First, let me say that the Fact That These Links Are Here Does NOT Mean I Support the Techniques Used!! These links are offered with the expectation and hope that you will take responsibility for properly evaluating anyone that you choose to hand your dog's leash to -- this is NOT something that I take lightly! PLEASE -- find out what methods they use -- watch them in a class situation, make sure you're comfortable with how they handle their own dog, or someone else's -- and NEVER allow someone to do anything to your dog that makes you uneasy!

Here is the danger: most owners will do anything an instructor tells them to do, just because the instructor is SUPPOSED to know what they're doing.  People will shock the HELL out of a dog, if the instructor tells them "it really doesn't HURT the dog -- it just 'gets his attention'" (be VERY wary of anyone who uses this phrase!!)  I've seen instructors teach owners to HANG their dogs for showing INTEREST in other dogs.  Many owners work on faith, this way... it's simply WRONG for a trainer to abuse this type of trust.  

Dog-owners PLEASE understand this: there is NO governing body that regulates what a trainer must know, or methods allowed to be used, in order to call oneself a "dog trainer", "behavior counselor", or "animal behaviorist".  There are many schools that give certification in these areas (and some are quite good!) -- but some are frightening, and are turning out some downright incompetent trainers.  The rule is: I call myself a behavior counselor, therefore I am a behavior counselor.  It really is necessary to educate yourself to the schools of thought regarding training methodolgy, so that you can make an informed decision.  It's a matter of ethics.

Most owners' biggest problem lies in being able to WALK the dog -- the headcollar lets them relax a little, because it allows them to control the sheer bulk of the dog, while teaching appropriate behavior.  You can teach almost anything to your dog that you need to teach, right in your own home, if you're unable to find a competent trainer near you.  If you're relaxed, you can bond with your dog... and, the dog won't pay the price for it.

If you have a St. Bernard with a behavioral problem: please contact someone who is knowledgeable in the breed, for help!  There is a huge misconception among trainers that "a dog is a dog is a dog"... it's simply NOT TRUE.  There are behaviors and traits that are an inherent part of every breed, based in what function the breed was bred to perform -- these traits are acceptable and even desirable, in those breeds.  They may not be, however, in others.  Here are some of the misconceptions I've heard voiced by some people who have worked with Saints as trainers:

1)  Myth: Leaning is a sign of dominance toward humans.  

Truth: In fact, leaning is just exactly what it appears to be: a way for the dog to get closer to someone that they wish to be close to.  This is ridiculous.

2)  Myth: Pawing is a sign of dominance toward humans.  

Truth: Watch the dog's body language, during pawing... you'll see that, while the dog *is* trying to get you to do something (it's the "trying to get you to do something" part that makes trainers define the behavior as "dominant" -- most often, it's a way of getting attention, like petting) it's a behavior that's part of a submissive repertoire.  

3) The bigger the dog, the harsher the method must be, in order to control that dog.

Truth: the exact opposite is true, with ALL sizes of dog.  Might doesn't make right... and in many instances, it's just wrong.  Aggressive tactics will teach your dog to respond in kind. Teach your dog to cooperate, and you can teach anything else as a result.

4)  Myth: Teaching protection to a "soft" dog like a Saint will "toughen" him.

Truth: St. Bernards are NOT guard dogs, nor do they have the type of temperament  that will fare well under the training required for "dual personality" training (protection training) -- they do have a tendency toward protective behavior, but this is presented more as a benevolent presence, than active guarding behavior.  Dual-personality training (and it's called "dual-personality" for a *reason*!) can, in fact, cause psychoses in dogs that don't have the correct temperament for that type of training.  This can lead to uncontrolled aggressive displays!!

Understanding this difference in attitudes is CRUCIAL in planning behavior modification strategies and selecting a trainer.  Again, never allow anyone to do anything to or with your dog that makes you uncomfortable!  You and your dog will have to live with the consequences (or not!)

-- Brenda Rushman, Web Author

Looking for fast, simple, easy, or quick training methods?  Read this article!

Have a thirst for more knowledge about dog behavior and training?  Dr. P's Dog Training website has a serious listing of links to learn more about obedience training, clicker training, and learning theory!  Please note: even though some of my own articles are listed here, that doesn't mean that I've read all the other articles, or that I agree with the techniques used in those articles!  PLEASE read, study, and THINK before taking anyone's word as gospel!

The following are links to sites where you can find trainers, behaviorists, and counselors in your area:

Association of Pet Dog Trainers -- search for a trainer in your area! Note that the APDT does not require its members to conform to any particular philosophy or technique of training. It is up to you, the consumer to decide if you feel comfortable with the member trainers to whom you have been referred. The suggestions listed below are provided to help you choose a trainer. 

PuppyClass.com... Brandy Oliver's directory of positive reinforcement puppy classes.  You can register your all-positive training class, or look for classes in your area.  You can also rate classes you've taken - so all you students and/or observers out there, you know what you can do! 

There's also http://www.courteouscanine.com/referral.htm for other levels of training.  

And of course Marge's new and improved list at http://chorus.wazoo.com/cgi-bin/.marge/mainpage.pl,

If you're unable to find a class that suits you, please contact me for help!!