Dog Trainers in Canberra
Given that the dog training industry is unregulated, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer without formal qualifications. Trainers are still using outdated and cruel, punishment-based methods (slip/impulse control leads, shock/citronella collars and rice shakers, to name a few). The science clearly shows that punishment can cause aggression, while positive, force-free methods, where we clearly communicate and reward our dog for good behaviour, are much safer and more effective.
If your trainer does not explicitly say they are a positive reinforcement trainer, it is likely they are a 'balanced' trainer or may even be operating under the dominance model of behaviour based on faulty research done on captive wolves several decades ago. There is no need to show your dog you are the boss or alpha; they already understand that you hold the keys to all the fun things in life (food, water, shelter, walks, play, etc) and they also know that you are not a dog!
Just as our approach to raising children has changed over the last few decades, so has our understanding of dog behaviour and training methods. It is important we all support kind methods that are not emotionally damaging to our pets and thoroughly research any trainers before working with them.
The Pet Professional Guild position statement expands on this issue here.
Recommended trainers in Canberra include:
- Tori from Canine Communication
- Lyndal from Puppykins (CSAT separation anxiety trainer)
- Jane from Canine Behaviour Academy
- Jess from Zen Den (formerly ABC Dog)
- Kathleen from Ready Steady Paws
- Christine from Ain't Misbehavin
- Jess from The Mindful Canine
- Luke from Dog Savvy
- Sian from Snooter Brown (Greyhounds are her speciality)
- Jackie from Leading the Way Dog Training Services
- Juliet from Kind Red Dogs
- Julie from Puppy Talk
- John Sam from Canine Nosework
- Jade Fountain from Animal Behaviour Matters