Sunday, September 8, 2024

“Ah! Look they are kissing!”

No, no they are not. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Although this behavior may look cute, the behavior of licking another dog’s mouth serves an important function. This behavior, along with others, is classified as “pacifying” behavior.The Merrian-Webster defines the word pacifying as “to restore to a tranquil state.”Pacifying behaviors in dogs function to suppress or decrease aggressive or dominant behavior. Essentially trying to “make peace” with the situation at hand.

Other pacifying behaviors include muzzle nudging, paw lifting, and the “canine twist” most often seen in young puppies. The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) may show pacifying behavior in a conflict over resources such as food, territory, or mating partners. Whatever they feel the need to control.

By using discrete body language, they not only conserve their energy for more important matters but also decrease the chances of escalation leading to injury or death of themselves or a packmate. (Let’s be clear packmates are between dogs. NOT between dogs and people.) An interesting fact about pacifying behavior is that it also pacifies the dog who is displaying the behavior! You may also notice dogs trying to pacify us, humans when we get frustrated or upset! Dogs are masters of non-verbal communication. The more we learn about their behaviors the more information we receive.

“Be a friend. Not an owner.”

Friday, September 6, 2024

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Welcome to Our New Blog!

We’ve officially moved our blog to Blogger, a platform that allows all you dedicated Pawrents to stay engaged by commenting on posts. With the move away from our social media group, this will help us keep our community connected. Our previous content is now available on Blogger, and I’ll share a quick guide to help you get started!

Logging In

In the top right corner (1), you’ll see an option to log in. You can use your Google account for this. Don’t have a Google account? No problem! You can create one here. Once you’re signed in, you’ll be able to join the conversation by commenting on posts.
Finding Content

On the right-hand side (2), you’ll see a list of tags. These categories are matched with posts to help you narrow down your search. If you’re looking for something specific, there’s also a search bar (3) where you can enter keywords to find exactly what you need.
Need Help?

If you run into any issues with the Blogger platform, their help section is a great resource. You can check it out here.

Feel free to explore, leave a few comments, and share the blog with your friends!

Monday, September 2, 2024

Your Dog’s Pace

Your Dog's Pace

When we're in a learning environment, it's important to set ourselves up for success. This includes the environment, your dog, and yourself.

We, humans, need the skills to be clear and consistent. This is made by understanding fundamental elements such as your dog's body language, how to communicate with your dog, and applying the correct timing and reinforcement.

Learning at the dog's pace allows them, the learner, to be comfortable. A stressful environment does not allow for learning as the dog is focused more on what they perceive as a stressor.

When teaching a new skill, it's best to teach it in a very low-distraction environment. An environment that the dog is familiar with, such as your own living room. By starting off with minimal distractions we can focus on the task at hand... learning.

As your dog starts to understand the behavior you have been teaching them we can SLOWLY increase the difficulty. This could be in the form of an environmental change, an example of moving from the living room to an alternative room, or maybe your backyard.

We can also increase the difficulty within the same environment. Take the skill of a down (and staying there). Once your dog understands and performs it without much thought, we can add some difficulty. We could for example, slowly walk around the room, around the dog, toss some toys around, and eventually leave the room for varying amounts of time.

Rushing the learning process does not lead to quicker results. Quick results come from clear and consistent behaviors.

I always love to teach: "If your dog is failing, it's our fault, not theirs.". What I mean is that we have increased our criteria (our expectations) too quickly. We need to reconsider the previous steps and their understanding!

The same approach applies when working with unwanted behaviors, such as over-the-top reactions towards whatever "triggers" your dog, such as people, other dogs, cars, bikes, kids, etc.

If your dog is over the top, the environment we have set is too challenging. I like the analogy of a pie. We cut the pie into pieces, and each piece equals a step toward our final goal. Think about how we can cut those pieces even smaller and smaller, setting the dog up for success.

Work WITH your dog, not against them!

Be a friend, not an owner.

Who Is This Ben Guy Anyways?!

Who is this Ben guy anyway?!

While some of you know me personally, many have recently joined the group or have not worked with me before.

My name is Ben Neill. I've been a paramedic for approximately 7 years now, working out of Sussex, Hampton, and St. Martin's area. I work this job full-time. I work with many great, talented, and caring people. I enjoy helping others. (Reinforcement works on humans too!)

The rest of my time has been dedicated to helping doggy "Pawrents" improve their relationship and communication skills with their pups. During my downtime between 911 calls, I am either reading textbooks, listening to dog-related podcasts, or being active in the online avenues relating to Ethology.

Ethology is the study of animal behavior. I don't simply study how to make dogs sit when you ask them. I have (and continue) to study how dogs use their body language to communicate with other dogs, and us, humans. I study how dogs learn best, and take what the very intelligent Ethologists and other scientists have learned from their field studies and implement that information back into my training. Essentially I am trying to communicate in a way that is very natural for them. By communicating clearly and setting realistic expectations, we can see progress quickly and with little effort.

