Love is an Action Word!

Valentine's Day Dog do no harm dog training

BY LINDA MICHAELS, M.A.

Take the Dog Lovers Pledge!

Love is an important part of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs. Dogs have emotions similar to ours and they experience fear, pain, and love. Think carefully about how you will socialize and train the new addition or the cherished family dog. After all, we are training sentient creatures who we have domesticated and who we love with all our hearts. Love is an action word. Show your love in the way you train by adopting the “Do No Harm” Hierarchy of Dog Needs guide to wellness and behavior modification. Make a pledge to not only tweak you dog’s diet and exercise activities but to use dog-friendly leash-walking equipment and training methods.             Valentine's Day Dog do no harm dog training

You can easily learn to train without pain, force, or fear. You and your dog will love it!

Your hair stylist and most other professionals must complete standardized coursework and demonstrate competence in order to earn a license. Client safety and a “do no harm” ethic are compulsory. The field of dog training needs standards and regulations, too, in order to put an end to animal abuse and incompetency in our industry. We desperately need attorneys and politician dog lovers to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Sadly, the dog training industry has become a public health and safety risk. We now know that outdated “alpha”/dominance methods and equipment are known causes of aggression and often lead to dog bites. In the U.S., the field of dog training is completely unregulated and peppered with practitioners who have no education in animal behavior or animal welfare. Anyone can purchase a website with cutting edge features, label themselves a “professional” dog trainer or dog training company, and charge you fees.

Virtually every true credentialed behavior expert warns against the use of shock, prong, and choke collars and dominance training methods (Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2006). The sale and use of these devices are already banned in some countries.  Medical injuries are not uncommon.

Your dog can be safely and easily trained using force-free/pain-free methods. Progressive zoos worldwide and wolfdog trainers use force-free methods for the largest, most difficult animals. It can work for your dog, too — if you seek out a competent trainer and leave the hype and the promise of a quick-fix behind.  You and your dog will love it!

Do No Harm Dog Training manualThe Do No Harm™ Dog Training Manual was designed as my own personal guide for teaching basic manners classes, and evolved into a reference manual for my private behavior consultations. Created as a practical guide for either or both training formats, it is also helpful for pet parents who want an inside look at dog training and behavior, as well as for those who seek force-free solutions for specific problems. Written with love for the “heartbeats at our feet”.You can purchase and download the PDF ebook dog training manual here.

Contact Linda Michaels, one of the top ten dog trainers in the U.S. (Top Ten Magazine) Do No Harm Dog Training today to get started on resolving your problems. Discounted bundle rates.  Linda Michaels, M.A. Del Mar dog trainer and speaker may be reached at 858.259.9663 or by email:LindaMichaelsPositively@gmail.com for private behavioral consultations near the San Diego Coast. Visit us at DoNoHarmDogTraining.com


2 responses to “Love is an Action Word!”

  1. Hi iv got lovely dranks head lab who is to year old he has had 4homes in tat two year we have a prob with him barking at people walking by its a nightmare when he sees my next door neighbour dog as they consultantly bark at each other its getting to the stage where i cant leave him at home as neighbours moan as hes crying and barking untill we get in

    • Hello Nicholson Family,
      Thank you for adopting. Sometimes rescue dogs need special care and training. If sounds as if you’ve got two separate issues: Dog/Dog Aggression and Separation Anxiety… as well as Barking. I’d recommend that you hire a Positive Reinforcement trainer in your area or do a Phone/Skype consultation with me, if you’re not in my working area, to address the potentially dangerous Aggression and psychologically difficult Separation Anxiety. In addition, please read my article on Separation Anxiety: What You Can Do and Dog/Dog Aggression article on the Videos and Articles page. There is help, please do not give up or try harsh methods…that can make things worse. Please give me a call if you would like to set up an appointment.