Dog Trainers and Articles on their sites:
The social structure of domestic dogs is often described in terms of a linear dominance hierarchy, in which the top dog, or 'alpha animal', is dominant over all lower ranking animals, the second ranking dog is subordinate to the top dog but dominant over all others, and so on down to the lowest dog on the totem pole. Also, it is popularly believed:
The majority of the above assumptions are quite awry. Not only do they betray a theoretically simplistic view of a most sophisticated social structure but also, such notions tend to be counterproductive, inhumane and dangerous when cavalierly extrapolated to dog training, or the treatment of behavior problems. Social Rank and Aggressiveness It is generally assumed that high rank is correlated with aggressive behavior. In reality, a growly, macho top dog is a rare find. Top dogs rarely growl - they seldom need to! The true top dog is usually a cool customer, which is secure and confident of its privileged position and has no need to fluster and bluster to bolster up its rank. In the words of psychologist Dr. Linda Carlson, "If you've got it, there's no need to flaunt it." A true top dog is more likely to share a toy, a bone, or a sleeping place, than fight over one. On the other hand, bottom-ranking dogs rarely growl either. The prime directive of a low ranking individual is to maintain a low profile. Barking, growling and snarling only draw unwanted attention and if it came to a fight, the underdog would most certainly lose. A top dog has little need to threaten and an underdog would be crazy to. Without a doubt excessive growling and repeated fighting is indicative of underlying insecurity and uncertainty about social rank vis a vis other dogs. Within a social group, protracted, blustery displays of aggression are the hallmark of the middle-order of the hierarchy. Middle-ranking dogs, threaten more and fight more frequently than higher- or lower-ranking individuals. With the advent of a litter on the social scene, it is not uncommon for a previously wimpy-wormy underdog to become ultra-macho with the puppies. Whilst maintaining its lowest of low profiles with other adults, the ex-underdog may wield its newfound power with exaggerated swagger: relentlessly hassling the developing puppies and adolescents (especially the males) by staring, stalking, dogging (following), barking and growling. Once an underdog assumes responsibility as a rearguard, the other adult males seldom bother with the (soon to be adult) youngsters and often the social atmosphere in the pack becomes more relaxed. Subordinance Hierarchy When the framework of a successful hierarchy is viewed in a developmental context, it becomes apparent that 'subordinance hierarchy' is a more descriptive term for canine social structure. This premise was first suggested by English primatologist Dr. Thelma Rowell. Maintenance of an existing hierarchy depends on the underlings respect of the position of higher-ranking individuals. The status quo is maintained because, lower-ranking individuals seldom challenge authority and so only occasionally, is there need to enforce higher rank with a display of physical, or more likely, psychological dominance. Development of Hierarchies Growing up around larger pups, adolescents and adult dogs, puppies simply can not compete on the social scene in view of their smaller size and inferior physical and psychological strength. Thus, puppies learn their station in life well before they become sufficiently large and strong to be a threat to the established order. Most adult dogs are quite lenient with young pups until they approach adolescence, whereupon adults (males especially) relentlessly pursue, stand-over and growl at the adolescents (males especially). Even so, harassment by adult dogs is largely psychological, rather than physical. It would be a perversely under-socialized adult dog, which physically beats up young puppies. Nonetheless, during this crucial stage in hierarchical development, young pup and adolescents are extremely intimidated by the incessant harassment and consequently, they learn to respond with exaggerated appeasement gestures to assuage the torment from their elders. Moreover, puppies and adolescents quickly learn that bother from older dogs may be largely prevented by taking the initiative and demonstrating active appeasement before they are harassed. The pups' preemptive apology characteristically comprises: a low slung, wiggly approach with ears back, submissive grin and tail and hindquarters all a wag. The youngster may paw the brisket and lick the muzzle of the older dog. (The infantile pawing and muzzle-licking food-soliciting behaviors of puppyhood now acquire new meaning and are retained as neotenic appeasement gestures in adolescence and adulthood.) In addition, the underdog may rollover and lift a leg to expose its inguinal region. And some may submissively urinate. (Adult dogs may determine the age of a puppy or adolescent from the smell of the youngster's urine.) From this stage on, to maintain harmony on the social scene, higher ranking dogs need only chastise those individuals which do not voluntarily show deference and respect in their presence. And even this is usually done with nothing