TAKING YOUR DOG OUT TO DINNER
A service dog is a working dog, but a therapy dog is sometimes just a pet,
My partner and I do not see eyeto-eye on dog training. If we research our thoughts online, we find resources that support both of our points of view. How do we choose which advice is correct? Should we each do things our own way and see how it pans out?
Disagreements on dog training are about as common as debates on raising a child. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone can support that opinion with online resources. To be perfectly blunt, you could probably find online “evidence” that extraterrestrial aliens have invaded Canada. The Internet is only as good as the reader’s ability to sort between substantiated information and drivel. In dog training, that can be a very fine line.
There is little debate regarding the science of dog training. We use operant and classical conditioning. A small handful of scientific principles define all dog-training methods. All of these things work. The manner in which they work is predictable. Effectiveness matters. It is not the only factor to consider when choosing a method, though; we also must consider potential side effects, risks and ethics.
It is like having a choice between a blue pill and a red pill. Both work. One might cause nausea; the other might carry the risk of stroke. Mixing both of those pills could lead to a problematic interaction. Dog train- ing is similar.
The next phase of decision-making is risk assessment. Compare strategies to evaluate which might result in unwanted side effects. Methods can — and often do — conflict. Mashing methods can block the progress of both training plans. Inconsistency is rarely beneficial. Families should come to a consensus.
Expect more from training professionals. Ask about side effects. Answers might include analogies and examples. These can help explain complex concepts. Do not mistake them for evidence. Evidence comes in the form of peer-reviewed scientific papers. If asked, trainers should be able to back up their claims with evidence.
Dismissive answers are a red flag. Every family deserves honesty and transparency so they can make informed choices. Go all-in once a decision has been made. Our dog waits at the door before going outside. As soon as we release him, he bolts. If we are going for a walk, he pulls on the leash hard enough to hurt my shoulder. How do I stop the charging?
It certainly is possible to teach dogs to wait when on leash and to let them run when going into the yard. While possible, this discrimination task takes more work. It is far easier to create a one-size-fits-all rule.
Dogs should learn two rules: First, they should wait at doors prior to going through them. They should also learn to stop and look to their person once on the other side.
This teaches the dog to wait for further instruction. When going for a walk, owners can lock up and ask the dog to stay by their side.
If the situation allows, they can give the dog a release command. A release command tells the dog, “You may run off and play.” The momentary pause does more than ease the strain on an owner’s shoulders. It can prevent a dog from bolting into dangerous territory. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. advice@awesomedogs.ca.