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When we think about "correcting" a dog, the thought process behind this is to let the dog know they are in the wrong. The problem with this approach is that often the behaviour the human doesn't like doesn't have the same motivations behind why it's happening that it would for a human. First let's talk about what a "correction" typically looks like: Frank is out walking his German Shepherd named Molly around the neighbourhood, on leash. As they turn the corner, a stranger carrying a stack of boxes wearing a ball cap and dark glasses is right in front of them. Molly barks. Loudly. Frank, who is embarrassed, jerks Molly's leash and says "no!". Here is a break down of Molly's behaviour, and the motivation behind it; Molly is a German Shepherd, bred to guard Being startled by strange looking people often results in a fear response such as barking When an animal is on-leash they are naturally more defensive Barking is communication, it's not "bad" behaviour, humans just may not like it but they were bred to vocalize, alert and warn   Frank didn't like the barking, but based on the above break down, was it fair for him to get upset?   Corrections; what are they? A "correction" is the attempt to let an animal know they shouldn't do what they are doing. I do NOT recommend any of these and we will go over why shortly. It could be: a leash pop a stern "no" jabbing the dog squirting with water alpha rolling tapping the dog on the nose clamping their mouth shut using the "tssssst!" sound "ah ah!" What "corrections" really do When we look at Franks story with his dog Molly, his intention is short-sighted. He is getting upset with natural, instinctual behavior, and his dog won't understand WHY. Molly just knows that her person is angry. With repeated "corrections" Molly just starts to fear Frank and her behavior is apathetic. She starts to fear men in general. The side effects are like ripples in a pond. You won't see them until it's too late.  We also see that dogs that are "corrected" for one behavior may use another behavior to achieve the same result... and often times it is an escalated version. So, now Molly may not bark at all when she is frightened or startled, she may go straight to a BITE.   What "corrections" don't achieve Suppressing behavior does not teach our companion animals a better option. Isn't it only fair that we do? Some examples of better options instead of corrections:  using a "let's go" to gain space if our dog barks on leash proactively engaging more and rewarding more on walks using the Engage-Disengage protocol for leash reactivity anticipating our dog may jump on guests entering the home and setting up a baby gate to give our dog space from guests because he is excited   "If I don't correct behavior don't they think it's ok?" As I mentioned earlier, animal behavior is not the same as human behavior so your dog is likely not behaving in a certain way because they are trying to be naughty. And even if that was the case, we still aren't teaching our dogs what is more desirable AND being fair to them. We also are going to see negative side effects with the "no" approach. We can't reason with dogs. They are amoral beings! The don't understand right and wrong, good and bad. The only way you'll make the behaviour worse is by continuing on the path of corrections and punishment.

There Are No Regulations Anyone  can call themselves a Behaviourist, Behaviour Specialist, Behaviour Expert/Consultant, Dog Trainer, etc   There are zero regulations in place to protect consumers from unqualified "pet professionals" claiming they will fix your dog   Be wary of anyone that claims they will "fix" your dog, or uses tools such as ecollars  or approaches to changing behaviour that is intimidating and coercive.   Walk away. Even if you've spent money! If something feels off then do not continue to work with that person, your dogs welfare is at risk. Considerations Avoid hiring anyone that does not have qualifications and continuing education listed on their website. They should make it clear that they use or do not use specific methods and tools. Transparency is key. Checklist for choosing a trainer The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour: Choosing a Trainer TV Dog Training Shows What Is Wrong With the Dominance Theory? What Science Says About Shock Dog Training Myths Types of Professionals Trainer: Typically work on manners, learning new skills, etc. Many also address basic behaviour concerns such as house training or unwanted chewing Behaviour Consultant: Typically educated in behaviour modification and learning theory Modify existing, unwanted behaviours. Some are also trainers. Veterinary Behaviourist:  Vets who have completed residency or training in behavioral medicine. Can work directly with your vet or directly with you if available and can determine when behaviour medications should be applied and which ones are appropriate.

Does your dog suffer from reactive behaviour? The Definition Dog reactivity refers to dogs that become overly aroused by common stimuli. They may lunge, bark and growl, becoming so preoccupied with whatever is triggering the emotion that they can be difficult to control and move out of the situation. A reactive dog is often a fearful dog. Causes can be genetic, lack of, or poor, socialization, prior bad experiences and pain/medical issues. It's really important to remember that your dogs' behaviour is not a reflection of you, nor are they a "bad dog". They are struggling. The goal with behaviour modification is to help relieve, never punish, this behaviour which is often a result of something your dog cannot control. Types of Reactivity Resource Guarding Guarding of resources such as food, toys, spaces, places and sometimes people. This can look like snarling, lunging, freezing, stiff body and whale eye (pronounced whites of eyes). Your dog may even bite when pushed. In the animal kingdom this is actual normal behaviour. When it cannot be prevented or if it becomes severe resulting in bites, we need to work on a plan to help your dog feel better. PS. NEVER punish this behaviour or risk it becoming worse! Leash Reactivity This often looks like lunging, barking, pulling and/or growling when your dog sees another dog, person or something they are either stressed or fearful of, excited of OR both! Dogs with leash reactivity may interact off leash quite well, but when on leash they can become frustrated or upset. Conflicted feelings can occur! This can make walking your dog on leash a nightmare and cause great stress to you and your dog. This is the most common form of reactivity I treat. Some dogs were never socialized on leash, perhaps they were free-roaming. They may have had a poor experience on leash, or they may spend so much time off leash that they need a plan to help them when we do need to walk them on lead. READ MORE General Fear & Anxiety Your dog may react towards strangers or people coming to your home or they may have a specific trigger such as garbage trucks or car rides. Some dogs who suffer from severe reactivity may need to see a veterinary behaviourist.   Do not be afraid to discuss your struggles with your veterinarian, especially if your dog: has severe noise phobias has separation anxiety has had a sudden behavioural change has so many triggers and reacts so severely that you cannot prevent reactions from happening frequently Pain "Daniel Mills, FRCVS, a veterinary researcher and behaviorist at the University of Lincoln (England), suggests that a large portion of behavior problems are exacerbated or caused by physical pain, and that resolution of that pain can mitigate or even resolve the behavioral issue. Almost 80% of the behavior problems in his own practice , says Dr. Mills, have a component of diagnosed or suspected pain." ALWAYS ensure that your dog has been thoroughly checked for pain issues. Sometimes soft tissue injuries can go undiagnosed and there are specialists like Dr Lane in Squamish, BC  who can assess your dogs' mobility. What can happen when reactivity is left untreated? Shortened life-span Illness Depression, apathy, quality of life issues Compromised immune system IBS/Digestive issues Bites and elevated reactions It's important to seek out help and support from a certified force-free behaviour specialist. You don't have to face this challenge alone!