A professional dog trainer has warned against the practice of “correcting” a pet’s behavior, noting that to consider their behavior wrong can be “arrogant.” Share this article Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy link Link copied Bookmark Comments
A professional dog trainer has warned pet owners against “correcting” their dogs' unwanted behaviour, stressing it could be “counterproductive”.
Kerry from Howl School of Dogs, an accredited dog trainer, actively uses social media to educate owners about their puppies' natural behaviour and when to intervene to manage 'unwanted' behaviour.
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In her video, she discusses dog behavior correction. She states, “You may have been told at some point that you need to correct your dog's behavior, or correct their leash manners, or something like that.”
“But that implies that their behavior is wrong. Don't you think it would be presumptuous to think that a human being could call the behavior of another species wrong?”
She also clarifies that the dog's natural reaction is determined by circumstances, and the owner has no right to evaluate its reactions.
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“Their feelings and corresponding behavior at the moment are correct, because they fulfill a certain function,” she added.
“This function may be to create space or to prevent something that frightens them or may hurt them.”
Instead of trying to correct a dog's behavior, she suggests that owners try to understand why their pet is reacting the way they are.
She believes this will help them become more aware of their dogs' triggers and manage them, thus preventing unwanted reactions.
“This is the only option available to them at the moment, but we can help them find other solutions,” she says.
“But this cannot be achieved through punishment. Do not correct the dog, try to understand it and help it.”
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@howlschoolfordogs #dogtok #dogtraining #dogbehaviour #puppytraining #fyp ♬ original sound – Howl School for Dogs
In response to her advice, one user commented: “I completely agree. I spend most of my day with my dogs. I watch them and learn from them. If something happens, I try to understand why it happened.”
“I have learned a lot from them so far and understand why this is happening. We are working on solving these issues at their pace.
“I really think the society we live in doesn't accept dogs that react to stimuli. Everyone is striving for the perfect dog. Sometimes people look at me like I'm walking two demons on a leash.
“But usually it's people who prefer their dogs to be off leash at all times and don't want to put one on. I make them uncomfortable throughout the day. It's just mind-boggling.”
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Another user noted: “Dog owners should switch places with their pets for a while. Imagine pooping on people. Dogs live by instinct.”
A third person shared: “I don't tell my dog anything at all except to sit and roll over. She's my friend, not my pet.”
Another user suggested: “Dog owners should switch places with their pets for a while. Imagine pooping on people. Dogs live by instinct. Dogs are normal.”
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
