I am what is called a crossover trainer.
I started by listening to an old long time trainer that thought well dogs where out to take over the world( alpha and dominance) and we had to be tough and make them.
I was raised that way as well, so I started with my girl that why.
Big mistake.
My girl had had a rough start with an owner that at 9 months old could not handle her.
Thoughts are that she has hurt and also lacked social interaction and grow a ton of fears. As well a bad gene pool and BYB breed.
I made it worse and then watching her one day and listening to the trainer saying be tougher. It clicked she is an 8 pound dog I am yanking around a room. What am I proving that I can make her and scare her into doing that which I want her to do.
I do not do that to my human kids. Why would I do it to my girl.
So I got to work on finding a different way.
My vet is a clicker trainer and in the process of becoming a behaviorist.
She gave me guidance and a short list of books and I got to work on it.
I have read a ton more books than she sent me out to read and I have attended a seminar. Lucy and I are going to attend another one here very soon.
I am far from knowing it all and I am far from having all the answers if I did I could fix the issues my girl is having after being tossed to the ground and bit by a pit bull but I do know that not letting her think it out for herself is not the way to go. That forcing her through this will make her crash.
We under estimate our fur kids if we do not let them think for them selfs and allow them to learn things at their own pace.
My girl is far from perfect but she is well mannered and was a good recall as long as there is not a strange man or dog around.
If I had stayed with the yank, yell and make them way she be a long time gone.
The pit bull that rolled her be dead to and she is not as I pushed hard the owner and the law enforcement guys to get her into training with my vet.
We can train from love and kindness and respect. These guys have a soul and a brain. They will work better and be more willing to work if we let them use it.
This is from my favorite site it is called On Punishment. BY Bob Baily as I understand it he is a founder of Clicker method.
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...eflections.htm
So you know I am not a pure clicker trainer I toss in luring once and a while as it works as well, it is gentle and hands off I am willing to try it.
So that is why I am the way I am.
I do not expect others to follow my way. I just thought I would share why I feel as strongly as I do about aggression and working with dogs that are testy in a positive and respectful way.
Aggressive dogs are very smart and when you help turn themselves around it is amazing to see. The love they send your way will blow your socks off.
There is nothing like a cuddle on your lap from a girl that never liked it before.
Or watching her kiss a know person just cause she wants to.
Or sit in a strange mans lap cause he has treats and she figured out he is safe.
To watch her life light go on and her trust that she is safe.
I am working with her now to get her to calm down again after the pit attack and we will get it.
Thanks for reading. Sorry this is so long.
Joy