Destruction of a Dog’s Spirit

Some people, trainers included, believe that dogs are just dogs.  They can be treated harshly and will be fine.  They can be left outside all of the time without being given attention, and be fine.  I guess it depends on your definition of fine.

Dogs aren’t human (duh, I know!)  They can, however, be treated in ways that destroy or, at a minimum, lessen their spirit or true nature.  This can happen if they are treated too much like a human, and it can and does happen if they are sensitive in nature and treated with excessive force.

I have been working with a sweet Doberman who was sent away for training.  She was trained alright.  She returned to her human, with her head down, ears flat, and looking as sad as a dog can look.  In just a few days, she is starting to act like a dog again.  More than that, she’s acting like who she is.  She hasn’t forgotten her commands (greatly needed as she is a service dog), but she is beginning to lift her head and receive praise rather than waiting for the force of a heavy-handed correction.

Dogs are like us!  Some are more sensitive than others, so not all techniques work the same on every dog.  It’s important to consider the breed when you are training.  A Golden Retriever or Lab can sit or lie down in an instant.  Great Danes, Dobermans, and Greyhounds are several of the breeds that sit and lie down in what may appear to be slow motion.  Harsh corrections for not responding quick enough will only serve to make them cower and work against the relationship you are hoping to establish with them.

Be open to options and varying opinions when training your dog.  There is more than one way to “train” a dog and it is certainly better to choose one that let’s your dog learn and still be the dog they are intended to be!