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Work in progress <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n This is NOT where I tell you how to solve your problems with your reactive dog but since having George I have learned a lot and would like to share some of the resources that I have found useful.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>I hope you will too but remember I am writing this website as a dog owner not an expert.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>There is no substitute for expert help.<\/p>\n Finding good trainers and behaviourists who use force free, progressive reinforcement training methods.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>Dog trainers and behaviourists are currently unregulated (ie potentially someone could watch a few TV programmes and set themselves up as an expert) so the onus is wholly on the individual to find a suitable source of help.<\/p>\n Training \u00e2\u20ac\u201c have a look for good training classes with a qualified instructor. APDT<\/a> members are signed up to using positive training methods as are the Kennel Club ( Kennel Club Registered or Listed Clubs<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c ideally one that has KCAIs) but always go and watch a couple of classes before you sign up.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>Even people who profess to use all positive training demonstrate a range of understanding of what this means.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Some clues that a class is not truly \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcforce free\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 may include chastisement and\/or raised voices when a dog doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t do the right thing, the use of water sprays (20% of dogs having water sprayed at them may give an aggressive response #1) use of sharp lead corrections or recommending the use of choke or half-choke collars (euphemistically now often referred to as half-slip)<\/p>\n To find an appropriately qualified behaviourist try the Association of Pet Behaviour Councillors<\/a> (APBC)<\/p>\n Most behaviourists now will have a degree in animal psychology and or animal behaviour, ideally at Masters Level.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>To have attained an appropriate level of experience you will be looking for someone who has worked with problem dogs in a variety of settings, rescue centres, classes, 1-2-1 in clients own homes as well as more formal settings.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n As with finding a trainer I would recommend that if possible you see the behaviourist at work, though this can be more difficult as an initial assessment may take 2 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 4hrs in an owner\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s home.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>Many behaviourists however will do classes (e.g. growl classes) which they may allow you to watch.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n If not possible to watch the behaviourist at work a lot may become clear from your initial conversation with them.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>Are they talking about positive training methods (progressive positive reinforcement\/clicker type training, counter conditioning such as the bar open\/bar closed technique or Behavioural Adjustment Training).\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>You could ask them about what they recommend you do with a dog that misbehaves, training an alternative behaviour would be a good answer, using a firm \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcno\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 not good #1 and certainly no form of punishment.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>An alternative question would be whether you need to bring anything with you; if the answer is rewards\/toy that bodes well, though of course no guarantee.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span>On the other hand if the response is something along the lines of \u00e2\u20ac\u02dca water spray\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 or \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcslip collar\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 I would suggest that you try someone else.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n There is a great deal of helpful information on the internet but also much misinformation so the resource has to be used with care one site that I would recommend is Agbeh Yahoo Group<\/a> -\u00c2\u00a0 not only is there advice on management of aggression though the use of positive, force-free methods but site also incorporates links to some excellent resources<\/p>\n I also use Emily Larlham’s Dogmantics<\/a> site which includes a number of Kikopup<\/a> videos dealing with milder behavioural issues and her Blog has some interesting articles too.\u00c2\u00a0 Her training Manifesto<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0 is also worth reading<\/p>\n Work in progress<\/p>\n #1 – Is Punishment an Effective Way to Change the Behavior of Dogs? Psychology Today<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 May 24, 2012 \u00c2\u00a0<\/span>in Canine Corner by <\/span>Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C.<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Work in progress This is NOT where I tell you how to solve your problems with your reactive dog but since having George I have learned a lot and would like to share some of the resources that I have … Continue reading 1.\u00c2\u00a0 Seek professional help
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n2. Internet<\/h2>\n
3. Books<\/h2>\n
Sources<\/h2>\n