Training Resources
Jodie is an animal advocate focused on providing credible resources for people and organizations about what training methods are recommended by animal behaviorists and why they make those recommendations.
Oftentimes, when people are looking for a dog trainer, they can be in a very vulnerable place. You may be frustrated or scared and thinking about returning or rehoming your pet. It can really impact your day-to-day life when things aren’t working out with a companion animal. But at the core of successful training is TRUST—both the trust between you and your pet, and the trusting relationship you need to form with your trainer.
Below are just a few of the informative resources we love to share with others about how to choose the right trainer and the right training method for your furry friend!
Through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), graduates (called Diplomates) pursue additional education beyond veterinary school to become certified behavior specialists. They’re trained to assess and treat behavior issues across the spectrum for a wide variety of animals, considering especially how their environment, life experiences, and health issues impact their behavior. Below is their one-sheet handout for clients on how to select the best trainer.
For veterinarians looking for guidelines on how to recommend a quality trainer to your clients, click this link to get expert recommendations from ACVB.
Dr. David Mech has a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and has dedicated his life to researching wolves. The “alpha wolf” concept and its application it dog training is widely known by most people. What most people don’t realize, however, is that it’s based on studies that have been debunked. Dr. Mech popularized the “alpha wolf” concept in his 1970 book “The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species.” Through his subsequent work, he discovered the theory didn’t hold water and he spent decades trying to get his publisher to stop printing the book because it was full of outdated information. He was finally successful in 2022. Learn more about Dr. Mech’s work at this link.
Watch Dr. David Mech discussing why the “alpha wolf” theory doesn’t hold up:
The 2012 documentary “Tough Love: A Meditation on Dominance & Dogs” features world-renowned animal behaviorists and veterinarians board-certified in animal behavior sharing personal stories and information about the negative impact of popular dog training techniques and what should have been done differently. It’s a short watch at only 36 minutes and well worth it!