Replying To Zak George About Crossover Dog Trainers #300
Mar 26, 2025
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A compelling discussion unfolds around the journey of transitioning from balanced training to positive reinforcement. Insights are shared about pivotal moments, including the influence of a terrier puppy and a transformative book. The challenges and resistance faced by trainers are explored, along with the profound impact of autonomy in dog training. Listeners also discover the importance of judgment in holding trainers back and the exciting possibility for change. Plus, there's a special offer for those interested in coaching!
The transition from punishment-based methods to positive reinforcement in dog training fosters trust, autonomy, and a more empathetic environment for dogs.
Overcoming societal pressures and fears of judgment is crucial for trainers to embrace humane training methods and achieve long-term benefits.
Deep dives
The Journey to Crossover Training
The transition to becoming a crossover trainer involves a shift from traditional punishment-based methods to a force-free, reinforcement-based approach. This change can stem from personal experiences that highlight the negative impact of aversive training techniques. For instance, the trainer's journey began with learning through painful corrections that ultimately led to emotional distress in their dogs, showcasing the need for something more empathetic. By embracing positive reinforcement, trainers can create a more positive environment that fosters trust and autonomy in their dogs, avoiding the turmoil of the past.
Overcoming Hesitations in Dog Training
Many trainers hesitate to adopt crossover methods due to societal pressures and fears of judgment from peers. The podcast highlights the internal struggle of facing criticism and the daunting task of stepping away from familiar practices that seem effective, yet may not be ethical. These apprehensions are often compounded by the fear of not achieving quick results, as training without corrections is viewed as slower or less effective by some trainers. Recognizing that these narratives can be debilitating, trainers are encouraged to reflect on their motivations and the long-term benefits of humane training methods.
The Importance of Connection and Community
Building a supportive network and community is essential for those transitioning to reinforcement-based dog training. Trainers are encouraged to seek out mentors, resources, and fellow trainers who share similar values and can provide guidance throughout the process. The podcast emphasizes that connecting with like-minded individuals can alleviate the fear of change and enhance the learning experience. By sharing successes and challenges within a community, trainers can foster an environment of growth and improvement that ultimately benefits both them and their dogs.
1.
The Journey to Force-Free Dog Training: Embracing Compassion Over Correction
Recently, dog training advocate Zak George asked me about crossover dog trainers, and framed the question in such a different way that it inspired replying with a podcast episode. When I crossed over from balanced training to reinforcement based training in 1996, many people asked me why and told me it would not work. I'm sharing my start in dog training, pivotal moments, people and dogs that led me to change my approach, what I learned about myself along the way, and the reasons I never went back.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• About my transition to becoming a crossover dog trainer. • The question from Zak George that inspired this episode. • When I decided to leave balanced training behind. • What I learned from my terrier puppy, Shelby. • The book that changed my thinking - Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor. • When I first saw true autonomy in dog training and how choice transformed my approach. • About my "Shaping Badly" era. • How learning from Bob and Marian Bailey helped me refine my training with clarity and intention. • The shift to shaping with success. • Why judgment holds trainers back. • That change is possible. • Reasons trainers resist crossing over to a positive reinforcement approach. • A special offer for podcast listeners who want to be coached by me and my team.