I groaned aloud when the e-mail below crossed my desk a few months ago:

Do you love dogs, and training them? Can YOU run the ultimate bootcamp? Do you have proven experience in being able to train those aggressive breeds who go from trainer to trainer and never seem to learn how to sit or stay still? Then we want YOU as our next drill sergeant!!!!

Varuna Entertainment is currently casting for a dramatic reality docuseries in development for the Animal Planet. The network is taking the next step in K9 training by having their drill sergeant make troubled dogs good once again. Candidates must be able to take a stern and militaristic, yet positive attitude towards dog training, and can show us on video or in pictures. Think “Celebrity Fit Club” or “Biggest Loser.“ We want you to show us how YOU run the best bootcamp!!!

Yet another “opportunity” for us to dominate, “boot,” or otherwise bully the four-legged friends we take into our homes.  Why does dominating and controlling our pets appeal so to us humans?  Because shows like the one promoted above, and the trainers involved, sensationalize training to make us feel like we have magical powers. 

Why would I feel the urge to push and jerk my friend around instead of attempting to find a form of communication agreeable to both of our cultures – dog and human?  After all, if I invited a human friend from another culture into my home, I wouldn’t knee him in the chest if he bowed towards me instead of shaking my hand.  I wouldn’t drag someone right beside me by a short rope if their culture determined they should walk 6 feet behind.  We would likely find some acceptable form of greeting or walking that felt comfortable to both.  Patience, understanding and time would be essential.  But that doesn’t play well on TV, and it doesn’t make you feel like you are “Super Alpha.”

If my spouse or child suddenly started slapping me in the face on a regular basis, we would seek serious counseling and/or medical intervention.  It wouldn’t even cross my mind to pin my spouse to the ground or throw a can of pennies in the direction of my child.  Don’t get me wrong, we all do irrational things at times.  I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes, but I would NEVER develop a plan for improved relations based on dominance, force or pain.

Sadly, the public and trainers alike are applying such maneuvers to attempt to train even basic skills like sit, down, come and stay.  Training your pet can actually be an ENJOYABLE prospect – and not extremely time-consuming.  There are newer and exciting training methods that even your 4-year-old can practice.  Your grandmother won’t have to pull your dog to the ground and stand on his leash to teach him a polite greeting skill. 

I implore you.  If you are militaristic in nature, please “Stand Down, Soldier.”  Do not respond to this call to arms.  Anyone who calls us to battle against our own canine countrymen and companions is definitely not a friend.  Instead, join us to help spread the word and actions towards building friendly relationships with our pets.  Trainers, please support training methods based on scientific study, and “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”  Our public needs permission to actually enjoy their relationships with their pets.

Today’s blog was written by Marie Tripton, who employs positive reinforcement techniques as the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. For behavior help, e-mail or call (804) 643-SPCA.

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