The Secret Language of Dogs: Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet - Hardcover

Victoria Stilwell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0600634671 ISBN 13: 9780600634676

Publisher: Hamlyn, 2017

Synopsis

Secret Language of Dogs

About this title

About the Author

VICTORIA STILWELL is best known for her role as the host of Animal Planet's hit TV series It's Me or the Dog. Born and raised in Wimbledon, England, she has also served as a judge on CBS' Greatest American Dog and is involved with rescue groups around the world. Stilwell has been featured in numerous magazines and journals, has appeared on countless television and radio shows in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and her popular Positively Podcast series is heard by listeners worldwide. Named 2009's Dog Trainer of the Year at the Purina Pro Plan Dog Awards, Stilwell lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, daughter, andtwo rescue dogs.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

POSITIVE TRAINING

When we follow the positive training philosophy, we encourage dogs and other animals to learn, using humane, fear-free techniques that help them problem solve. We never use force and intimidation, because positive training puts the emphasis on teaching dogs what to do rather than punishing them for not doing what we want. This is a much more effective way to promote learning. Thankfully, it also helps rehabilitate dogs with anxieties, fears, aggressive behavior, and phobias.

By giving dogs some control over their own choices while gently guiding them, we allow them to adapt to novel situations and environments much more successfully. Allowing dogs to learn what works in certain situations builds their confidence while providing a healthy balance of self-discovery. This gentle guidance allows dogs to become more socially adept and emotionally balanced. We may not be naturally inclined to give up control so easily, but maintaining a good balance of independent and dependent learning makes a significant positive difference in the lives of all dogs.

There are many effective teaching techniques. Some dogs learn well through problem-solving exercises; others learn better through clicker training, lurereward, or techniques that “catch” behavior. Some trainers prefer a more cognitive approach, establishing a bond first rather than having dogs work for human approval. Others take a more behavioral approach, teaching life skills through cues and techniques like “shaping,” whereby actions and behaviors are built through reward-based training. I like to do both: focus on building a bond as well as teaching cues without pressure, guiding dogs to learn and have fun while doing so. No matter how we choose to humanely and effectively change our dog’s behavior and teach necessary life skills, we should always respect the dog’s autonomy.

Unfortunately, dog training professionals on both sides of the debate are now so focused on “training” dogs that some dogs have lost the ability to think for themselves, relying completely on people to direct them. These naturally independent problem solvers are being overwhelmed and overtrained. The positive community is well ahead of the compulsion community when it comes to encouraging dogs to think and problem solve, but we can still benefit from taking the pressure off and doing less. Shifting away from more structured training and toward developing dogs’ natural social skills and problem-solving abilities will create even happier and more confident pets.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hamlyn
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0600634671
• ISBN 13: 9780600634676
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160