Campaign to ban Cesar Millans The Dog Whisperer from Italian TV
22 October 2009
Members of the APBC have provided information and resources to concerned pet behaviour counsellors in Italy following the broadcast of The Dog Whisperer featuring Cesar Millan on Italian TV.
The Italian pet behaviour counsellor Laura Borromeo contacted members of the APBC after just three episodes of the controversial show were aired. She is developing a campaign that aims to educate the public that there are alternatives to Cesar Millan’s methods.
The Italian ASETRA web site represents the Society for the Ethological Studies of the Relationship between Animals and Humans and it is denouncing Millan’s methods with dogs: http://www.asetra.it/?Comunicati_Asetra
The Italian veterinary web site ANMVI is warning vets and owners about how dangerous and abusive Millan's approach is towards dogs. They announce that they are taking steps to stop the show from being broadcast: http://www.anmvioggi.it/10262/12-10-09/la-veterinaria-disapprova-il-metodo-millan
There has also been coverage in the local Italian newspapers too where the headline message is equally clear; “Stop Millan - the veterinarians say he is educating people in the wrong way.”
Laura Borromeo is taking advice from lawyers so that a strategy can lead to the program being prevented from being broadcast.
Dog owners, dog trainers, pet behaviour counsellors and vets all have a choice in how pets are treated. The APBC believes in promoting the best in pet behaviour and it is clear from experience and research that some of the methods used by Cesar Millan can lead to an increase in dog aggression and behaviour problems. That’s why the APBC chooses to use better ways to train pets. There is a choice.
Graham Thompson
APBC Provisional Member.
http://www.apbc.org.uk/blog/CM_Italy
http://wp.me/poTwS-aM
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
No Shock Collar Coalition ~ Join for Dogs Sake!
No Shock Collar Coalition ~ Join for Dogs Sake!
The following is from an organization of supporters, received as a member and supporter and being passed on in its entirety to help get the word out. Please take the time to evaluate the efficacy and harmful effects determined by scientific studies and observation and sign up to show and express your support for dogs who can’t speak up for themselves. If you’re not familiar with this information then please ask those who are already members and/or you are welcome to contact me…i have sufficient information for using these devices. Let’s raise happy dogs, not dogs trained using fearful aversive training methods and tools. The dogs will thank and not out of fear of you!
No Shock Collar Coalition
Getting Started
You are receiving this message because you have previously signed up with the No Shock Collar Coalition.
This silent movement began in 2006, as those who love our canine companions and respect them as our brethren objected to the use of electric shock devices being used in the training and containment of dogs. In 2006 we were concerned by the proliferation of these devices, and now, three years later, there appears to be continued focus on shock collars as acceptable tools, not only in the dog trainers' toolbox, but in the hands of the general public.
Since this problem has not abated, we believe it is time to stand up and be counted and make our position on this matter known to those who promote these devices and profit from them. In addition, raising awareness among those well-meaning trainers and owners who use them out of ignorance is also on our agenda!
To this end, we're asking those of you who have previously signed up for the NSCC to consider your commitment to this cause; if you are no longer interested in supporting us, please use the 'opt out' instructions in this email to have your email address removed from our list.
If you have continued commitment to the No Shock Collar movement, please help us by encouraging your like-minded friends, relatives, clients and others to sign up with us and lend their support to our campaign. New members can sign up by visiting http://www.baddogsinc.com/noshockcollars.html.
Over the coming months, we'll be collecting articles and other information about the use of shock collars to help educate users and distributors alike. In addition, we'll be looking for ways to make our position known to those who profit from these devices, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Thank you in advance for your support. Remember that a handful of committed people can make a huge difference for good!
With gratitude to those who honor and respect our canine brethren, I remain
Sincerely,
Barbara Davis
BADDogsInc
Family Dog Training & Behavior
Corona, CA
Thanks
Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Responsible Dog
www.responsibledog.net
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tug of War with Darwin before breakfast 110409
Warning! Tug of War is a great confidence and bond builder, but is not recommended with already know established aggressors! You must reestablish through training obedience skills using only positive reinforcement first before engaging in this behavior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3oGZrhBTzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3oGZrhBTzk
Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up)
Not Really Funny!
