So, you've decided you need a trainer. What next? You turn to your favourite local pet support groups on Facebook or perhaps google and all of the sudden you realise there is many different trainers out there using many different methods. Some show off flashy results, some say things that you dont really understand. How could you possibly choose?
This is a guide to help you understand all the big words and flashy videos you're seeing so you can make an informed choice that takes into account your goals, your needs and most importantly your dogs ( and your) welfare and wellbeing!
What is FEAR FREE / FORCE FREE Training?
This type of training takes your dogs mental welfare into consideration and looks at the big picture of your dogs life and experiences. They will look for what is driving the behaviour in the first place - including pain, previous training history, other medical issues, age, breed, environment and more.
The goal with this type of training is that your dog chooses to willingly work with you- not obedience above all.
This type of training relies heavily on the use of Positive Reinforcement. Your Trainer will manpiluate the environment and the context to set your dog up for success. That success is then rewarded- Behaviour that is rewarded, will be repeated. This type of training does not use (or need!) corrections- by teaching the dog what we do want from them and teaching them exactly what we need, the need for corrections is removed.
Why should I choose Fear Free/ Force Free ?
Science has shown us that our dogs can learn without the use of fear, pain, intimidation & coercive methods. Old school training (often called Force Training, Compulsion Training, Traditional Training) relies heavily on the dog failing and then being punished. This can result in a dog who works to avoid a punishment rather than a dog who works for a reward. I dont know about you, but I know which way I'd prefer to learn!
If we can teach our dogs using kindness and by choosing humane methods, why wouldn't we?
Great, so how do I know if a Trainer is Fear Free or Force Free?
This is where it gets tricky! Theres a few ways to help you find a suitably qualified Fear Free/ Force Free Trainer:
✅ Look for their Qualifications and confirm they are a current member of that organisation. We have several organisations within Australia that promote Fear Free/ Force Free Trainers such as the Pet Professionals Guild of Australia. Some Trainers may hold Nationally Accredited Qualifications - the only ones that teach modern training are from Delta Society & Bendigo Kangan Institute. Some people may also hold international qualifications- check the website of their Qualifying board. If they're Fear Free/ Force Free, it will be all over their website!
✅ Check their social media. Look at their posts and photos. Can you see treat pouches? Can you see clickers? Can you see happy dogs? How does the wording of their captions make you feel? Are the dogs on Harnesses and Flat collars? Flat leads or Long Lines?
✅ Check their website! Do they use the words Fear Free, Force Free, Ethical, Welfare Based, Positive, Modern Training on their website? Does their website tell you how they promote the dogs welfare and their choice for ethical methods?
✅ Are they participating in ongoing learning? Lots of really dedicated and committed trainers share when they participate in ongoing learning and development- you can always ask them too!
Great, I see all of those things! Are they definitely Fear Free/ Force Free ?
Unfortunately its not always that clear. The presence of treat pouches and clickers doesn't always indicate a Force Free Trainer.
In between Force Free and Traditional Methods is whats called "Balanced Trainers". These trainers use a combination of Rewards and Punishers to teach your dog. So, even though they sometimes reward your dog, they will also punish your dog, and as we talked about before, we know thats not necessary for your dog to learn. These trainers can make it hard to find a really good Fear Free/ Force Free Trainer.
So, what are the different training styles?
Positive First / Postively Balanced/ LIMA
Positive First Trainers or LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Intrusive) lean heavily towards Positive Reinforcement, but will use mild corrections as they feel necessary . They will often label themselves as Force Free or Positive Trainers and it can be hard to spot the difference between them and true Force Free Trainers. Positive First Trainers will use Positive Reinforcement methods first, however when they do not see the results they want for whatever reason, they will then turn to corrections. It is rare for these types of trainers to use harsh punishments, but it is still not a recommended training method- especially for Reactive Pups!