I try to look at the "Big Picture" when it comes to training. I treat dogs as equals, not as an animal that we are superior to. I aim to help your dogs feel safe and confident. I do my best to set them up for success. I try to form a relationship with every dog I meet, and I like to think I've been successful in doing so. This is not because I am special, or because I am a "dog whisperer" (don't get me started on that guy.) I have simply learned skills that I can teach you. These skills enable you to gain more information about how your dog is feeling and doing, thereby improving your connection with them. As living organisms, dogs have many natural needs. There are ways to satisfy these needs. Most problematic behaviors develop from these needs being unmet.

I plan to take The Missing Link Dog Training business to a full-time career. You've all done amazing at setting me on a very consistent and progressing path to do so. So I thank you once again. As time goes on, I'll be able to dedicate more time to this community we are building, where I'll aim to give back as much value to you as you have to me.

If you ever have any questions relating to dog training or behavior, please don't hesitate to reach out. If there's an area of dog training you'd like to learn more about, let me know and I'll put together some information for you.

My goal above all else is not the acquisition of money, it is providing scientifically sound education and improving our interspecies relationships.

"Be a friend. Not an owner."

Where Does My Dog Come From?

Are dogs wolves? Where did they come from? How did they integrate themselves into our society? No other animal has co-existed with us so effectively as our dogs!

The scientific name for the domesticated dog is “Canis lupus familiaris”. Wolves are known as “Canis lupus”. Both are within the family “Canidae”, the dog family. There are more than 36 different types of canids thriving today, including foxes, wolves, coyotes, and jackals.

Genetically speaking, there is much resemblance between the wolf and the dog. But behaviorally, they differ substantially!

How domestication began is a mystery, but we have evidence of their evolutionary journey! Researchers have concluded the divergence between the wolf and domesticated dog occurred anywhere from 14,000 to 32,000 years ago. This is based on archaeological and genetic analysis.

There are two common theories that we will discuss.

A theory from Korand Lorenz, states that jackals may have benefited from close proximity to humans due to the increase in food resources. Humans at this time also noticed that the increased noise caused by the jackals indicated nearby prey. This prey (food resources) was beneficial for both the jackals and humans alike. This eventually led to more cooperative behavior between both species. Another known theory comes from Zeuner in 1963, which was popularized by Ray and Lorna Coppinger in 2001. This is the story of scavengers.

In this theory, it was not the humans who approached wolves, but the extra food resources left by humans which allowed wolves to breed more freely. Over generations, the more timid (and less aggressive) wolves would spend time closer to humans. The more aggressive wolves would increase their distance, going back into “the wild”. This caused a separation of the species. Aggressive behavior may be beneficial for an animal in the wild, but not so much for life around humans.

If these early human settlers would have shunned these wolves away, it would only be a matter of time before new wolves showed up. It may have been more beneficial to “get used” to the pack of wolves outside your community than to have new, less predictable, wolves showing up daily!

Domesticated animals tend to be more comfortable around humans, reach sexual maturity quicker, develop the tendency to mate in any given season, and are generally less fearful or reactive than their wild counterparts.

The process of domestication has also shown observable changes, such as areas of white coat (usually the chest), floppy ears, and curly tails! This could also relate to our own innate parental dispositions. I don’t have to explain the success rate of your dog using their “dog eyes” to get what they want!

How Did We End Up Where We Are?

In natural selection, nature “selects” for certain traits within animals. “Selects” is a tricky word…

Evolution doesn’t have a “goal” or “purpose”. It “selects” what is most adaptive given that organism's specific environment. By “selecting” a coat color that matches their environment, these animals not only hide more effectively from predators but also allow them to get closer to their prey! This increases survivability, therefore the potential to pass on genes to future generations through reproduction.

While some of the traits produced by the mixing of genetic information can be beneficial, they can also be neutral, or detrimental!

Artificial selection is what is referred to as human-directed selection. Breeders choose which dogs are allowed to breed and when, they also control their environment, pre-and-post natal care, stimulation, and more.

When breeders choose to breed based on behavioral tendencies, it will result in dogs who show more of those given traits. This is how, for example, labs and retrievers are so cooperative with humans. Their evolutionary path has been artificially selected for their compatibility with humans. German shepherds have been artificially selected for herding or protection work. Alaskan Huskies and Malamutes have been selected by humans to pull sleds and cargo.

But what happens if breeders “select” for appearance over behavior? Sure, you’ll get a litter of adorable pups… But is that what truly matters? Breeding should focus on the overall well-being and welfare of the animal. Breeders should look at variables such as any health dispositions, genetics (pros/cons), behavioral and communication ability, parental skills, and more. Breeding based on looks instead of practical traits leads us to poor destinations. An example of this can be seen in Bulldogs, Pugs, and other brachycephalic (short-muzzled) dogs who have a host of medical problems, including breathing problems, even from birth.

Throughout our history of careless breeding, we have introduced dogs to a myriad of medical problems, shortened lifespans, and limited natural abilities. By breeding in these ways, we are also reducing the genetic variation (healthy genes available) within the dog’s gene pool.

As always, if you are looking to acquire a furry friend, do your research! If you are going to purchase from a breeder, ask questions! How is the parent's behavior? What is the breeder's investment in their pups? Are they being well stimulated, socialized, and imprinted properly? Are they breeding to produce well-mannered, well-socialized dogs? Or are they breeding for the money?

