Patricia McConnell talks about dominance in ethological discourse.
It appears that this will be the first in the series.
These are going to be good (as in much better than my feeble attempts).
Best line in the post:
“I will say here that the misuse of the term ‘dominance’ in dog training is so pervasive that it causes ethologists like me to want to poke pencils in our eyes.”
I’m not quite to that level yet, but it’s getting close.
I’ve posted this before, but it’s worth watching again:
I’m not from the “Bamby influenced” generation (even if I’m in that age area) and I don’t give to dogs human emotions. Dogs are dogs and humans are humans. In that respect of things, I honestly think this kind of approach should be taught as much as possible in this world. The distinction between dominance and fear should be more understood by many. A leader isn’t tyrant. In a certain way, a leader has to have a charismatic way of being (and this charism has to be recognized by the canine) so the dogs will want to follow him/her. There is no need to be a dictator, the need is to teach, teach and teach with consistance, patience and perseverence, don’t you think ?
I know a couple of people who swear by taking a puppy who is just minding it’s own business and periodically rolling it on it’s back and holding it there staring at it’s eyes.
I was REALLY offended when one of these people took my Golden pup and did that to her. I was so upset that I have not allowed either of my Goldens near her. She has labs and from what I can see, her dogs follow what she says but there is a joy that is lacking in their relationships. She is constantly yelling at her dogs and seems to look down at me for not being a drill sergeant like her.
However, I am the one who competes in obedience and gets that blue ribbons. I do have a sound I make if one of my dogs does something I don’t like but for the most part, my Goldens are happily well behaved. I use treats to teach a command and ALOT of praise.
I hope this response isn’t too long but I also want to add that I ended my membership in one of the dog clubs I was a member of since the main obedience instructor uses constant corrections including putting a dog on it’s back and man handling a dog when it is distracted. She receives a lot of rewards on her dogs but once again, that is not the kind of relationship that I want with my dogs.
I enjoyed this video and I am interested in reading some of Patricia McConnell’s books. I respect what she has said in this interview.
I too will do some reading ! I’ll order one of her books and see if I’ll order a few others. It is always interesting to read someone else’s approach about dog behavior, communication, etc.
Thanks Retrieverman for bringing this link !