8.1.22
So many tools, including the complicated e-collar, are available to train BUT that the average dog owner doesn’t have the mental bandwidth or actual dedicated time to learn how the dog views them. Shortcuts are taken, egos get in the way and the dog pays. EVERYTIME.
Even trainers take the shortcuts. Recently went to a seminar with a well known trainer utilizing his “18 year experience” to over use the E-collar. The dog was either giving the behavior he wanted and he layered on the e-collar for no reason, or he built drive and confusion, then spun the dial when the dog didn’t understand. He didn’t teach. He lion-tamed. And the dog STILL didn’t understand what he wanted. His “Oh he’s fine…look” doesn’t even scratch the surface of what the dog took away from that experience. Most humans don’t understand dog language; there are differences and the hangover from bad communication is real.
This isn’t anything new. I’m not creating moral high ground here. What I saw in that seminar is worship for a trainer who didn’t know the effect he had on the dog, and ALL were ok with that. Novice trainers, pet owners shouldn’t be the barometer we grade trainers on. Err on the side of basics, not ego.
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