What are their options if something doesn’t work out?

If you are adopting, what information is available? Is there any prior paperwork? What has the shelter/foster experience? Have they had experiences with other dogs? Cats? Children? How are they on a lead? Do they travel well? Ask questions that are important to your lifestyle to find the best match you can!

Don’t take the first dog you see!

Did you know, there are approximately 900 MILLION dogs worldwide?! What’s more fascinating is that approximately 80% of these dogs are free roaming! (That’s around 720 million dogs!)

A great video illustrating Natural Selection: https://youtu.be/0ZGbIKd0XrM

When & How Often Should You Train?

A study named “The effect of frequency and duration of training sessions on acquisition and long-term memory in dogs.” looked into the effects of training frequency and duration.

Forty-four beagles were divided into four groups. The dogs aged from 5 months to 6 years old. They were all bred in the same location and shared similar daily patterns of food and environment.

The Groups:

Daily Training (one session per day)
Daily Training (three consecutive sessions per day)
Training 1-2 times per week (one session per day)
Training 1-2 times per week (three consecutive sessions per day)

The skill was a new skill that had not been taught prior (going to a basket and staying there). They were then tested four weeks later to gauge retention.

Results:

“Results demonstrated that dogs trained 1–2 times per week had significantly better acquisition than daily trained dogs and that dogs trained only 1 session a day had significantly better acquisition than dogs trained 3 sessions in a row.”

The main factors sex, age, frequency, and duration did not differ significantly nor did the interaction frequency of training session by the duration of training session.

All training programs resulted in long-term retention of the dogs 4 weeks after the experiment.

Spaced Training is associated with an increase in acquisition and retention.

“Lack of occasions for consolidation processes between massed training sessions has been suggested to cause impaired performance in massed trained animals (Commins et al., 2003; Fernström et al., 2009; Spreng et al., 2002).”

“Sleep has been identified as a state that optimizes the consolidation of newly acquired information in memory (Born et al., 2006; Gais et al., 2006; Stickgold and Walker, 2007) and facilitates retrieval in wakefulness (Hennevin et al., 1995).”

Related Studies:

In 2007, Meyer and Ladewig tested the effects of training with Beagles once a week or daily with Beagles. Dogs who were trained weekly learned the task in significantly fewer training sessions.

Rubin et al. (1980) trained 15 ponies to perform specific maneuvers, such as to clear a small hurdle and to move backward. Their results showed learning criteria in significant fewer training sessions than those who trained seven days a week.

Fernström et al. (2009) found training in Rhesus Macaques once a day and three times a week to be more efficient than training twice a day.

“Donovan and Radosevich (1999) short rest periods in humans appeared to produce the strongest results for simple tasks, whereas for more complex tasks longer rest periods appeared to benefit acquisition the most, and this observation might very well be relevant for animals as well.”

Link To The Study:

Demant, Helle & Ladewig, Jan & Balsby, Thorsten & Dabelsteen, Torben. (2011). The effect of frequency and duration of training sessions on acquisition and long-term memory in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science - APPL ANIM BEHAV SCI. 133. 228-234. 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.05.010

What Has Your Dog Taught You?

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.” – Edward Hoagland

Since I started this journey with Link, I've learned many lessons.

In the beginning, you are teaching your dog the "rules" of the environment. Don't chew on shoes, stay off counters, don't use your sharp little daggers on soft living things.

As time progresses, we work in greater depth together. We go from teaching skills to teaching concepts.

I started noticing that while modifying Link's behavior, he was also modifying mine. This is where we see that relationships are a "give and take" equation. A healthy relationship combines meeting the needs of the "other", while also having your own needs met. This also includes compromise, "meeting in the middle."

I've learned by working at Link's pace, I could help him feel more confident and secure. This led to higher engagement, more positive experiences, and less overall stress. These are crucial feelings for living in an unfamiliar world.

I've learned the importance of communication. By improving our communication skills, we can develop a more positive, uplifting relationship together.

I learned that when dogs provide each other with information, such as displeasure, they communicate it. What amazes me is the SECOND the unwanted behavior or condition changes, they move on from it as well. Communicate your needs. Go with the flow. Don't dwell on things we cannot control.

I've learned that progress is progress. Setting unrealistic expectations does not help. Are you making progress? Is the process enjoyable for both of you? If so, just keep going.

I've been focusing on "mindfulness" lately. Attempting to minimize anxieties about the future, and preventing myself from fixating on negative events from the past. Link has given me an outlet to focus on the present. While we are interacting, it's just us, nothing else.

From being a hermit gamer, to now going on hikes, walking trails, parks to play and train, or even out in the backyard. Being outside more frequently has had great mental health benefits.

Don't stress over mistakes. It's how you respond to them that matters. Link has made many "mistakes", as have I. What's important is what we can learn from those mistakes. If the intention was positive, was it even a mistake?

I give as much as I can to Link, and he does the same. I think it's working out pretty well.

"Be a friend. Not an owner."

Thoughts for Pawrents

Companionship:

We should view our dogs as companions. They are living organisms. They are not an accessory for you to dress up for social media attention. They are not meant to be used for games to entertain ourselves. They have their own feelings and desires. Please treat them as such.

