I was recently asked by a professional colleague who is keenly aware of and supportive of my training methodologies as to what type of trainer I am. At first, I was dumbfounded by her question because I really don’t label myself as “this type” or “that kind” of trainer like the dog training community seems compelled to do.
The dog training community as a whole is divided and labels themselves and each other as purely positive trainers, positive reinforcement trainers, balanced trainers, remote trainers (or shock trainers depending upon the background of whom you are speaking with), compulsive trainers, etc. I believe these groups labeling themselves, at first, was well intended to give themselves an identity and to give a description of their methodology to the dog owning public. Unfortunately, later many groups used these labels to try to discredit the other groups by labeling them as inhumane or ineffective.
Dog owners are not keenly aware of the above labels because knowing a dog trainer’s label isn’t particularly helpful to them and their dog training problems. What they care about is this, – can the hired trainer?
- Solve their dog’s behavior problems and
- Do it quickly and humanely
And yet, many dog trainers still place emphasis on the label of training they ascribe to while attempting to discredit the other groups. I am not interested in discrediting other groups of trainers. I am only interested in continually homing my craft providing the ultimate professional service and experience for my clients.
Instead of a label, I am a professional dog trainer and behaviorist. This means, I am a highly educated (biology, animal behavior, sociology and psychology) and ethical dog behavior expert who provides personal and confidential consultation to clients and work toward modifying and managing dog behavior with an emphasis on problems such as aggression, fears and separation anxiety, etc. I apply my training, knowledge and experience to the betterment of human and dog interactions. And, I provide solutions that are effective and humane.
