I have been swamped lately and haven't been able to respond to any of these recent "training" threads but I have skimmed through them and I'm speechless.....ALMOST.
The methods used by people such as the two men being debated about are antiquated and proven to add substantial risk for less than predictable results.
As for the posters (civilians
) on this board who discount their methods as old school, primative and even dangerous - I can tell you that as a professional certified behavior specialist who works extensively (very successfully) with aggression/bite cases, I stand shoulder to shoulder with those 'civilians' and whole heartedly agree!!!!! Positive PHYSICAL punishment DOES NOT WORK RELIABLY AND IS INHUMANE!!!!!!
I DO NOT lay a hand on any of the dogs that I work with EVER. I train many dogs that outweigh me, often by 100%. Many of the dogs that I work with are at a last stop before the final needle and are what so many like to dramatically call RED ZONE. I use proven +R methods to actually effect behavior change and truly rehab. dogs who more often than not have been physically corrected to the point of total unpredictability. People who use the old yank/crank methods have chosen to remain in the dark ages.....it's a **** shame.
I see that there are a few on here who seem to merely want to hold onto their 'right' to physically punish their dogs. From where I have been (my roots in Schutz), to where I am now..I can't look back on the way that we ALL used to train without feeling physically ill. While I never participated in some of the horrible kinds of mistreatment (including the use of stave), I watched as "trainers" abused dogs to the point of screaming. It turns my stomach to read here that anyone would discount proven humane methods simply for the sake of arguement. It shows a total lack of understanding of the science behind DOMESTIC canine learning, not to mention a frightening lack of heart.
I and many other successful trainers am achieving better results, much more predictable behavior, without having to yank, hit, frighten or intimidate. The dogs that I rehab. and train today are also happier and more eager to learn. They learn quicker and maintain what they've learned, all while RETAINING ALL THAT IS DOG!
The dogs who attend my Growl classes are actually rehabilitated when they graduate. The DA and HA is no longer an issue because they actually learn to accept and in many cases even enjoy the presence of the trigger. No punishment, no avoidance...real rehabilitation.
Cesar (while very charming) and that other guy (can't even bring myself to type his name
)...well, they simply have no clue that they have no clue!!!
Melissa, I have to ask you why you are so hostile to those so willing to find a kinder way to train the animal you're supposed to love. This is a dog forum after all. Please try to have an open mind to those who have more experience and an understanding for training. I've been doing this professionally for many, many years. I used to believe at least some of what you seem to want to hang onto as gospel. You are in the minority for a reason, maybe you should reflect a bit on that instead of trying to protect your right/need to punish.