A New Universe:

Imagine you were placed in an unfamiliar universe. There are crazy sounds, really fast and slow-moving objects, really big and really small things, and lots of new smells. Remember, we've been here for a while and have had a lot of time to adapt, they haven't.

Behavior:

Behavior change takes time and consistency. What is the last behavior you've tried to change? How many times have you tried to cut out junk food? Stop drinking as much coffee? Going to the gym or starting a new diet plan? It's not that easy, is it?

Attitude & Body Language:

Your attitude matters. Dogs are mainly non-verbal in their communication. Be confident, be clear, and be kind. Pay attention to how you move your body when giving signals to your dog. How you move is more important than what you say. If your training or interactions are not positive, then find a solution. Improve your communication, and create a better bond.

Simplicity:

The law of simplicity states that we should reduce our approach to its most simple form. This creates clarity. Do you want to stop your dog from charging at visitors as they enter your home? Why not just have them on a lead? Signals such as "Doggo, come here please!" could be simplified to "Doggo, come!"

Natural Needs:

All dogs have natural needs. By understanding their natural needs and which ones they value most we can structure their day-to-day life to properly stimulate these needs to have a well-rounded, content dog.

Reinforcement & Benefits:

Dogs, like us, will act based on benefits and costs. By offering positive reinforcement we can communicate to our dogs which behaviors are preferred in which contexts. Are you wanting a behavior change and not seeing any progress? What motivation are you providing your dog to change?

The Power of the Nose:

Our dogs have an incredible sense of smell. One source estimates dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors, whereas we have approximately 6 million. By understanding the importance of the dog's nose we can incorporate more nosework day to day. A simple activity I like to suggest is a "scatter." Take a portion of your dog's daily food rations (with or without treats) and throw them into your grass, snow, or out in public. This nosework will help provide them with mental stimulation while also giving them an outlet for their most powerful sense. Also, when taking your dog for a walk, allow the dog to be a dog. Let them use their nose. There's no reason you HAVE to keep walking at one pace. If you're concerned about the walk for your own health, leave the dog at home.

Management:

If your current training cannot end with success in the real world we must move to management. If you can't get a consistent recall in your yard, how would we ever expect it to be successful at the dog park? By understanding this gap between your training and the difficulty level we can adapt using management when required.

Small Slices of Pie:

When working on any behavior we must always aim for the dog to be successful. If the dog fails, it's not their fault, it's ours. A dog failing is information for us that we are setting our criteria too high, or not being clear within our communication. By breaking down these behaviors into smaller pieces we can improve the learning curve of the desired behavior and make the learning process more enjoyable for everyone.

Let's do our best to take a deeper look at our relationship with the ones we love the most. What can we do to improve the quality of their life? What can you implement starting today?

"Be a friend. Not an owner."

The Missing Link Dog Training Statement

At The Missing Link Dog Training, my approach revolves around treating all conscious species, including dogs, with utmost respect. By understanding their needs through their body language and auditory signals, we can establish a deep connection with them.

I believe that the best teaching methods are rooted in compassion, understanding, and patience. Any mindset or tool that deviates from these values is simply barbaric. These methods have been extensively researched and proven to have negative consequences not only in dogs but across various mammalian species, including humans. This research is replicable, meaning it has a VERY high likelihood of accuracy. Once you know better, you should strive to do better.

Ensuring our dogs' innate needs are met is of great importance. Like humans, dogs have "species-typical" behaviors that are crucial to their well-being. By identifying and allowing them to express these innate needs in a safe and controlled environment, we create a content and well-stimulated pup. Our focus extends beyond their physical needs to encompass their emotional and mental well-being as well.

A core principle of working with our dogs is agency—a sense of control and influence on their environment. This has been proven to enhance the quality of life for both dogs and humans alike.

Why Choose The Missing Link Dog Training?

I am accredited by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC-ADT), the international leading association for animal behavior.

We employ learning theory and techniques grounded in peer-reviewed science, promoting effective and evidence-based training while also maintaining a focus on welfare and wellbeing.

You will receive a tailored approach, meeting the unique needs and desires of your dog and family, ensuring a personalized experience.

My Commitment:

Transparency at all times, ensuring continuous open communication.

To always strive to offer my highest quality of service, continuously enhancing my offerings to exceed your expectations via ongoing education and learning opportunities.

To build a closely connected community centered around welfare and well-being.

I am committed to educating and sharing knowledge supported by the most recent scientific literature.

Discover the transformative experience of The Missing Link Dog Training.

”Be a friend. Not an owner.”

The Complexity of Life

Life is full of variables and its complexity is unimaginable. Let's take communication for example. All words have specific (and multiple) definitions, but everyone does not follow the same definitions. In dog training, I often refer to "reinforcers". Through my studies, this has been defined as something that increases the frequency, duration, or intensity of behavior. Other trainers use the term "reward" meaning the same thing. When communicating with others, it’s important to be clear in what we are saying to minimize miscommunications. Then we have the difficulty of interspecies communications, such as that with our dogs! Dogs communicate using nonverbal behavior. They are also reading our nonverbal behavior as well. How conscious are you of what your body is saying? Without placing much awareness on it, you may have no idea! By using the fundamentals taught via Ethology we can “speak dog”, using behaviors that are more familiar to them aiding in our communication.

