TV dog trainers are still making the news. TV dog trainers are still using methods that aren't entirely ethical and some are against the Animal Welfare Act. AKA the 5 Freedoms which are
- FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST. by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor.
- FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT. by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE. ...
- FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. ...
- FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS.
TV dog trainers and a lot of people who are running dog training clubs, or who are offering dog traning and behaviour on a one to one basis use methods that cause pain (there are studies on the use of shock collars showing they cause pain and studies on the use of choke chains showing the same).
Just the other day I heard of a puppy in its first training class learning about not going through doors, how? By having the door slammed in its face. Pretty sure that this would have caused fear and distress, the owner says it upset them. There is another training class where people are being told to use choke chains to control their dogs, the trainer there also has said to me that although they haven't used them personally they would recommend the use of prong collars.
There is more than enough written about dominance theory, another favourite of TV and club trainers. I wrote a Facebook note on it in 2010 https://www.facebook.com/notes/olwen-turns/dominance-in-dogs/452104104531/ and I also did a Facebook note on TV trainers in 2017, https://www.facebook.com/notes/olwen-turns/this-morning/10155269588569532/
There is a trainer from "over the pond" advertising a UK tour, although not publishing venues! This person is well known for their use of punitive, physical punishment of dogs which is certainally not in keeping with UK law.