more than a cold, penetrating stare. Maintenance of Hierarchies Fighting and physical dominance very rarely come into play during the maintenance of hierarchies. On the contrary, the major function of hierarchical structure is to lessen the amount of fighting. Once established, the hierarchy provides many of the answers before the problems crop up. For example, when there are two dogs but only one bone, the ownership of the bone is predecided and therefore, there is nothing to fight about. Potential problems are similarly pre-settled in established human hierarchies. For example, in a large corporate hierarchy, the problem of a single parking place and two cars - the CEO's Rolls and the Assistant Sales Manager's Ford Escort proves no more of a dilemma than when the CEO was Sales Manager and drove a Jaguar and the ASM was a secretary in the typing pool and drove a beaten-up VW. I mean, who, in their right mind, would park in the boss's parking place. No one ever does, hence no problem. It is similar with dogs. Misunderstandings about the relationship between rank, dominance and aggression tend to exacerbate fighting problems, which are largely the product of asocialization and the mixing of socially-unprepared adult dogs. In addition, erroneous notions of canine social behavior tend to foster macho owners, who allow and/or encourage their dogs to snarl and growl, thinking they have a real baaaad dog! This sort of person - usually an adolescent (13-59 year-old) male, wearing a single black glove and owning a male dog of one of only half a dozen breeds that I will not bother to mention - can be a bit of a 'pain in the class'. However, it is sometimes possible to get this wally to wise-up with a compliment/insult like: "What a wonderful dog! What a shame he's so growly. Well, perhaps we can build up his confidence and turn him into a top dog. Because top dogs don't growl you know, they don't need to." I never cease to be amazed at how many potential jerks are, in fact, incognito responsible owners once wised-up in this manner. Unfortunately, the real danger of the alpha-concept of physical dominance lies in its questionable extrapolation to dog training and husbandry. Instead of being educational, many so-called 'training' methods are just downright adversarial if not abusive; the dog is often viewed as our enemy, rather than as our best friend. Many playful, greeting and fearful gestures are misinterpreted as being aggressive, providing the unthinking owner with a convenient excuse to abuse the dog under the guise of 'training'. For example, snapping, pilo-erection, growling and lip-curling are often misconstrued as signs of dominance, whereas they are, in fact, more usually signs of fear - most probably the direct product of a person pounding on the poor dog. Similarly, owners are advised that urine marking, mounting people, stealing food, jumping-up and prolonged eye contact are all signs of dominance, for which the dog should be punished. Some ill-advised, big blue meanies are confusing issues and trying to take the fun out of dog ownership. In my book:
Certainly, we need to control dogs - but mental control is what is required, not physical domination. Even though an ill-experienced, middle-ranking dog 'handler' might be able to jerk, hang, roll-over, and/or beat a dog into submission, what is the point of winning the battle and losing the war? What possible advantage is there in converting a 'dominant' dog into a fearful one? Both are equally as worthless as companions or working dogs. Furthermore, most physical corrections are well beyond the physical and mental capabilities of all but a few dog owners. And so, why advise novice owners to enter into a physical contest that they are bound to lose? In fact, why abuse the dog at all, when it is possible to achieve the same end using brain instead of brawn? Why try to wade the Atlantic, when one could take the Concorde? We must prescribe training methods which are effective and lie within the capabilities of the average dog owner, including women, children and the elderly. If we have learned anything at all from studying dog behavior, ... owners must establish control in a developmental context, whilst the dog is still a puppy. Rather than browbeating the dog into submission, it is far easier to convince the dog to join the team, so that it enjoys life living with us, rather than fighting against us. Ian Dunbar Ph.D., BVetMed, MRCVS
She teaches dog lovers new tricks Soft-spoken Melinda Berger, 56, explains she's a bit of an introvert until she gets wound up about her work. And something I'd written amounted to a bee in her professional bonnet. I asked her to meet me over coffee at Starbucks in Newtown, so she could straighten me out. She did, and I had one of the most enjoyable conversations I've shared in days. The married mother of adult kids, Berger is a professional trainer who thinks I let down dogs and their owners when I wrote about a training philosophy she finds worrisome. That philosophy is that Sparky will vie with you for dominance. Humans who think an animal is about to overthrow their reign tend to be too stern and aggressive, Berger says. It's as though they have license to be abusive. "Hurts my heart," she told me. Your dog should be