"Honor The Animal..."

Oct 11, 2023: Episode 140

I made this meme approximately a year ago. I'm sharing it again to show some of our core beliefs. I am not a dog trainer. I've been married to one for 19 years.

1. Animals speak to those who listen, often through body language. 2. They deserve to be heard & respected. 3. Each animal has their own unique set of preferences & timelines, & shouldn't be rushed. 4. Just like people, animals shouldn't be exposed to force or threatened with pain or fear. 5. Positive Reinforcement techniques are scientifically proven effective & are the most humane option. 6. Shock & prong collars are not only unnecessary but harmful. This is why they are banned in many countries. 7. Pets are family members & should be awarded the same respect as your other family members. 8. Animals deserve love. 9. Just like people, in order to be healthy, animals have needs that must be met. These include (but are not limited to) proper physical exercise & mental stimulus, affection, nutritious food in the appropriate amount, clean & fresh water, a safe & comfortable environment, access to proper & regular medical care, freedom from pain & fear, safety monitoring, clear boundaries & expectations, proper socialization, learning opportunities, time to rest, time to play, access to new experiences, etc. 8. Change takes time, effort, patience & consistency. There are no quick fixes. Trainers who obtain quick results from adverse methods are not changing behaviors. 9. Training with pain, fear & force can damage the dog & become dangerous for the person. 10. Trainers should not only manage behaviors, but seek to understand and resolve the root causes.

Nakala Matthews