My Approach

• Is scientifically sound, replicable, and reliable

• Adheres to the humane hierarchy as well as LIMA

• Is effective in any species from apes to ants

• Should be enjoyable for owners AND pets

• Will never include fear or pain 

• Requires continuing education

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Choosing a Pro

• Choose wisely

• Gather information

• Click to learn more

• Check out 

Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer

• Paperback or ebook

• Nominated for Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers Association of America

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• Video from multiple behavior scientists on why dominance is not a good choice

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• David Mech explains why he was wrong about wolf behavior and the term “alpha”

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• APDT’s position statement on dominance-based training

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• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on dominance-based training

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• Pet Professional Guild position on dominance-based training

• Research explaining why dominance-based training is problematic 

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• Article on dominance by Dr. Sophia Yin

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• Article on dominance doing more damage than good by Dr. Sophia Yin

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Rather than viewing a wolf pack as a group of animals organized with a “top dog” that fought its way to the top, or a male-female pair of such aggressive wolves, science has come to understand that most wolf packs are merely family groups formed exactly the same way as human families are formed. 

 

~ David Mech

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Honesty

• Serve as a trusted adviser

• Say what's needed, even if it's not what you want to hear

• Tell you if we can't go further

• Refer to someone better if needed 

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Realistic Expectations

• Until satisfied or no more improvement can be made 

• Tailored to lifestyle and goals, but within pet abilities

• My first priority is mental and physical wellbeing of humans and pets. Everything else comes after.

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No Judgement

• Never feel judged about your pet, lifestyle, housekeeping, or collection of 2000 unicorns

• If you don't care if your dog's on the table, then I don't care - unless it pertains to the training at hand

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Fun

• Known for humor

• Lack of laughter is very rare

• Everyone should have fun, especially pets

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