Welfare Organisations Join Forces To Highlight Problems With Aversive Dog Training Techniques, UK
23 Dec 2009
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have joined forces with several UK animal welfare, behaviour, and training organisations (full list below) to warn of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan ‘The Dog Whisperer’, who has announced a UK tour next year. Continue Reading »
Finding Help for a Pet with a Behavioral Problem
It is extremely important for pet owners to report any change in an animal’s behavior to a veterinarian before starting a behavior modification program. Behavioral signs may be the first or only indication that an animal has an underlying health problem. Continue Reading »
The AVSAB’s position is that punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals.
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American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Position Statement on Adverse effects of Punishment
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=118
Adverse Effects of Punishment
Punishment can be effective in specific cases, but it must be used carefully due to the difficulties of performing it properly compared to positive reinforcement and due to its potential adverse effects. The following is a description of the difficulties and adverse effects that one should be aware of when using punishment (aversives). Continue Reading »
(Thanks to Christy Hill for this great post on how to select a good dog. Her post was specifically in regard to service dogs; but is so applicable to all areas of dog training and behavior that we have re-posted it here.) Continue Reading »
Excerpts: Dogs have been used successfully for years by military and law enforcement. Dogs and their handlers are the most widely used, accurate, durable and flexible system available for detecting illegal drugs and explosives. A critical aspect of canine performance is their effective duty cycle.
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