public still looks to National Geographic as an authority and has no idea it has thrown science to the wind, at least in terms of dog behavior and training.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Canine Connection LLC
Willard, MO

Image copyright Valder Beebe Show, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Cesar_Millan_Mar_2018.png

23/09/2024

I met a retired racing Greyhound yesterday! He was so sweet and very calm, and I could tell his person loves him SO MUCH!!!

21/09/2024

Great article!

Balanced dog training using positive reinforcement (rewards-based) methods and aversives (physical punishment) is no better than simply using force-free positive methods and love.

18/09/2024

Yup!

15/09/2024

This this this!!! It's not enough to simply "have had dogs;" trainers who are truly passionate about their careers will continue their education and evolve with new information.

My history: I started in pet supply retail, then went into dog grooming for several years. From there, I worked in veterinary clinics and volunteered for feral cat advocacy groups. Then I became intake manager at a high volume speuter clinic, and then I moved and worked in a shelter for a while. After leaving the shelter, I decided it was time to get my certification to train so my work would have a bigger impact, and I've never once regretted that decision. I'm back at the shelter now and I love what I do!!!

A total of 18 years in animal care, with a hefty focus on volunteer work, led me to be in my career.

It's okay to ask a dog trainer what their credentials are - and you should expect them to have some, whether it's a degree or a certification. Safe and effective dog trainers are constantly learning, not just through experience, but by seeking out education.

15/09/2024

Imagine this cute, wiggly thing waking you up for snuggles every morning 😍

Dalilah is available for adoption at SYV Humane Society and DAWG!