ANGEL PAWS' DOG TRAINING POSITION STATEMENT
JULY 2010
Angel Paws honors and respects the uniquely intimate relationships we have with our dogs and believes that dog training is a personal choice. And, most importantly, we are here to help our candidates succeed.
Toward that goal, after over 8 years of experience, much consideration, consultation and research; our Governing Board of Directors made a unanimous decision that our list of recommended dog trainers are now limited to trainers who focus exclusively on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training methods for classroom training; and any Therapy Dog Training Courses we offer will focus exclusively on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training.
“Positive Reinforcement training” can mean many things to many people and there are many experienced and knowledgeable trainers using a combination of positive reinforcement with other practices so we find it necessary to be very clear on this issue. Although volunteer candidates are still, as always, free to train however they choose with whatever trainer they choose our referrals and recommendations (and certainly our own Therapy Dog Training Courses) are now limited to trainers who do NOT allow prong, pinch, choke or shock collars in their training classes.
After attempting a compromise on this issue in past years this compromise has proven to be problematic for Angel Paws training and development for many direct and indirect reasons. In our efforts to offer our volunteer candidates the very best opportunity to be successful, confident, relaxed and effective Pet Partners we have found that use of these collars (which are not allowed during either Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Tests, therapeutic visitation, R.E.A.D., or any other Pet Partners activities) are far more often than not problematic and counterproductive to our goals even if only used for training purposes. (Adverse effects are described in detail on the AVSAB Position Statement quoted on the right of this page, their "Guidelines on the Use of Punishment for Dealing with Behavior Problems in Animals" and "Adverse Effects of Punishment" on both their web site and ours)
We assure there will be no prejudice whatsoever to any candidate who chooses to train with these collars. And this is certainly not intended to impugn the reputation of any one particular or group of trainers who might allow or employ the use of these collars. The essential observable and applied working relationship between animal/handler Pet Partners while interacting with clients as required by Delta Society remain, as always, our ONLY concern. How that relationship is achieved is entirely up to each individual.
HOWEVER, particularly in consideration of the unique work our candidates are preparing for - as a result of what our Director has witnessed in the past 8 years as a licensed Delta Society Pet Partners evaluator and Angel Paws volunteer instructor - in conjunction with extensive research including consultation with a variety of professionals with extensive experience in both Delta Society Pet Partners dog training and evaluators training in addition to various published resources - our firm recommendations are not to use these collars. In addition to specific volunteer candidate referrals our efforts are to advocate the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's (AVSAB) position on Punishment and Guidelines on the Use of Punishment for Dealing with Behavior Problems in Animals with regards to the use of such collars.
Toward that goal, after over 8 years of experience, much consideration, consultation and research; our Governing Board of Directors made a unanimous decision that our list of recommended dog trainers are now limited to trainers who focus exclusively on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training methods for classroom training; and any Therapy Dog Training Courses we offer will focus exclusively on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training.
“Positive Reinforcement training” can mean many things to many people and there are many experienced and knowledgeable trainers using a combination of positive reinforcement with other practices so we find it necessary to be very clear on this issue. Although volunteer candidates are still, as always, free to train however they choose with whatever trainer they choose our referrals and recommendations (and certainly our own Therapy Dog Training Courses) are now limited to trainers who do NOT allow prong, pinch, choke or shock collars in their training classes.
After attempting a compromise on this issue in past years this compromise has proven to be problematic for Angel Paws training and development for many direct and indirect reasons. In our efforts to offer our volunteer candidates the very best opportunity to be successful, confident, relaxed and effective Pet Partners we have found that use of these collars (which are not allowed during either Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Tests, therapeutic visitation, R.E.A.D., or any other Pet Partners activities) are far more often than not problematic and counterproductive to our goals even if only used for training purposes. (Adverse effects are described in detail on the AVSAB Position Statement quoted on the right of this page, their "Guidelines on the Use of Punishment for Dealing with Behavior Problems in Animals" and "Adverse Effects of Punishment" on both their web site and ours)
We assure there will be no prejudice whatsoever to any candidate who chooses to train with these collars. And this is certainly not intended to impugn the reputation of any one particular or group of trainers who might allow or employ the use of these collars. The essential observable and applied working relationship between animal/handler Pet Partners while interacting with clients as required by Delta Society remain, as always, our ONLY concern. How that relationship is achieved is entirely up to each individual.
