

E270- "I Have Tried Everything" Me: "No You Haven't"
16 snips Aug 29, 2024
Tom Davis, an experienced dog trainer, shares insights with a frustrated dog owner struggling to train her rescue dog, Sparky, who exhibits fear and aggression. They discuss the challenges of positive reinforcement methods that haven’t worked. Tom emphasizes the importance of clear command structures and effective communication to manage Sparky's anxiety. They differentiate between basic commands and those needed for reactive situations, highlighting the necessity for leadership and accountability in dog training for lasting results.
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Address the Root Cause
- Tom emphasizes the importance of correcting unwanted behaviors, rather than just trying to prevent them.
- He uses the analogy of a leaking boat: address the leak, not just bail water.
Nipping vs. Attacking
- Tom points out that Sparky's nipping is not a true attack, but rather stems from insecurity and fear.
- He emphasizes that dogs have the capacity to cause serious harm, but Sparky is choosing not to.
Avoid Exacerbating Anxiety
- Pulling back on the leash when Sparky lunges actually exacerbates his frustration and anxiety.
- Tom advises against using scatter feeding as a long-term solution, as it avoids the core issue.