subordinate, not submissive. If you can get yours to avert its eyes, lower its tail and slink away, you should be ashamed of yourself, she said. Berger teaches privately and in classes at Indian Walk Veterinary Center in Newtown Township that ANYTIME you employ physical or verbal corrections - punishment - you run the risk of eliciting a fearful or aggressive response. That means you could be creating problems. Training your dog through positive reinforcement - goodies in exchange for good behavior - is more effective, and it rewards you, too, she said. Being kind just feels better. Berger is certified through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Counselors. She says the concept of dominance in dogs is overused and misunderstood. It's based on wolf studies from the 1940s that are now believed to be flawed. While dogs are descended from wolves, Berger said, you can no more understand Fido by studying a wolf than you can understand Uncle Ed's behavior - my apologies here to creationists and Ed - by studying chimpanzees. "The good news is that your dog is naturally set up to accept you as his or her leader and actually thrives in that environment," Berger said. Don't make a fuss over your animal's mistakes. The key to a "Dream Dog" - the name for Berger's training outfit - is making him "a believer." He must believe you control all the good stuff and that you'll gladly share it if he'll just be a dear. Share really good stuff. No cheap snacks or distracted ear scratching. Your dog will tell you what motivates her - maybe favorite food bits, praise, belly rubs or games. Berger's best advice, in the meantime, is to create a no-fail environment. For goodness sake, she said, put the trashcan out of the dog's reach. He's a natural scavenger. Who could blame him for tipping the can to sift through deli wrappers and empty food containers? Not her. She also suggests reading, "Don't Shoot The Dog," by trainer Karen Pryor. Or, if you'd like, give her a call at 215-906-9229. Through education, she hopes to teach the merit of positive reinforcement over old-school correction. I guess you could say here's where she's hoping to teach us humans new tricks.
Creature comforts: Behavioral issues are much more important these days for pets and their owners Dogs barking, parrots screaming, cats clawing, horses cribbing, pets chewing and critters biting, urine marking and feather-picking. When the furry (or feathered) love of your life drives you batty, what's a caring pet parent to do? Call an IAABC consultant for help. Pets and their caretakers need all the help they can get and IAABC (International Association of Behavior Consultants) has stepped up to the plate. Founded in 2003 by Pittsburgh dog trainer Lynn Hoover, the IAABC offers continuing education, resources and certification to experts in the cat, dog, parrot and horse behavior fields. Animal behavior problems seem epidemic compared to the "old days." But in bygone times, bathroom etiquette wasn't an issue when the whole outdoors served as the pet potty, and wide-open spaces reduced territorial arguments between pets. People who kept animals at arms' length never noticed or cared about behavior issues. Today, we share a more intimate bond with companion pets and want them up close and personal. Many critters now live within the confines of a fence or house. They share our meals, our love and sometimes our pillow, but remain alone with little interaction for hours each day while owners work. The cutting horse confined to a paddock, the border collie hotwired to herd, cats forced to share tight quarters and frustrated parrots develop a host of destructive or self-damaging behaviors that can lose them that caring home and often their life. Animal behavior specialists study the relationship of animals to their physical environment as well as to other animals. They are concerned with understanding the causes, functions, development and evolution of behavior, and they use that knowledge to help owners and pets build positive relationships. "Most [pets] live in relationships with humans, so we can't help them without going through their families," says Hoover. A clinical social worker with post-master's training in marriage and family therapy, Hoover began training service dogs for autistic children in the mid-1990s. "My ability to assess and intervene in family systems increased my effectiveness at helping dogs," says Hoover. As a Clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Hoover felt surprised there was nothing comparable for dog behavior consultants. "There were no credentials to be had," says Hoover. The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) developed a certification program (certified applied animal behaviorist) in 1991, and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) was established in 1993. But an individual must have a professional degree such as a PhD or veterinary degree to qualify for certification. There are only a relative handful of these specialists - about 80 throughout the world - not nearly enough to address the growing needs of pet owners and their problem fur-kids. In addition to frustration over the lack of qualified behavior specialists, Hoover knew a wealth of experience, education, and expertise