Dog training and behavior is a self-regulating profession and it’s clear how different and different professional standards are.
We see people calling themselves dog masters and dog whisperers on television while at the same time not recognizing pain-related behavior. People call scared dogs bad dogs and then act to make them more scared, but why is this happening?
It all stems from a lack of regulation and no formal standards in the profession.
The problem with the lack of regulation in dog training and behavior is that it allows the unethical and uninformed practices. And this is the worrying thing.
Dogs are facing a lot of problems in the name of dog training. Sadly, people who insist on using punishment with dogs abound. But so do those who insist on learning everything they can about dogs and treating them well.
So how can we do it right?
Before we become canine experts, we must know the true and correct scientific theory about dogs. This has exploded over the past 30 years and we know that dogs have strong emotional responses, build strong, trusting bonds and require survival and safety at the core of their existence. theirs – just like ours.
As we work as canine professionals, we need to understand the signs of pain, fear, and anxiety. We must know that coaching is appropriate for some behaviors, not all. When properly educated, we realize that training is only a small part of the role.
As we teach and evaluate canine professionals, we need to know and teach the complex needs of each situation they may encounter. We have to make sure we are prepared for people who will recognize fear, pain, and anxiety and counsel dogs and their people as a family unit.
Dogs need professionals who know the signs of pain and take that dog to the vet. They need professionals who don’t rush into a situation thinking they know everything while intimidating and suppressing the dog’s need to stop them from barking or growling.
Dogs need people to stand back and watch. Educated, professional people want to invest in their knowledge and put what they have learned into practice to realize what we can do for the dog, not what the dog can do for the dog. we.
Experience is important to a dog’s professionalism, but it will never replace formal education and assessment. Education matters and the right kind of regulation will ensure it survives. Dogs need you and me to be open and willing to learn more every day.
The National Institute of Dog Ethics places education at its core and offers our members two dedicated, expert webinars each month. We are an ABTC-approved practice organization. We work with each candidate and member individually and have a team of people who ensure our standards and your experience.
Because in the absence of official regulation, we have chosen the best self-regulation possible for us, for you, and for the dogs.
