At last! Dominance in dogs bebunked in the British press!
Discussion
Television dog trainers use "ridiculous" techniques that can cause more harm than good, according to scientists
None of this research is exactly new. Mech, Serpell, Coppinger and Coppinger (among others) have carried out studies of wild wolf packs, captive wolf packs and feral dogs over several years and debunked the dominance / 'Alpha' stuff.
The effects of rank reduction / dominance applied to pet dogs have also long been studied and found to do more harm than good (Dennison, Pryor, Miller, Clothier, Neville, Reid, Bielakiewicz).
Studies of how dogs learn have also been around for years (Burch & Bailey, Reid). Skinner, the Brelands and Keller carried out scientific research in the 1930s and 40s. Bob Bailey used operant conditioning to train dolphins and pigeons in the 50s/60s. Karen Pryor used operant conditioning in the 60s with dolphins.
Such a shame that it takes so long for everyone to catch up with the proven science
Hopefully this article will help 
None of this research is exactly new. Mech, Serpell, Coppinger and Coppinger (among others) have carried out studies of wild wolf packs, captive wolf packs and feral dogs over several years and debunked the dominance / 'Alpha' stuff.
The effects of rank reduction / dominance applied to pet dogs have also long been studied and found to do more harm than good (Dennison, Pryor, Miller, Clothier, Neville, Reid, Bielakiewicz).
Studies of how dogs learn have also been around for years (Burch & Bailey, Reid). Skinner, the Brelands and Keller carried out scientific research in the 1930s and 40s. Bob Bailey used operant conditioning to train dolphins and pigeons in the 50s/60s. Karen Pryor used operant conditioning in the 60s with dolphins.
Such a shame that it takes so long for everyone to catch up with the proven science
Hopefully this article will help "Researchers found that methods to assert dominance over pets, used by the late Barbara Woodhouse, could increase aggression in animals"
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"They are just hired to look good. There are huge welfare implications in having this stuff on television".
For the younger viewers - he's the good looking babs
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"They are just hired to look good. There are huge welfare implications in having this stuff on television".
For the younger viewers - he's the good looking babs
I've always found that attending "puppy social classes" and a LOT of time spent repeating commands and placing the dog in the sit, down position etc pays off well in the long run.
Patience, reward and not raising your voice are also key things to remember if you want a well trained, well behaved and socially aware dog in your house
Patience, reward and not raising your voice are also key things to remember if you want a well trained, well behaved and socially aware dog in your house
We have 3 rescue dogs two of which had aggresive behaviour tendancies(Bite people given the chance).
from day 1 we have had no problem using commonsense. Dont let them near people keep them on a lead dont shout or hit them and be consistent with everything.
These are entertainment programmes and they usually show its the owners who have problems not the dogs.
They all seem to have the same message excercise and treat them like animals not humans.
from day 1 we have had no problem using commonsense. Dont let them near people keep them on a lead dont shout or hit them and be consistent with everything.
These are entertainment programmes and they usually show its the owners who have problems not the dogs.
They all seem to have the same message excercise and treat them like animals not humans.
bigandclever said:
Quite. The story itself is 2 years old 
Ha! Well spotted!I seem to be stuck in a 2009 time warp !
. Also just seen New Study Finds Popular “Alpha Dog” Training Techniques Can Cause More Harm than Good by Dr Sophia YinKaryn said:
I hold my hand up to "dominating" my dogs - I go through the door first!
When it's practical to do so, I do feed my pup after I've eaten. It helps to stop him from jumping up when people are eating, as he knows his food is coming soon!Saying that it could partly be him growing up and being well-behaved from telling him 'down' and prasing him quickly when he does, and then ignoring him after.
Karyn said:
I hold my hand up to "dominating" my dogs - I go through the door first!
So do I! But that's all to do with manners and setting the tone for the walk. Two boinging, shouty collie types on the end of the lead does not set us up for a calm walk! They sit nicely, then we go out the door Premack Principle!Mrs Grumpy said:
So do I! But that's all to do with manners and setting the tone for the walk. Two boinging, shouty collie types on the end of the lead does not set us up for a calm walk! They sit nicely, then we go out the door Premack Principle!
Snap. Premack Principle!Well, a staffy and an english bull terrier pup!
Manners maketh dog, it's true. Ella (the pup) has even got a little hand gesture and a command for "manners" - she was a cheeky little devil when taking treats from the hand, initially (they all do that, sir) ... so now, "manners", and she'll sit for you, good as gold, until you've got her treat-toy ready
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