was overlooked. Rather than dismissing non-degreed professionals, she sought a way to have their background validated through a professional certifying body. Certification also would address the fact that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behavior expert, even those who don't know what they're doing. "There are dog trainers who serve competently as behavior consultants," says Hoover, herself a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). "But it's difficult for pet owners to sift the wheat from the chaff, and I started to think, where are the standards? Aren't animals worthy of standards?" Hoover felt certification would expand the behavioral help options available to needy pets, provide professional credentials to qualified experts, and offer a comfort level - sort of a quality control - to pet lovers seeking behavioral advice. And so, IAABC was born. The organization declares, "Your pets wouldn't give up on you. You don't have to give up on your pets." The stated mission is to assist companion animals and educate their humans to interrupt the cycle of inappropriate punishment, rejection, and euthanasia of animals with resolvable behavior problems. To do so with the least intrusive and minimally aversive (LIMA) method possible. Some IAABC members have already achieved certified status, having "grandfathered" into the IAABC based on past performance that may include publication, research, teaching, and/or hands-on qualifications. The organization's Board of Directors, following review of an individual's animal behavioral consulting history and the recommendations of colleagues, must approve each applicant. Several IAABC-certified members are also veterinary behaviorists or PhD-behaviorists who hold dual certification as ABS or ABCV members. Members may also apply for "associate" status with an eye toward participating in required continuing education to ultimately achieve certification. Dedication to the well being of companion animals has thus far attracted nearly 300 members. Several are based in North Texas or nearby states. Jill Nugent teaches and coordinates undergraduate biology lab classes in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton. Nugent has a special interest in dog and horse behavior and can be reached at jnugent@unt.edu. After hearing good things about the organization through other professional affiliations, she recently joined IAABC. "I was impressed by the resources, publications, and breadth of knowledge and experience of the IAABC membership," says Nugent. While completing her studies, Nugent became "hooked" on learning about animal behavior and studied both feral horses and wild canids in their natural environments. "I started to see new ways I could communicate, handle, manage, and train," says Nugent. She learned how behavioral enrichment programs and species-appropriate housing helped these animals show fewer signs of stress, boredom, and vices. Another North Texas dog trainer, Mira Jones (www.TailLightsRanch.com) has a degree in psychology and graduate level work in applied behavior analysis from UNT. She's participated in equestrian sports and horsemanship studies for the past 12 years and has been training dogs professionally for 10 years. "My specialty is working with people and their family dogs," says Jones, who teaches group classes, workshops, and offers private consultations at her ranch in Flower Mound. Jones joined the organization because she was impressed with Lynn Hoover. "When I learned she had founded IAABC, I wanted to know more," she says. "The environment of any organization is largely dependent on the outlook and character of the person or people at the top. The IAABC practice guidelines and code of ethics attest to the dedication of the membership." One of the early pioneers of companion parrot behavior management, Mattie Sue Athan's award-winning books, lectures and consults have offered help to bird lovers for more than two decades. "I joined the IAABC in 2005 with the hope of participating in the development of a certification program for companion parrot behavior consultants," says Athan's, a Tulsa-based expert (www.positivelyparrots.com). "Parrots probably require less physical care than most other companion animals, but they can be more invasive...if they acquire screaming and biting behavior. They can be set up for failure within the first three weeks in the home." Athan explains owners can accidentally reward inappropriate behaviors or, instead, learn to guide their birds to do the right thing. "It's all a matter of knowing what to do and when to do it," says Athan. According to Hoover, animals respond quickly to the right interventions. "It's a whole lot easier to get animals to adapt than to effect change in humans," says Hoover. Hoover and other IAABC members are passionate about interrupting the cycle of misunderstanding. "For heaven's sake, animals are being punished and euthanized for the simple sin of being afraid, and growling to let us know they are afraid!" Although Michele Crouse of Denison has only been training professionally for a relatively short time, she's in for the long haul. Crouse not only educates herself but also hosts behavior and training seminars for colleagues by top-notch experts in