How to train a dog?

A new study shows that dog behavior or behavior has been misunderstood for a long time: in fact using wrong ideas about behavior and training dogs will lead to, not reduce, actions. unwanted micro. These findings are a challenge for behavioral and coaching explanations introduced by TV trainers on television.

Contrary to popular beliefs, aggressive dogs do not attempt to show their dominance to other people or dogs, according to a study by Bristol University Veterinary Science Department. published in Veterinary Behavior, Clinical Applications and Research.

The researchers used six months of dog behavior studies at the Trust Dog Center, and re-analyzed data from wild dog studies, before concluding that personal relationships between dogs were continued. experience through experience rather than 'desire' shows 'domination'.

The article 'Dominance in domestic dogs - useful construct or bad habit?' Shows that dogs are not motivated by the desire to keep their position in the herd, as the famous dog trainers still explain.

Not only is it not useful, the researchers say, practical training methods to 'reduce status' can be very dangerous and make dog behavior worse.

Guiding pet owners to eat before they eat or go through the front door does not change the dog's perception of the relationship, but simply teaches them what to do in fixed situations. Worse, methods such as pressing the dog to the floor, grasping the jaw bone will scare the dog, often about the owner, and can lead to aggressive expression.

Dog training (Photo: absolute-dog-training.com)

Dr. Rachel Casey, Lecturer of Life and Animal Behavior, said: 'The assumption that dogs are motivated by innate desire to control people and other dogs is completely absurd. This underestimates the dog's ability to learn and communicate complexly. It also leads to the use of coercive training methods, and leads to behavioral problems. "

'In the federal clinic, we often see dogs learn to show aggression to avoid punishment. Owners are often surprised when we explain that their dogs are afraid of themselves, and often have aggressive expressions because of the methods they use. But that is not the fault of the owners, because they are advised to do so through television programs. '

At the Dog Trust, Britain's largest dog charity, the people working here often see the result of wrong dog training. Director Chris Laurence said: 'We can recognize dogs that have been' taught 'by the training methods of dog trainers on television. They often show fear and lead to aggressive behavior. "

'Sadly, many of the methods used to teach dogs to respect masters are ineffective, you will not improve their behavior, but ultimately your dog becomes anxious and frightened to cause behaviors. their nature is repressed, or they will become aggressive and dangerous'.