Change Your Image
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQ4MTY5NzU2M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDc5NTgwMTI@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
jengumas
Reviews
Canine Intervention (2021)
A lot of outdated and potentially harmful training methods
I was really excited to see a new show about dog training coming, and then I was really disappointed once I saw some of the show and learned more about how these dogs are being "trained." I'm glad to see there's a little bit of positive training here and there, but still sooooo many concerns about this show and what's going to happen after people watch it and try this stuff on their dogs at home.
I'm a professional dog trainer that works with aggressive dogs all the time. There are humane, effective ways to modify the behavior of aggressive dogs. This show features dangerous, outdated techniques that compromise both the welfare of the animal and the safety of the humans involved.
While these methods may appear to magically "fix" canine behavior problems within the space of an episode, what they really are doing is suppressing the problem temporarily. Dogs trained with these punitive methods often have their aggression or other problems resurface later, explosively (because their warning signs have been punished). Dogs who have been "treated" with methods like this before they come to me are among the most dangerous dogs I work with.
Why do I care if someone trains dogs differently from me? For years, I have seen the fallout that has happened from people who have embraced these sorts of techniques: dominance, punishment, and other methods that are not promoted by science or experts in the field of animal behavior. I have had dogs come to me who were injured by these methods; dogs who are now so incredibly anxious from these methods that they are miserable; dogs whose relationship with their owners have been so far damaged that they are almost beyond hope and may have to be euthanized. I have seen aggression INCREASE in dogs where people have used these kinds of methods because the dog feels the owner is attacking it.
People watching these sorts of shows on TV have no idea of the risks involved in using these techniques, for them or their dogs. And usually, it's the dog that suffers, the dog that loses, if their aggression stays the same or gets worse instead of better.
A staggering number of people have adopted rescue dogs and brought home puppies during the pandemic.I wonder how many people will watch this TV show and think they have the tools they need to solve their dog's behavior problems. I wonder how many puppies and dogs will be damaged as a result of this show.
It isn't a matter of opinion. It's a matter of science, a matter of welfare, and a matter of ethics. Look at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB's) documents about the use of punishment and dominance. While you're at it, look at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)...I could go on. You will find NONE of these professional organizations, and none of the experts in animal behavior with ACTUAL academic credentials, certifications from reputable agencies, AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE endorse these kinds of techniques. There is a reason for that.
Please spread the word. Tell your family, tell your friends, don't watch this show. Sign petitions. File complaints. Tell Netflix that you're disappointed in them. The welfare of many, many dogs is at stake. It's not just about the dogs on the show. It's about all the dogs who belong to all the people who are watching.