A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention
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A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention |
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Dog Behavior and Training Resources
Not all dog trainers are specialists in dog behavior, so ask to make sure the person you choose has experience in dealing with the problem you need to solve. Take your dog to the vet to determine if an underlying medical problem is influencing the dog's behavior. Dog training and dog behavior consulting are unregulated so it is up to you to decide whether the professional that you choose is qualified. If your dog is aggressive with other dogs, be sure to mention this so that you can have private lessons prior to enrolling your dog in a group class. Talk to more than one person if you can before choosing and be sure that you understand their methods. Be sure that they will use a positive reinforcement-based approach. If possible, find a person who uses clicker training to help dogs change their behavior. Check references that they give you. If a trainer suggests that they take the dog into their facility to do the training, be sure to visit and see the facility and the dogs currently in residence. Ask to see the trainer working with a dog to see that the dog is happy and likes the trainer and that positive methods are being used. A trainer that uses violence or aggression with your dog will make matters worse and the dog will become even more likely to bite weaker members of your family. Read a cautionary article about "boot camp" type training. Behaviour modification is most likely to succeed if you keep the dog with you and work with a professional so that you have the tools to be able to work with your dog.
Use the list below to find a dog trainer or behaviour specialist in your area. Listing below does not construe an endorsement by Doggone Safe - this list is provided as a service - users are encouraged to do their own research before selecting a dog trainer or behavior consultant.
If you are looking for a clicker trainer (Doggone Safe recommends clicker training) please be aware that not all trainers that use a clicker are true clicker trainers. Clicker training is a positive only method of training. Clicker trainers do not use choke collars and do not resort to punishment even when dogs "misbehave" during training. Clicker trainers do not click/treat for the correct behavior and punish for the incorrect behavior. Clicker trainers ignore behavior that they don't like and reward behavior they do like. Positive trainers set up situations whereby the dog has the best chance of succeeding. They do not set up situations where the dog is likely to fail and thus receive a correction to teach the proper response. They do not use the leash to yank on the dog if it pulls, jumps or otherwise acts inappropriately. Positive trainers do not throw chains at dogs, growl at them or otherwise intimidate them to teach them new lessons. Click here to read an article that explains why punishment and positive training don't mix.
Visit the website of the International Positive Dog Training Association for more information about humane dog training.
You may wish to purchase books or videos to learn about positive training. Doggone Safe recommends the following resources:
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Clicker Puppy training DVD - children training puppies using the clicker training method. For beginner trainers and those with a specific interest in training puppies. Available from the Doggone Safe store. |
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The How of Bow Wow - how to use the clicker training method to increase reliability, duration and distance. For beginner to advanced trainers. Available from the Doggone Safe store. |
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All books and videos at the KPCT site relate to clicker training. |
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Doggone Safe has not evaluated the trainers listed in the resources below and it is up to you to do your own research and determine whether the training method they use is the method you want to learn and to use with your dog. Doggone Safe recommends clicker training.
Can't find a trainer? Click here to follow a clicker course on your own, thanks to Sue Ailsby
CANADA
Doggone Safe Members - Doggone Safe does not evaluate the training methods or credentials of its members. Members provide many services including grooming, pet sitting, training, humane education and more. This directory is a service of Doggone Safe to its members.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners - Certified Clicker Trainers
Positive Trainers - trainers that do not use shock, prong or choke collars (verify for yourself if you contact any of these)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers - has some Canadian members
Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
Professional Animal Behaviour Associates
Teresa Lewin - Animal Behaviour Consultant - Clicker - (905-876-2675) - Southern ON - Doggone Safe Co-founder
Canine Communications Studies and Puppy Power - graduates around the world
Veterinary behavior consultants - scroll down to Behavior heading
International Positive Dog Training Association
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
USA
Doggone Safe Members - Doggone Safe does not evaluate the training methods or credentials of its members. Members provide many services including grooming, pet sitting, training, humane education and more. This directory is a service of Doggone Safe to its members.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners - Certified Clicker Trainers
Positive Trainers - trainers that do not use shock, prong or choke collars (verify for yourself if you contact any of these)
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
Veterinary behavior consultants - scroll down to Behavior heading
Laughing Dog Enterprises and i2iK9 - Jennifer White and Steve White (Washington State)
International Positive Dog Training Association
INTERNATIONAL
Doggone Safe Members - Doggone Safe does not evaluate the training methods or credentials of its members. Members provide many services including grooming, pet sitting, training, humane education and more. This directory is a service of Doggone Safe to its members.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners - Certified Clicker Trainers
Positive Trainers - trainers that do not use shock, prong or choke collars (verify for yourself if you contact any of these)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
International Positive Dog Training Association
Please send an email to doggonesafeinfo@doggonesafe.com if your organization is not listed here and should be.
Source: Doggone Safe!TM A non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention. Contact us at doggonesafeinfo@doggonesafe.com
Copyright 2004 Teresa Lewin and Joan Orr
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