Jacqui Zakar, a professional dog trainer from Perth, Australia, and founder of Dog Sense Training and Behavior, examines the troubling narratives in the dog training industry. She shares her transition from pharmaceuticals to dog training, revealing intriguing insights on accreditation and the necessity of diverse methodologies. The conversation tackles the complexities of training tools, such as prong collars, the ethical implications of varied methods, and emphasizes the need for informed practices that prioritize animal welfare and individual needs.
Jacqui Zakar's journey from mental health to dog training shapes her empathetic and evidence-based approach to canine behavior and owner dynamics.
Her extensive research efforts reveal the shortcomings in industry claims regarding evidence-based dog training methods and the need for rigorous standards.
Zakar's personal experiences with her German Shepherd highlight the importance of ongoing education and understanding for both trainers and frustrated dog owners.
Advocating for professional dog training accreditation in Australia, she emphasizes the need for credible regulatory bodies and proper education in the industry.
Deep dives
Jackie Zakar's Background
Jackie Zakar has a diverse background, starting her journey in dog training around 2015 after transitioning from a career in mental health and pharmaceuticals. Raised in New Zealand and having lived in Australia, she brings a unique perspective to the dog training industry, influenced by her prior experiences in mental health care. Jackie's academic background includes a degree in psychology, which has informed her approach to understanding canine behavior and owner dynamics. Her involvement in dog training began later in life, prompting her to focus on the intricacies of the industry and develop her own training business.
Insights from Mental Health Work
Jackie's previous work in mental health, particularly with mentally ill patients, highlighted the systemic shortcomings in care and advocacy, leading to insights applicable in dog training. She recalls the challenges faced by patients in receiving adequate support from the mental health system, emphasizing how this experience shaped her understanding of behavior and the need for compassionate care. This perspective translates into her approach to dog training, where she recognizes the importance of advocacy for both dogs and their owners. Jackie aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application in dog behavior and training.
Experiences in Pharmaceuticals
Following her departure from mental health, Jackie spent nearly a decade in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining insights into the rigorous research standards and ethical considerations in medication. This experience contributed to her understanding of the importance of evidence-based approaches in dog training, especially regarding claims of effectiveness. Jackie emphasizes that while many in dog training claim to use science and evidence-based methods, the actual data supporting those claims often falls short. Her frustration with the lack of professional standards in dog training reflects her desire for a more rigorous approach to training methods.
Challenges of Dog Ownership and Training
Jackie shares her personal journey of dog ownership, detailing her initial mistakes and the realization that dog training requires ongoing education and adaptation. Owning a German Shepherd with behavioral challenges prompted her to seek multiple trainers and try different approaches, ultimately leading her to a better understanding of training techniques. She highlights the importance of empathy for frustrated dog owners who face challenges with their pets, given her firsthand experience with a difficult dog. This connection allows her to relate to clients and offer more tailored solutions to their specific training issues.
The Role of Accreditation in Dog Training
Jackie's involvement in dog training accreditation in Australia reflects her commitment to promoting professionalism within the industry. She undertook a year-long accreditation program, gaining critical skills and insights into various training approaches, and she now advocates for the recognition of balanced training methods. Through her experiences, Jackie has watched numerous dog trainers excel and others struggle, reinforcing her belief in the need for proper education and credentials. This highlights the ongoing need for credible regulatory bodies within the dog training community in Australia.
The Importance of Reliable Research
In her discussions about training methodologies, Jackie emphasizes the necessity of sound research that substantiates various dog training claims, particularly in the context of aversive methods. She argues that many studies cited to discredit certain training tools often lack comprehensive data and do not consider the long-term impacts of alternative training methods. Jackie's commitment to evidence-based practices extends to her skepticism of current trends in the force-free training community, where she believes that many trainers are not considering real-world applications and outcomes. Her goal is to engage in an open dialogue about methodologies that genuinely contribute to dog welfare.
Current Challenges in Dog Training Legislation
Recent discussions in Australia regarding dog training legislation highlight the ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding various breeds and training methods. Jackie has engaged with multiple stakeholders, including veterinary associations, regarding the need for educational initiatives rather than blanket bans on specific breeds. In Australia, pitbulls remain banned, yet the conversation around responsible ownership and training is becoming increasingly relevant as the government considers further regulations. This situation illustrates the critical importance of addressing public perception and misinformation within dog training practices.
Welcome to another episode of my TWC podcast, where we dive deep into the real world of dog training and behavior. Today, I’m thrilled to have Jacqui Zakar join me. Jacqui is a professional dog trainer based in Perth, Australia, and the founder of Dog Sense Training and Behavior. She’s not just a trainer—she’s an investigator, spending countless hours combing through past and current canine research papers to expose the flaws and misleading narratives that are flooding the industry worldwide.
Jacqui and I have had extensive private conversations on these topics, which led us to record this podcast. If you’re a dog trainer feeling confused or frustrated by the current propaganda being pushed by ideologists, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll cut through the noise and bring you clarity, context, and practical insights.
Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected and help us spread the word. Let’s get into it!
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
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