We’ve had many experiences in our lives. These experiences have shaped who we are today. Someone who had a fearful experience in a pool may see a pool party as a punishment rather than a day out. All of our individual experiences have left us with different associations. This leads to creating our likes and dislikes. Like us, dogs have had combinations of both positive and negative emotional experiences. By learning about your dog's own likes and dislikes, fears, and pleasures, we can better shape their environment to help them feel safe and content.

With each experience, we can take away what we want from it. Learn from your mistakes, see the good where you can, and bring that with you. You're not perfect, no one is, this includes our four-legged friends!

I used to be big on the "motivational" talks, and sometimes it's good to get a little motivation from an outside source. But at the end of the day, it’s what is important to you. What you value most, you will accomplish. On the flip side, we all have limitations. I could spend the rest of my life in the gym, with unlimited free time, a personal chef, and all the pharmaceuticals available. I would still not obtain the physique of a world-class bodybuilder. Understanding your values, acknowledging where you are, and setting attainable goals will lead you to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. This goes for our dogs as well. We should not expect them to become robots listening to our signals 100% of the time. That is not only unrealistic but also unfair. That is no way to live. Remember, like us, they are also living organisms!

Let’s focus on the things that better ourselves and those around us. Let’s bring the good memories and the lessons learned. Let’s stay focused on what matters. Let’s be open-minded and compassionate with others. Let’s work with each other, and with our dogs, not against them. It’s not “us” versus “them”. We can all grow together.

"Be a friend. Not an owner."

Teenager Dogs?! (Adolescence)

Adolescence is a developmental stage within mammals. Dogs experience this phase from approximately 6 to 18 months of age. Although this can obviously vary. Smaller dogs seem to reach maturity sooner than larger breed dogs.

So why are adolescent dogs so crazy?!

An important factor is that your "teenager" dog's brain is going through massive developmental growth!

The areas of the brain responsible for basic functions such as breathing and heart rate develop first. Soon after the area of the brain that elicits emotions is developed. It's not until after these other areas of the brain that the front part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) is developed. This area of the brain is what helps with decision-making, logical thinking, and reasoning.

What I find fascinating is that the neurons that excite and increase arousal develop BEFORE the neurons that inhibit arousal. That means that your dog may not be PHYSICALLY ABLE to control their emotions and behavior. Knowing this gives you a big change in perspective.

Your dog is not being an "idiot" or being "stubborn", your dog is going through a developmental phase which they have little control over. This is also the time that they are working out who they are, what their boundaries are, and how they can engage with their environment.

This is a time to work WITH our dogs, not against them.

What to avoid:
Avoid flooding your dog. Flooding is placing them in situations that are way too stimulating for what they can handle.
Avoid punishing your dog. Remember they are trying their best with the information which you are providing them.
Avoid restricting their stimulation and exposure because it's hard. If you find it too challenging, create a simpler environment (I can help!).

What to do:
Keep their circle smaller, where they can emotionally handle it.
Focus on enrichment, such as nose work, in environments with lower levels of stressors.
Consider taking your dog for walks during lower traffic times. Or in less populated areas.
Lower your criteria. Suddenly your dog doesn't want to sit which was fluent before? Understand what they are going through. Start reinforcing them more frequently. Set them up for success!

Pay attention to your dog's body language. What do they display when they are comfortable? What do they display when they are stressed? Be observant of your dog giving you signs that they need more space!

Keep management and prevention in mind!

This stage is the most challenging stage for most Pawrents. It can last many months. It can seem like you've lost all your progress. But be understanding with your best friend. Once you come out the other side, you'll regain all your prior skills and more!

"Be a friend. Not an owner."

Scatter Exercise

The Scatter Exercise!

Video:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUEKOpZQh_wT6A82YAShG3MEYWyN8Bkg/view?usp=drive_link

Scattering your dog’s food/treats provides them with many benefits...

Utilizes their strongest sense.
An immense source of mental stimulation.
Satisfies their natural scavenging behavior.
Great as a management strategy.

“A dog's nose is an exquisite piece of machinery, capable of smelling in parts per trillion. When making the analogy to human vision, what you and I can see at 1/3 of a mile, a dog could see at more than 3,000 miles away and see just as clearly." - James Walker (Sensory Research Institute)

Regulation & Accreditation

Regulations, Associations, Certifications, LIMA

Dog Training is an unregulated industry in North America. This means that I, as well as you, can state you’re a dog trainer and you can start offering services. Since we have no regulatory body in the dog training industry, where can you look?

Certifications are a good thing! Research into their requirements. Who taught the material? Are they reputable? Are they well-respected within the industry? Are they associated with any of the larger associations? Is the material being taught up to date? Certifications can come from 1st, 2nd, or 3rd party sources. In 1st party sources, the individual or company backs their successful members. In 2nd party certification, an association to which the member belongs provides backing for its members given their criteria are being maintained. In 3rd party certification, an independent source comes into play. This prevents any bias or other factors which could alter the outcome of their assessments.

