Don't Scare a Dog in the Name of Training

by Colleen Pelar

The Dog Whisperer show is the canine version of Fear Factor, but the dogs are not willing participants.

Many canine behavior problems are rooted in fear. These problems respond best to positive-reinforcement training methods, not forceful handling that suppresses behavior.

The dogs on The Dog Whisperer gave no informed consent, yet they are subjected to forceful "treatment" of their fears. The techniques shown don't teach the dog what to do in a given situation; they simply suppress the dog's outward expression of his fear.

An anxious dog may bark and lunge to keep other dogs at a distance. If I become even scarier than the other dogs, by yanking on a choke chain, yelling, physically forcing him to lie down, or pinching at him,I can temporarily suppress the dog's lunging. Yet I haven't helped the dog. He's still afraid. Now he's afraid of other dogs . . . and of me.

This looks good for TV, a miracle cure! A trainer who has no relationship with the dog can accomplish behavioral suppression quickly. The results, however, don't last.

Watch the show with the volume off. Canine stress signals are everywhere. The dogs start out uncomfortable and look worse after the training. They watch the trainer carefully, but they don't come up for a quick cuddle or to initiate a game. Is this the relationship you want with your dog?

I guess good behavior modification techniques don't make exciting TV. However, wonderful trainers all over the country train dogs in ways that don't make the dogs feel like they are on Fear Factor. Man's best friend deserves to be trained with your brain, not fear or pain.

Colleen Pelar, www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com