Does being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior?

Dogs!

Originally Published September 4, 2009 Revised

Revised March 2, 2011

Joyce Kesling, CDBC, Professional Trainer

What is it about owning dogs that qualifies so many individuals to think understanding dogs and normal dog behavior means nothing more than dog ownership?  My question and concern is owners seeking “advice” are often not receptive to going through a professional process, willing to pay or accept responsibility.  In every instance, it’s necessary to determine if dog training or behavior advice is necessary.  This indicates lack of understanding problem solving and training dogs.

I often find many calls amusing; the dog owner is calling me for “advice,” at the same time informing me they have “been around dogs all their life.”  This gives me the impression they understand dogs well enough based on their personal experience.  This often leaves one questioning why call me!

This type of call was received earlier this week; the person stated they were calling for “advice.”  Briefly, I inquired about the problem allowing her time describing the problem, I asked a few critical questions to qualify the risk, then asked if she was enrolled in a puppy class or getting any other professional help.  This was the first time she said, “I’ve been around dogs all my life.”  Her tone indicated she wasn’t prepared to pay for professional help.  I asked if she was calling for free advice. Instead, she repeated she had “been around dogs all her life.”  Last resort, I tried using my own experience undertaking studying dogs and training saying “owning dogs all one’s life” doesn’t necessarily mean understanding normal dog behavior and problem solving…she hung up on me!  I had the same thought until I began studying training, normal dog behavior, their cognitive abilities, their evolution, domestication, physiology, neuro and social biology and counseling skills!

There could be several reasons explaining why dog owners think they have this uncanny ability, perhaps they think it’s an innate trait, “animals just seem attracted to me.”  Perhaps prior experience with pets and even other dogs gave them this impression. This misunderstanding should concern those who take time, often at great expense to actually study normal dog behavior, learning theory, enhancing one’s experience and understanding how to apply training, behavior modification and counseling.

The fact is, behavior is complex, not a totally understood science, misunderstandings affect companion pet welfare and quality of life issues are at stake.

In this example, the dog’s caregiver expected me to assist her over the phone. Not only did she expect free advice the problem/conflict she described was a developing serious problem, if not immediately, with little knowledge it had the potential being downright dangerous for the other resident pet.

I feel like this is yet another example the professional business of dog behavior and training is marginalized.  Some explanation could be  obtained from some of the following examples.

1. Mis-matched owners and dogs!


2. Thinking of dogs as objects without their own (species) needs


3. Inappropriate use and application of punishment


4. Too much self help on the internet – recipes to train and problem solve


5. 
   Dog training and problem solving made easy by TV dog trainers while sitting on one’s couch


6. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free telephone call in support


7. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free downloaded “recipes” for problem solving


8. Shelters, rescues, humane societies not concerned about the quality of individuals they recommend for training and behavior modification


9. Myths and anecdotal information and experience incorrectly interpreted


10. Lack of knowledge understanding normal dog behavior


11. 
    Misunderstanding dog-human relationships


12. Unskilled dog trainers lacking sufficient knowledge in behavior


13. The dog profession is unregulated, lacks sufficient standards in necessary care, training, behavior modification and welfare


14. The publics general unawareness and importance for credentialed professionals at both levels, dog trainers and behaviorists


15. Misunderstanding dogs in general

Several causes suggest not understanding the seriousness and responsibilities  attached to dog ownership and their part in the equation.  Instead, the process is marginalized offering solutions to “fix the dog” often using unskilled dog trainers, behavior specialists, internet and TV.  In most instances, owners need counseling.  Offering training solutions, especially punishment related first and/or use of e-stimulus (shock collars) without a behavior consultation, obtaining a history, gathering data, observing the pet, clearing any medical explanations is equivalent to suggesting dogs are automatons fixed using general rules applicable to all situations and environments.  It’s simply not that easy.  If this system is working, why do we continue to see so many dogs relinquished because of behavior problems?

Responsible Dog and Cat

Training and Behavior Solutions

Combining Art and Science for Training Animals

Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC, Professional Trainer

P.O. Box 15992

Sarasota, Florida 34277

941-966-1188

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant IAABC http://www.iaabc.org

Professional Trainer Member APDT http://www.apdt.com

http://responsibledog.net

http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.  Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948

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