Every time the conversation turns to the harm of aversive tools and techniques, a predictable comment shows up: “Show me your training videos.” I’ve spent time sitting with that response, trying to understand what’s underneath it. And where I’ve landed is this: It doesn’t feel like genuine curiosity about the dog or the process....
When we look at the dogs who share our homes, it’s easy to forget just how unusual their existence really is. They sleep on our couches, eat food we provide, and depend on us for nearly every aspect of their survival. In the most literal sense, our dogs are captive animals—their movement, reproduction, food,...
Your dog isn’t being stubborn. They’re not giving you the middle finger. And they’re definitely not waking up each morning plotting to be difficult. When your dog doesn’t respond to commands, it’s usually because they have no idea what you’re asking—and that’s on us, not them. The problem lies in how we use words....