Green Acres Kennel Shop

This position statement is based on the understanding that:

1. As our dog’s guardian we have a moral responsibility to meet their physical and emotional needs¹.
2. We can train our dogs to a very high level of compliance using a variety of reward-based training methods, but we cannot dictate their emotional responses to situations. Most serious behavioral problems are not due to training or a lack thereof, but are the result of emotions like fear and anger.
3. Expecting 100% compliance to obedience cues without also managing the dog’s environment is not a reasonable expectation for most dogs.
4. Dogs, like humans, are social species and usually enjoy the company of others. However both species consist of a broad spectrum of temperament types and must be viewed as individuals. Not all individuals within the population will enjoy social interactions. As much as we may want a dog to “like” a specific person or pet, we cannot make them do so.

It was in the September of 2000 that the first version of this article appeared in Paw Prints, the Green Acres Kennel Shop newsletter. I have updated the article ten years later because sadly there are still too many people, some of them animal professionals, and some who try to play the part on TV, promulgating the dominance myth. Unfortunately a popular reality TV show has captured people’s attention and is talking about dogs as pack animals and again perpetuating the idea of using “calm-assertive energy” (read: fear and intimidation) to resolve issues with problem dogs.  Like most “reality” TV shows there is very little that is real here. The methods and approach used on this show are contraindicated by science and behavioral experts and many consider them inhumane. Unfortunately, many viewers do not seem to understand that the show is edited but instead believe “miracles happen in 30 minutes.” Even though each show contains a disclaimer; “please do not attempt any of these techniques on your own, consult with a professional,” people do try these techniques at home and cause further harm to dogs that are already suffering. As result the two largest organizations of professionals that deal with animal behavior; the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) have issued official positions warning against the use of the dominance approach in training or dealing with behavioral issues with dogs. Green Acres has elected to do the same in an effort to educate dog lovers about our position on this topic. That position statement can be found on our web site at www.greenacreskennel.com

On this weeks show Kate and I will be discussing the dominance construct, an approach used in dog training for many years, and the scientific research that refutes the commonly held beliefs about dominance in both dogs and wolves. We will also introduce Green Acres Kennel Shops Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogs. If you think your dog is being “dominant” of if you just want to stay current on the latest in dog and wolf behavior, you will not want to miss this show. Tomorrow I will post both the position statement and an updated version of my article; Dominance: Reality or Myth here on the blog.

[Bangor] — The Woof Meow Show, Maine's radio show all about dogs and cats, is now on every Saturday morning at 7:30AM in addition to being broadcast at 8:30PM every Sunday night. Hosted by Green Acres Kennel Shops' co-owner, Don Hanson and Operations Manager, Kate Dutra, The Woof Meow Show is broadcast on WVOM 103.9FM and WVQM 101.3FM. In its fifth year, The Woof Meow Show has covered topics such as; pet nutrition, dog training and behavior, therapy and service dogs, litter box issues, getting ready for your new cat or dog, various health issues, and pet related events. Special guests have included many local veterinarians as well as authors and pet professionals from around the USA. Many past episodes of The Woof Meow Show are available as podcasts on Green Acres Kennel Shops website (www.greenacreskennel.com) where you can also find a schedule for upcoming shows.