DOG Training TOYS

With the recent popularity of a television show about problem dogs, the controversy over which methods are the most humane and effective ways to address behavior problems in dogs has been renewed and is dividing dog lovers all over the world.

While behaviorists, trainers and other dog professionals recognize that the show is exposing dog owners to the possibility that their dogs’ behavior can be changed, the show gives the false impression that behavior can be changed within a matter of hours. Professionals are also concerned about the methods used, as many of those methods are known to incite or increase aggressive behaviors.

This article will explore the controversial issues and will attempt to separate fact from marketing. Wherever possible, additional links or book recommendations are provided as reference or to elaborate on the preceding issue.

Part II of this article responds to the most commonly asked questions .

DOG PSYCHOLOGY OR POP PSYCHOLOGY?

Since before Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, scientists have been studying animal behavior both in the laboratory and in the field, where behavior can be studied in the animal’s natural environment, without human intervention. It is the combination of these studies that gives us our understanding of dog behavior today and continues to provide us with startling new discoveries. For any one person to claim that they have it all figured out when our understanding of genetics and the brain (human or canine) is incomplete is preposterous.

Dog psychology or, more accurately, the study of animal behavior, is not a complete mystery that is left to the interpretation of a few individuals. While there are many areas in which our understanding is incomplete, there is a staggering amount of scientifically proven information available.

Many of the dogmatic concepts presented on the show appeal to people who have,…