An easy answer? Associations. Associations provide codes of ethics that members must abide by in order to retain good standing. These criteria can include promoting LIMA, maintaining professionalism, and treating animals and clients respectfully.

A large, well-known American association, the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (*https://www.ccpdt.org/*), and the most prestigious international animal behavior association, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (*https://iaabc.org/*), promote animal welfare, up to date scientific research, and ongoing training for their members.

LIMA (*https://iaabc.org/en/lima*)

A staple of these associations is to promote a principle called LIMA. LIMA stands for “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” Effective Behavior Intervention.

“LIMA describes a trainer or behavior consultant who uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive strategy out of a set of humane and effective tactics likely to succeed in achieving a training or behavior change objective.”

“LIMA does not justify the use of punishment in lieu of other effective interventions and strategies. In the vast majority of cases, desired behavior change can be affected by focusing on the animal's environment, physical well-being, and operant and classical interventions such as differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior, desensitization, and counter-conditioning.”

So what are we even talking about?!

If you’ve been around here for a while. Some of these terms will already make sense to you!

LIMA is about minimizing pain and discomfort as a price for achieving the “right” behavior. LIMA states that positive reinforcement and understanding the learner should be the priority. They expect the teacher to implement systematic problem-solving strategies, prevent forms of abuse, and promote agency - choice, and control for the learner.

Humane Hierarchy (*https://iaabc.org/en/humane-hierarchy*)

The Humane Hierarchy is a tool to assist trainers, owners, and animal care professionals, in their decision-making process during training and behavior modification. To begin we have “Wellness”; health, nutrition, physical factors, medical condition, etc.

Next is “Antecedents Arrangements”, put simply, this is how we set the dog up for success.

Following “Antecedents Arrangements” comes “Positive Reinforcement”, which is providing something the animal desires as a result of providing the desired behavior. This can be food, play, praise, affection, or whatever else they deem pleasurable!

The next stop is “Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors”. This is a combination of reinforcing an alternative (incompatible) behavior while eliminating reinforcement for the prior, undesirable, behavior. An easy example of reinforcing an alternative behavior could be reinforcing your puppy for sitting in front of your guests instead of jumping up to see them.

“Negative Punishment, Negative Reinforcement, or Extinction” comes next. Negative Punishment includes withdrawing the positive reinforcer to reduce the behavior. Negative Reinforcement is when you withdraw an aversive (bad thing) to increase a behavior. Extinction is removing the reinforcing aspect of the behavior to reduce it back toward its baseline frequency and intensity.

Now, after that nerdy talk and your brain feels like Jell-O, shake your head and focus!

You can see how many things happening before punishment-based tactics should even be considered. You’d have to completely clear your dog on a physical and physiological level. You’d need to continually minimize your dog’s stressors, and modify their environments based on their current abilities which vary day by day, context by context! You may have to make significant changes to your current routine or lifestyle!

When training begins, we want to change how the animal FEELS about that “thing”, or that the skill is appreciated. By pairing positive experiences via food, play, praise, affection, or other forms of positive reinforcement, we are directly associating these feelings with the associating context. When done correctly, over time, and with repetition, at your dog’s pace, your dog’s response will become increasingly positive, resulting in more preferred behaviors.**BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!**We still have the option to reinforce an alternative behavior! Simple eye contact, stationary or moving skills (depending on your dog’s preference), or otherwise!

Punishment-based strategies simply suppress the animal's emotional response to the stimulus (“thing”). This doesn’t address the core of the behavior being expressed… the EMOTION. Punishment-based training is also simply not ethical. There are also COUNTLESS studies from different areas of research, from all over the globe, that will collectively advise against the use of aversive methodologies. Many titles, excerpts, and studies can be found here if you want to read more! *https://banshockcollars.ca/studies.php*

If you have found your way to me, you care about your dog. Whether you work with me, or someone else, ensure that the wellbeing of your dog, your family, and the public are always at the forefront of your decision!

Accreditation

I am an Accredited Dog Trainer from the most prestigious international animal association in the world, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants!

Thank you all for your ongoing support as I continue to improve the quality of service I can offer to our community!

Punishments & Aversives In Dog Training

The word “aversive” can be described as “tending to avoid or causing avoidance of a noxious or punishing stimulus. (1) Punishment, in the world of science, “means the chances of a behavior happening again have decreased as a result of an event that followed the behavior.” (2)

There is a never-ending debate on the optimal way to train animals. Many credible studies have been performed over multiple decades of research in multiple fields of study. Many studies have been published on mammals, such as rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans. Most mammals share strikingly similar physiological responses. Much of our current understanding had its roots within rats and other animals.

I will list many of the well-documented fallouts of using aversives/punishment in training. These studies are of dogs. However, many more studies have demonstrated negative consequences in other mammals.

A study was performed on dogs where the floor had an electric current running through it. Dogs were placed in different contexts. Dogs who could escape the shock quickly learned how to do so. Dogs who were restrained during the time of the punishment eventually learned what is termed “learned helplessness”. This is when an animal gives up and no longer attempts to escape the aversive situation. This leads to animals who may appear calm, but who are physiologically “shut down” and “just take it” after learning that they do not have any control over the environment. (3)

“If aversives are a common consequence of many kinds of behavior, the result may be a suppression not only of the punished behavior but of behavior in general.” Even if punishment appears successful, we are only suppressing the emotional root. The “problem” wasn’t resolved. –Chance, P., 2008, Learning and Behavior, 5th Edition, 208.

