My Goal as a dog trainer is to make sure the dog and owner are able to reach their training goals. I pride myself on having a network of other trainers in the area that can help if I get stumped or booked. Now each community and business is different with how they handle and interpret community over competition. Personally I believe in it for dog training as every trainer has something new to offer via training methods.
Why compete when you can succeed together. I believe that there are enough dogs in this world for us all to help. Dog trainers like to specialize in certain areas and really dig deep into those specialties to be the best at it. I believe in community over competition.
Dog Trainer Specialties:
Leash Reactivity
Separation Anxiety
Puppies
Dog Sports (Agility, Nose work, competitions)
E Collar Training
In fact I was recently on the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast with Tori Mistick. We discussed the importance of having a conversation instead of an argument on dog training methods. The methods discussed and frequently talked about are Positive reinforcement vs. Balanced Training.
Positive Reinforcement
This is the introduction of a desirable or pleasant stimulus (treat, toy, praise) after a behavior. The desirable stimulus reinforces the behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will reoccur.
Balanced Training
Refers to any approach to dog training or behavior modification that involves the use of both reward-based techniques, and aversive consequences. In other words, the trainer shows the dog that their choices and behaviors can result in either pleasant or unpleasant results.
I do not condone abusive training in any means. Many tools that are labeled as Aversive or Abusive are used incorrectly. I personally do not use prong collars or e collars in my training. When used correctly they teach a dog leash pressure and how to turn it on and off. There will always be a debate on what method works better. Make sure you need to consider the dog being trained when considering tools. Also talk to a professional that specialized in the behavior issue you are struggling with to best manage that behavior.