HOWEVER, particularly in consideration of the unique work our candidates are preparing for - as a result of what our Director has witnessed in the past 8 years as a licensed Delta Society Pet Partners evaluator and Angel Paws volunteer instructor - in conjunction with extensive research including consultation with a variety of professionals with extensive experience in both Delta Society Pet Partners dog training and evaluators training in addition to various published resources - our firm recommendations are not to use these collars. In addition to specific volunteer candidate referrals our efforts are to advocate the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's (AVSAB) position on Punishment and Guidelines on the Use of Punishment for Dealing with Behavior Problems in Animals with regards to the use of such collars.
"AVSAB’s position is that punishment
(e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars)
should not be used as a first-line or early use treatment
for behavior problems."
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in understanding behavior in animals. Founded in 1976, AVSAB is committed to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.
For more comprehensive information on this topic please see
AVSAB Position Statements
(e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars)
should not be used as a first-line or early use treatment
for behavior problems."
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in understanding behavior in animals. Founded in 1976, AVSAB is committed to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.
For more comprehensive information on this topic please see
AVSAB Position Statements
*AMERICAN VETERINARY SOCIETY OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR POSITION STATEMENT ON THE USE OF PUNISHMENT FOR BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
"AVSAB’s position is that punishment1 (e.g. CHOKE CHAINS, PINCH COLLARS, AND ELECTRIC COLLARS) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals.
AVSAB recommends that training should focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, removing the reinforcer for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving the undesirable behavior. This approach promotes a better understanding of the pet’s behavior and better awareness of how humans may have inadvertently contributed to the development of the undesirable behavior. Punishment should only be used when the above approach has failed despite an adequate effort as part of a larger training or behavior modification program that incorporates reinforcement of appropriate behaviors and works to change the underlying cause of the problem behavior.
AVSAB recognizes that both positive reinforcement and punishment require significant skill, effort, and awareness on the owner’s part. Both must be applied as the animal is performing the target behavior or within one second of the behavior to be most effective. Additionally, both work best when applied every time the behavior occurs so that the animal is not inadvertently rewarded for undesirable behavior during the modification process. If punishment is added to a modification plan, it should only be used if the owner has first demonstrated reasonable ability and consistency at rewarding appropriate behaviors and removing the reward for bad behavior. If punishment is suggested as part of a complete behavior modification plan, owners should not begin using it until they have ensured that the person helping them is able to articulate the major adverse effects of punishment, judge when these effects are occurring over the short term and long term, and can explain how they will reverse the adverse effects if they occur."
* AMERICAN VETERINARY SOCIETY OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR POSITION STATEMENT ON THE USE OF PUNISHMENT
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/Combined_Punishment_Statements.pdf
* CANINE BEHAVIOR MYTHS
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_2/features/Canine-Behavior-Myths_16004-1.html
* THE ANIMAL BEHAVIOR RESOURCES INSTITUTE http://abrionline.org/index.php
We respect that there are differing opinions on this issue and that yours may differ from ours. However we do ask for your cooperation in our efforts to update and educate ourselves on ALL relative issues and share that awareness with the community at large - as reflected in our Core Values.
For a more thorough understanding of the specific rationale and support for this position please review the AVSAB Position Statements copied on our web pages along with What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need to Become A Therapy Dog? ,... Why No Prong, Choke or E -Collars,... and Canine Behavior Myths. A complete list including descriptions and links to our Recommended Dog Trainers can be found by clicking right HERE as well. AND, AS ALWAYS, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US DIRECTLY WITH ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS.
For a more thorough understanding of the specific rationale and support for this position please review the AVSAB Position Statements copied on our web pages along with What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need to Become A Therapy Dog? ,... Why No Prong, Choke or E -Collars,... and Canine Behavior Myths. A complete list including descriptions and links to our Recommended Dog Trainers can be found by clicking right HERE as well. AND, AS ALWAYS, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US DIRECTLY WITH ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS.
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