Dogs trained using punishment-based methods showed no effectiveness above positive reinforcement methods but also led to other problematic behaviors. “When asked whether their dog exhibited any of 16 common problematic behaviors, the number of problems reported by the owners correlated with the number of tasks for which their dog was trained using punishment (P< 0.001), but not using rewards (P = 0.17).” (4)

Dogs show more signs of physiological stress when trained using punishments, even outside of training sessions! (5) While dogs who are trained using positive reinforcement show fewer behavioral problems. (6)

Confrontational training methods can lead to aggressive responses from dogs. (7) This state of conflict is detrimental to your relationship with your dog, damaging feelings of trust and safety.

While high levels of punishment have resulted in adverse effects on a dog’s behavior, positive reinforcement can improve the dog’s ability to learn. ( 8 )

This study on shock collars resulted in detrimental effects on animal welfare. (9) Here is a second study on the same subject, with similar outcomes (11). Shock collars have also been shown to produce below-average success rates in herding dogs. (12) Find many more studies on shock collars specifically. (15)

Another study has shown a correlation between punitive training techniques and an increase in aggression in dogs. (10)

This scientific review shows the link between punishment-based training and the decline of the dog's physical and mental health. (13)

A Final Point:

Punishment is reinforcing to the punisher! The person who applies the aversive is strongly reinforced when it succeeds. Applying punishment easily becomes habitual, and easily escalates. (14) This should be enough of a reason besides the obvious welfare and well-being effects.

Two Common Arguments:

“I only have to use the beep/vibrate”.

There is a reason that the beep, vibration, or placing the collar on a dog can have an immediate behavior change. Threat… The dog has learned via association that the collar, its beeps and vibrates can lead to discomfort or pain. So while you may not deliver the stimulus (the shock), they are in a constant state of threat.

The example I give is if I had my hand in my pocket and said “Give me your money or I will stab you!” You do not have to see the knife, or even have my hand leave my pocket, to feel the detrimental effects this can have.

“I do what works best for the dog.”

To me, personally, this is nonsensical. I can’t understand how you can simultaneously promote animal welfare knowing you’re delivering unwanted effects to your dog. See above for loads of evidence.

How Do I See It?:

Would you train without discomfort or pain if you could? The answer here for a large majority of people is “yes”. Most people have good intentions around their dogs.

There are thousands of animal trainers working worldwide in all areas of sports and recreation who do not use these methods and still achieve top ranks in their respective fields. This not only includes things like nosework and agility but also protection work. See “Incredimal - Nando Brown & Fizz” & Denise Fenzi for their protection work (based on positive reinforcement) in action!

You can also see positive reinforcement’s power in situations where you’d be surely challenged to use punishment!

Using Positive Reinforcement For Voluntary Blood Draws Off An Alligator!: **https://www.facebook.com/.../permalink/6896671883757606/**

Positive Reinforcement With A Lion!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCQaBAE9SCs

Gaining Blood Draws From An Elephant?!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryb1r-_TLMQ

A Gerenuk - giraffe gazelle - Allowing For Husbandry & Welfare Care:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO8HDL8Wbx4

How About Cheetas?!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwd24ogYASg

Black Bears!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qwm87I50W8

You get the idea…

The World Leaders Follow The Science:

The top leaders in the dog training and behavior world have all adopted approaches to minimize the use of punishment in training. These groups include:

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT)

Many Countries Are Getting Involved Due To The Evidence, BaNNING PUNISHMENT-BASED TOOLS:

Austria
Germany (including their police dog program)
Denmark
Norway
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Quebec
Wales (2010)
Scotland
England (2024)
France (shocks and prongs)
Iceland
Portugal
The Netherlands
Australia (partially)

Sources:

(1) “Aversive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aversive. Accessed 24 Jan. 2024.

(2) Verbal Beginnings. ABA Behind the Scenes: Punishment and How Behavior Changes. Verbal Beginnings. Published June 18, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.verbalbeginnings.com/.../aba-behind-the.../... ABA%2C punishment means the,result of what happened after. ‌

(3) Overmier, J. Bruce, and Martin E. Seligman. “Effects of inescapable shock upon subsequent escape and avoidance responding.” Journal of comparative and physiological psychology 63, no. 1 (1967): 28.

(4) Hiby, E. F., N. J. Rooney, and J. W. S. Bradshaw. “Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare.” Animal Welfare 13, no. 1 (2004): 63-70

(5) “Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 85, no. 3-4 (2004): 319-334.

(6) Blackwell, Emily J., Caroline Twells, Anne Seawright, and Rachel A. Casey. “The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 3, no. 5 (2008): 207-217.

(7) Herron, Meghan E., Frances S. Shofer, and Ilana R. Reisner. “Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 117, no. 1-2 (2009): 47-54.

(8) Rooney, Nicola Jane, and Sarah Cowan. “Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability.”

