Menu
Log in


Log in

Reality Dog Training

Position Statement On Reality Dog Training

In recent years, much creditable scientific study has been given to dog training and behavior modification methods and their respective efficacy and consequences.  The preponderance of the evidence shown by these studies indicates that the implementation of training and/or behavior modification protocols predicated upon “dominance theory” and social structures (“alpha,” or “leader of pack”), usage of physical or mental force, intimidation, coercion or fear are empirically less effective and often create as a consequence “fallout” behaviors – behaviors which may be dangerous to the human and animal involved.

 Some of these methods – specifically corporal punishment, choke chains, prong collars, shocking with an electronic collar, leash jerks, bark collars and verbal punishment – are often used in reality television programming.   The Pet Professional Guild appeals to all programming organizations to re-evaluate any decision to showcase forceful, painful and aversive training methods and equipment.  Despite warnings on the television for viewers not to attempt the methods displayed at home, such methods will be attempted by pet owners and may lead to extremely dangerous situations. The Pet Professional Guild respectfully requests television channels to replace this programming immediately with competent, progressive and force-free, formally-educated trainers and/or behaviorists.

 The scientific data, in addition to the moral and ethical concerns about mental and physical damage to animals subjected to methods using force, fear and/or pain have moved numerous organizations to advocate for the banning of forceful and painful animal training methods and/or equipment. This movement has been successful in several countries.  The Pet Professional Guild is but one of many international organizations that have taken public stands advocating for force-free animal handling and training.

 It is the mission of the Pet Professional Guild to promote the current and ongoing research and knowledge in animal behavior and training to those in the animal profession.  Further, it is the goal of the Pet Professional Guild to provide the resources, education and mentoring process to all professionals who are committed to following the science and research which irrefutably indicates that positive training methods are more humane and effective than aversive methods. The Pet Professional Guild proudly counts amongst its ranks many “cross-over” trainers who have successfully abandoned outdated, aversive training methods in favor of humane and effective positive training methods. Many serve as mentors for others wishing to do the same, and the “force-free” movement is becoming a powerful movement impacting the entire pet industry. 


As part of that mission, the Pet Professional Guild respectfully submits that showcasing training methods that use force, fear or pain are morally and ethically wrong as well as damaging to the animal, damaging to the human-animal bond, and potentially create hazards for the pet-owning public that may attempt to use such methods. Showcasing such methods creates significant danger for animals and humans and perpetuates training methods which science does not support as effective and which the Pet Professional Guild deems unethical treatment of animals.

 

 



Pauli, A., et al, Effects of the Application of Neck Pressure by a Collar or Harness on Intraocular Pressure in Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2006;42:207-211.

Gum GG, Gelatt KN, Ofri R. Physiology of the eye. In: Gelatt KN, ed. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999:165-167.

Slatter D. Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2001.

Schuman JS, Massicotte EC, Connolly S, et al. Increased intraocular pressure and visual field defects in high resistance wind instrument players. Ophthalmology 2000;107:127-133.

Strubbe DT, Gelatt KN. Ophthalmic examination and diagnostic procedures. In: Gelatt KN, ed. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999:427-466.

Teng C, Gurses-Ozden R, Liebmann JM, et al. Effect of a tight necktie on intraocular pressure. Br J Ophthal 2003;87:946-952.

Bigger JF. Glaucoma with elevated episcleral venous pressure. South Med J 1975;68:1444-1448.

Lovasik JV, Kergoat H, Riva CE, et al. Choroidal blood flow during exercise-induced changes in ocular perfusion pressure. Invest Ophthal Vis Sci 2003;44:2126-2132.

Riva CE, Titze P, Hero M, et al. Choroidal blood flow during isometric exercises. Invest Ophthal Vis Sci 1997;38:2338-2343.

Markoff JI. High resistance wind instruments and IOP (letter). Ophthalmology 2001;108:635-636.

Haidet GC, Wennberg PW, Finkelstein SM, et al. Effects of aging per se on arterial stiffness: systemic and regional compliance in beagles. Am Heart J 1996 Aug;132(2 Pt 1):319-327.

Miller PE. Glaucoma. In: Bonagura JD, ed. Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XII Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1995:1265-1266.

Anderson DR, Davis EB. Sensitivities of ocular tissues to acute pressure-induced ischemia. Arch Ophthalmol 1975;94:267-274.

Piette S, Liebman JM, Ishikawa H, et al. Acute conformational changes in the optic nerve head with rapid intraocular pressure elevation: implications for LASIK surgery. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2003;34:334-341.

Hamor RE, Gerding PA, Ramsey DT, et al. Evaluation of short-term increased intraocular pressure on flash- and pattern-generated electroretinograms of dogs. Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1087-1091.

Siliprandi R, Bucci MG, Canella R, et al. Flash and pattern electroretinograms during and after acute intraocular pressure elevation in cats. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1988;29:558-565.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position Statement on The Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals. Click here to read the full statement

Steinker, A. (2007). Social–Psychological Dynamics in Dog Training: The Power of Authority and Social Role Designation and its Possible Effects on Dog Training. Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior, 1(1), 7-14. Click here to purchase this article

Steinker, A. (2007). Terminology Think Tank: Social dominance theory as it relates to dogs, Journal of Veterinary Behavior 2, 137-140. Click here to access this article

John W.S., Bradshaw , Emily J., Blackwell , Rachel A., Casey. Dominance in domestic dogs -- useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, May/June 2009, Pages 135-144 Click here for the abstract

L. David Mech (1999) (PDF). Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Click here to access this article

 

Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, parts of Australia, Sweden and Wales, among others, have taken steps to ban the sale and/or use of devices such as electronic, or “shock” collars.


© 2024 Pet Professional Guild Australia

ABN 66 703 869 768

About Us


Developed by Ansid Media | Powered By WildApricot