I was contacted the other day by the owner of an 18 month old GSD male who demonstrated "fear aggression" towards any unknown person. The owner who was extremely worried and at her wits end had previously contacted a number of so called behaviourists and trainers in the hope of sorting out the problems her dog was experiencing. One of these people told her to have the dog put down even without taking the time to examine the poor animal. Another turned up and promptly wrestled the dog to the ground where upon the dog bit him (well wouldn't you have done the same thing, I know I would have). Let me put the record straight..............the so called "Alpha Roll" is an outdated, dangerous manouvere both for you and your dog and should NEVER be used. Even wolves don't use this action unless they intend to kill the subordinate. There are far more better options to use then brute force. Any good, Qualified Behaviourist and Trainer knows this. If a so called behaviourist or trainer turns up and does this to your dog then throw him out asap. All they are doing is making matters worse and scaring the poor dog into even worse behaviour. The same thing applies if they suggest things such as jowl pulling, ear pinching, electric collars etc.
Unfortunately not everyone calling themselves a "behaviourist" or "behaviour counsellor" are qualified, and some have very little, if any relevant hands on experience in training and handling problem dogs. Some may also be charging extortionate fees for their services, which to all intent and purposes are often nothing short of barbaric or totally unfounded being based solely on hearsay.
Another area which raises concerns with me are the miriad of TV programs aimed at Dog Training. Owners are often horrified when I explain that their dog is terrified of them, and is showing aggression because of the techniques they have used. It's hardly their fault though when they have been advised to do so, or watched such techniques on TV. Being consistent and rewarding good behaviour is so much better than punishment.
Chris Laurence, a veterinary director at the Dogs Trust, said: "We can tell when a dog comes in to us which has been subjected to the 'dominance reduction technique' so beloved of TV dog trainers. Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is 'leader of the pack is counter-productive' you won't get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours, or one so aggressive it's dangerous to be around."
So many times I hear "he's a friend of a friend and had dogs all his life" or "he used to train police dogs so he must know what he's doing". Thankfully, our knowledge about our four legged friends has progressed at a massive rate and techniques that were used five years ago even are now known to be outdated and flawed. We have a greater understanding of what makes our dogs tick and those taking the time and expense to train and to qualify on recognised courses and to continue to learn to better the lives of dogs know this.
Those who can't be bothered and only see it as a means to make a quick buck, don't.