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

132, no. 3-4 (2011): 169-177.

(9) Cooper, Jonathan, Nina Cracknell, Jessica Hardiman, and Daniel Mills. “Studies to assess the effect of pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse systems, on the welfare of domestic dogs: field study of dogs in training.” (2013). Government report: DEFRA AW1402a.

(10) Casey et al.Casey, Rachel A., Bethany Loftus, Christine Bolster, Gemma J. Richards, and Emily J. Blackwell. “Human directed aggression in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): Occurrence in different contexts and risk factors.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 152 (2014): 52-63*.*

(11) J. Cooper, N. Cracknell, J. Hardiman, H. Wright, D. Mills. Open Source version of the DEFRA studies above. 2014.

(12) Arnott, Elizabeth R., Jonathan B. Early, Claire M. Wade, and Paul D. McGreevy. “Environmental factors associated with success rates of Australian stock herding dogs.” PloS one 9, no. 8 (2014): e104457.

(13) Ziv, Gal. “The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 19 (2017): 50-60.

(14) Powell, Russell A., P. Lynne Honey, and Diane G. Symbaluk. Introduction to learning and behavior. Cengage Learning, 2016*,* 358. Sulzer-Azaroff, Beth, and G. Roy Mayer. Also: Behavior analysis for lasting change. Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1991, 489.

(15) Banshockcollars.ca. Studies. Banshockcollars.ca. Published 2015. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://banshockcollars.ca/studies.php

Oodles of Poodles!

The Standard Poodle, the national dog of France, is a “Gun Dog”. They come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes. Their history begins in Germany as duck hunters. Their coat supports them against the environment’s natural elements and assists in swimming. The Standard Poodle is an active and intelligent dog. So what happens when we mix these dogs with other breeds?

When breeding dogs it’s important to maximize the animals’ welfare and well-being, which minimizes the chances of developing different diseases or conditions.

There are many “designer” Poodle mixes. But let’s be clear, it’s simply a mixed-breed dog. Don’t get caught up in the marketing hype.

If we mix a Poodle with a Lab, we get a Labradoodle. Old English Sheepdog and Poodle? Sheepadoodle. A Westie and Poodle? The Westiepoo! How bout an Australian Shepherd and Poodle? The Aussiedoodle! The list goes on and on.

When we consider the genetics and breeding history of our dogs we gain a deeper understanding of their potential expressions. While all dogs within a group are not the same, there are consistent breed-typical findings.

Some complications of the Poodle include:

Poodles and their mixes can develop generalized anxiety and stranger danger. We can aid our dog’s confidence levels by maximizing the imprinting and socialization windows of development. In the following years of life, we can continue to promote safe positive experiences for our dogs in the world.

Poodles and their mixes can also be hypersensitized to the touch. This is problematic given the Poodle’s coat requires ongoing maintenance. Conflict with other breed coat patterns further worsens this in some cases.

Due to their predisposition to touch sensitivity, it’s recommended you start the conditioning process early, getting your dog used to being handled (especially around the paws) and to the grooming tools, including clippers and sounds of the vacuum. It’s also important to remember, that if you are grooming your dog yourself, you can spread it out over a few days! If you are working with a groomer, look for one who’s certified as “Fear Free”.

Fear Free Groomer Certification Program: https://fearfreepets.com/fear-free-groomer-certification.../

Poodle mixes, like many dogs, don’t do well with isolation. Bred to work by our side for generations, they are now stuck inside for hours at a time. This can lead to problematic behaviors.

The Poodles’ history of retrieving, possessing, and parading around with their prized duck is strong and present in some genetic lines. These working line dogs are more likely to display resource guarding behaviors. Training during puppyhood can minimize these unwanted behaviors by practicing exchanging items and developing a strong “drop it” or “leave it” signal.

The Poodles’ coat is fluffy, to say the least! While this is super cute, it makes interpreting body language much more difficult. This can lead dogs to increase their intensity to communicate their feelings more quickly. This can include snapping, particularly toward children who are not complying with the request for space. Understanding and promoting respect for dogs and their communication is key!

Free Body Language Course (Bravo Dog Training): https://www.bravodog.ca/bodylanguagecourse

As with every dog, some potential medical diseases or conditions can arise. Common medical problems Include:

Luxating Patella (Dislocated kneecaps)
PRA (inherited eye disease leading to blindness)
Epilepsy
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (Stomach distension)
Hip dysplasia (hip socket problem)
IVDD - Intervertebral Disc Disease (degenerative disease)
Others include Cardiomyopathy, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and more.

While this list has some serious conditions, we can promote the practice of proper puppy breeding and support the breeders who screen for these diseases within their litter. Do not purchase from backyard breeders. These cute fluffy pups are an easy sell to the unknowing Pawrent!

There are other things we can do to maximize your dog’s welfare and well-being such as ensuring natural species-typical needs are being met.

Have any questions or want to learn more about a topic? Comment or write me a message!

https://trainwithben.ca/

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Work Cited:

Poodle dog breed information. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/

Understanding and supporting Doodle Mixes with Victoria Cooper: Facebook. (n.d.-a). https://www.facebook.com/andrew.../videos/427435613244150...