Balanced Trainers
Balanced Trainers use "All 4 Quadrants". They are referring to the Learning Quadrants meaning they use a combination of Positive Reinforcement, Negative Punishment, Positive Punishment & Negative Reinforcement. This means they will use a combination of Rewards and Punishments to teach your dog. The balance between the two is dependent on lots of factors including the Trainers beliefs, education & skills to name a few. More often than not, the balance tips towards more punishments than rewards and this system lacks an understanding of how dogs learn and the motivations behind their behaviours. These trainers may still call themselves Rewards Based or LIMA Trainers.
Traditional Training
This type of training leans heavily on punishing unwanted behaviours. Many of these trainers work is based on an old, outdated theory often referred to as Alpha Theory / Dominance Theory/ Pack Theory. They believe Dogs are "Pack Animals" who need a Leader or a Boss - someone who is in charge. They often also believe that any behaviour issues you might be experiencing are all because your dog thinks they are the boss of you. This theory has been debunked repeatedly- including by the guy who originally came up with the concept.
As a Trainer, even I sometimes get tripped by the way the labels are manipulated and used for various reasons.
Here's some red flags that a Trainer might be Old School or Balanced:
🚩 Promises to fix your dog in 1 session. True change takes time. Anyone promising they can fix your dog in just 1 session is more than likely using Forceful methods which cause the dog to shut down, rather than learn.
🚩 Anyone who GUARANTEES to fix your dog in any amount of time. Training is never guaranteed and is reliant on so many factors to go right, that even the most skilled and qualified trainers cannot guarantee your success.
🚩 Check their social media. Look at their pictures- can you see Shock Collars? Prong Collars? Choke or Check chains? Slip leads? Head Halters? Do they advertise products labelled "No pull"? None of these tools are Force Free. They all rely on causing some sort of pain or discomfort to the dog ! Prong Collars are often hidden under thick, wide collars that will have a small tab hanging off them and may not immediately be obvious.
🚩 Check their website. Do they use words or phrases like "Balanced Approach", "Balanced Training", "Teach Respect", "Pack Theory", "Be the boss" "Positively Balanced" . If their words dont sound kind and ethical, they probably aren't either. Some Trainers are very good at hiding their unethical ways in the words they use- it is important to ask a Trainer outright "What will you do if my dog gets it wrong" and "What will you do when my dog gets it right". Ethical Trainers will NEVER punish your dog- Incorrect behaviour comes from us sending the wrong message. If your trainers response is any other than changing their own behaviour or the environment, then there's a good chance they're using some form of punishment. Some balanced Trainers will also use the titles of LIMA and Rewards Based - Be careful when you see either of these terms without any other indication of Fear Free/ Force Free.
🚩 See how long they have been in the industry. Sometimes, being around longer isn't always a good thing! Unless someone is committed to ongoing learning , their knowledge will quickly become out of date! If the only credentials a Trainer can provide you is their Original qualification or "I've worked with dogs for 40 years!" , this is a big red flag that their learning is out of date or non-existant. Most Training Providers will tell you on their website how much CPD they demand of their Graduates.
🚩 Look at their behaviour when someone questions them or goes against them. If their immediate reaction is to argue, speak down to someone, create childish memes or start carrying on about their qualifications and time in the industry or block people rather than taking the time to provide studies, engage in educational conversation or listen to someone, then this is someone who is putting Ego before Ethics. These types of people are often not open to learning new things and more often than not will provide advice they know is incorrect or outdated simply to save face.
So, In Summary;
Choose a Trainer who puts welfare and ethics above ego
Choose a Trainer who is Suitably Qualified and a Member of at least 1 Force free member body
Choose a trainer who chooses kind.
Be aware of the red flags, ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with that trainer
Don't be afraid to walk away if you think that Trainer is not doing the best thing for you and your dogs welfare!
Check their social media behaviour- not just the photos. See how they interact with people who question them in particular!
Looking for support to find a Trainer:
Reactive Border Collies Support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/788122835665899/
Reactive Working Breeds Support:
Dog Training & Support Victoria (For Residents of Victoria, Australia only)
Aggressive & Reactive Dog Support Melbourne (For Residents of Victoria, Australia only)
Happy Herders Australia
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