November 4, 2009
Joyce Kesling, CDBC
I’m beginning to read Alexandra Horowitz’s new book “Inside Of A Dog…” including her “prelude” and “prefatory note…” and couldn’t help but be reminded of a earlier blog when I suggested dog owners marginalize dogs, their behavior, and those who study dogs (Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up) http://wp.me/poTwS-aq ). Most specifically those most equipped to help in problem solving. According to Horowitz, the “prevailing view of behavioral scientists” suggested there was no data to be obtained from the study of dogs. Primates remained the species of choice studying animal cognition. She says further “dog owners seemed to have already covered the territory of theorizing about the dog mind…theories generated from anecdotes and misapplied anthropomorphisms.”
Why do we ignore our part when a problem occurs within the human-dog relationship? Why do dog owners continue to ignore how influential a dog behaviorist is, not only preventing problems but also resolving problems without creating more conflict?
I suggested in "Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up)" http://wp.me/poTwS-aq the following could be contributing to the continued neglect and importance placed on resolving dog behavior problems.
Some of the most easily identified, as cause and effect are the following examples.
1. Too much self-help on the internet – recipes to train and problem solve
2. Dog training and problem solving made easy by TV dog trainers while sitting on one’s couch
3. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free telephone call in support
4. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free downloaded “recipes” for problem solving
5. Myths and anecdotal information and experience incorrectly interpreted
6. Lack of knowledge and understanding about normal dog behavior
7. Misunderstanding of dog-human relationships
8. Unskilled dog trainers lacking sufficient knowledge in behavior
9. Publics general awareness and importance using credentialed professionals at both levels, dog trainers and behaviorist
10. Misunderstanding dogs in general
Several of these causes suggest a general lack of seriousness by owners, shelters, rescues and some instances the veterinary community. We think so little of our part in the equation; we further fail when we do not acknowledge both physiological and mental health is closely linked.
We further marginalize the process offering solutions to “fix the dog” in the worst way via internet and/or TV dog training programs. In most instances, owners need counseling, offering training solutions, in many instances, choosing painful punishment i.e. e-stimulus (shock collars) collars without first getting a behavior evaluation and history. To do otherwise suggest dogs and cats are automatons and applying fixed general rules and/or training are applicable to all situations, environments, and families/owners. It is simply not that easy. If our current system is working, why do we continue to see millions of dogs and cats relinquished and euthanized because of behavior problems?
Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188
http://responsibledog.net
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.blogspot.com/
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948
Copyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dog Training Demonstration by Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Dog Training by Certified Dog Behaviorist Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Using internal drives and motivation when training dogs
The following two youtube videos demonstrate dog training using toys as rewards. When training dogs, I like to think about what dogs do naturally, some more than others. Dogs expressing parts of the prey drive not intended would be considered faults. Border collies for example don’t naturally express “eye” they need the right environment to express that characteristic. Without it, they probably wouldn’t make a good working and/or herding dog.
In this first video, Boudicca is demonstrating learned behavior take and give (release). Training this behavior should be included in all puppy training. Rules are essential to maintain training new behavior during the acquisition phase, but also for maintaining already trained behaviors. Note, how I emphasize my cues, hand signals and body language. When we lack this type of consistency we can expect inconsistent behavior from our dogs.
However, this is not the same quality of precision one attempts to achieve in show obedience trials, however providing clear cues for behavior is essential, otherwise even pet/companion dogs may become anxious and frustrated. Make sure you watch for my mistakes, if I make any ;-)
In this second video, Boudicca is demonstrating how we can train dogs using parts of their natural prey drive using an internal reinforcer, rather than external. This would be especially helpful for some dogs who might naturally express that behavior given the right environment.
In the previous video, I used a variety of objects to generalize the behavior. In this second video I get her started with my goal behavior, catch. I then add the distraction, dropping a ball at my side, she should stay focused on me not the other object. I pre-selected a soft bone shaped toy to use as the throwing object, this helps her catch a large object and express the kill bite part of the prey drive.
The purpose for training this type of behavior not only teaches bite inhibition further but includes impulse control and cooperation. When dogs willingly trust us to release objects, from their jaws and teeth and willingly retrieve objects to us, demonstrates very desirable manners and skills every owner should want for their dog.
Note, how I continually use toys as rewards rather than food treats. I use food treats to get a desirable behavior but move away from them to life rewards, especially play behaviors sooner than later! When you consider internal and external motivation and drives, I’ve found incorporating rewards in training that stimulate internal motivations rather than relying on external motivators might be necessary for some breeds. Teaching dogs to rely on food treats for good behavior can be compared to how we sometimes use food to satisfy unmet needs that could lead to eating disorders.
Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948
Coyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)