the field such as Brenda Aloff, Terry Ryan, John Rogerson and Turid Rugaas. "I joined IAABC to learn more about dog behavior," says Crouse. "It's important to belong to organizations that give you support, and expect you to keep up with continuing education." Prior to joining IAABC in 2005, Crouse enrolled in the Animal Behavior College and was mentored by an experienced dog trainer who introduced her to clicker training, a popular and effective reward-based technique. She began dog-training classes at Petco in Allen in 2003, but now serves as the Canine Education Instructor at the Sherman Petco. Her private business offers group classes at Fairview Park as well as private instruction and she can be reached at either (903) 465-0069, or michele@super-k9.com. "I really promote the Puppy Program to help prevent aggression and other problems," sys Crouse "It's much easier to prevent than to change a behavior." When pet owners engage an IAABC member, they gain access to much more than a single consultant. "Sharing of information and ideas between IAABC members, for the greater good of society, is fundamental to the organization's philosophy," says Jones. "We network with colleagues," Hoover explains. "We are never stumped for long because our members are some of the top experts in the world, and are generous about sharing their expertise." In the best of all possible situations, our companion animals understand us, we understand them, and all live peaceably together. But when the fur (or feathers) flies, take comfort in knowing help is available. Visit www.iaabc.org for more information and a listing of members and certified consultants. © Amy D. Shojai
An open letter from Dr Karen Overall
regarding the use of shock collars. No, I have not changed my opinion and it is that there is never any reason for pets to be shocked as a part of therapy or treatment. If anything, I have strengthened this opinion. There are now terrific scientific and research data that show the harm that shock collars can do behaviorally. At the July 2005 International Veterinary Behavior Meeting, held in conjunction with the AVSAB and ACVB research meetings, data were presented by E. Schalke, J. Stichnoth, and R. Jones-Baade that documented these damaging effects (Stress symptoms caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs (Canis familiaris) in everyday life situations. Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, Papers presented at the 5th Int'l IVBM. Purdue University Press, 2005:139-145. [ISBN 987-1-55752-409-5;1-558753-409- 8]). This follows on the excellent work done by Dutch researchers, in cooperation with their working dog groups and trainers, that showed that working /patrol dogs were adversely affected by their 'training' with shock, long after the shock occurred (Schilder MBH, van der Borg JAM. Training dogs with the help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2003; 85:319-334). Research meetings can be attended by anyone paying the fee, and most published work is available either in the public domain, from an organization, or from someone with a university library connection. There is no longer a reason for people to remain misinformed. Let me make my opinion perfectly clear: Shock is not training - in the vast majority of cases it meets the criteria for abuse. In my patient population, dogs who have been 'treated' with shock have a much higher risk of an undesirable outcome (e.g., euthanasia) than dogs not subjected to shock, and I never recommend euthanasia. In all situations where shock has been used there is some damage done, even if we cannot easily see it. No pet owner needs to use this technique to achieve their goal. Dogs who cease to exhibit a problem behavior usually also cease to exhibit normal behaviors. The only data available support the idea that shock is neither an effective nor suitable training tool. That said, it's time we replaced everyone's personal mythologies and opinions with data and scientific thinking. Such opportunities are now available, but are often not exploited. For example, the statement: "Major veterinary universities have tested E-collars since the mid 60's when they were invented. No evidence of any damage, Physiological or psychological has ever been found." is patently and wholly false. For the evidence re: data - see above. As for the initial statement - it's WRONG. It's a MYTH. The specialty college (ACVB) even conducted a census a few years ago to see if we could find ANY truth to this and there was NONE. We couldn't get anyone to say that they had - or knew someone who had - participated in such tests and studies. This pattern of behavioral repetition is representative of the danger of myth, and also of the power of the scientific method. Science tells you when you are wrong. Myth allows you to steal credibility where none is earned. That particular myth has damaged universities too long, and it has traded on the reputations of people who neither endorsed that decision, nor supported the finding, and it must stop. I hope this helps. I have never thought we could get via electricity what we couldn't get by advanced training and hard work. Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D.
Go to: Home|About|Classes|Locations|Letters|Quiz| |
