#dog behaviour modification

[sheepdog-and-fakegoldenretriever]

Today has been a roller coaster of emotions....

I've cried, I've laughed, I've been sad, I've been happy.

I'm just glad everyone in my job is unbelievably supportive because I couldn't have survived without regular check ins.

Today was tough.

I'm so thankful I can come home to my dogs and just be there with them and know they are happy.

[marcowalker148]

Are you searching for the Top Board and Training in Humewood? Then contact Peaceful Alpha-Dog (and People) Trainer. Visit them for more info:- 

[local-hellhound-steals-spaghetti]

Let's talk about zoo animal welfare for a second...

(And I want to preface this by saying I have a 4 year Bachelor degree in Animal Science (focusing in welfare and behaviour with a major in Canine and Equine Science) before I got sidetracked into zoo animals and did 3 internships working with wild canids, ungulates and marine mammals - this involved both hands on behaviour modification/desenitisation as well as hands off behavioural observation and welfare study. I worked for 2 years as a marine mammal specialist and worked specifically in facilities to improve husbandry, behavioural training and welfare practises.

I also worked in a facility in the Asia Pacific, working to improve welfare standards for bottlenose dolphins and continued to work with cetacean welfare researchers after this. I also did a course in zoo management, husbandry and welfare and this involved working in an accredited zoo facility learning things like exhibit design, behaviour management and husbandry with multiple species.)

So a few points to say about zoo animal welfare when discussing zoo standards and practises:

The average person does not have the expertise to do behaviour observation and welfare evaluation in zoo animals - that's why when the general public visits a zoo and says "the animal looks sad" it's worth being skeptical of that claim. But it doesn't mean a gut feeling about a zoo's quality can be completely invalid. Just that it might be worth researching further or seeking more information.

However, with experience, it is possible to analyse behaviour in the context of welfare. And context to that behaviour is always important (for example, Moo Deng showing stress related behaviour towards the specific context of being touched or followed around by her keeper - very much an indication of poor handling practises)

Poor animal husbandry and welfare is not limited to specific countries or regions, however it can be more normalised and accepted under the influnce of cultures and laws. Or even just the culture of the zoo itself such as the "this is the way we've always done it" places.

Being an accredited zoo is a start to good welfare, but it doesn't make any sort of welfare concern obsolete. And accreditation is supposed to ensure that welfare concerns are addressed but because they are mostly run as a volunteer based organisation, they often don't have resources to check into every concern (unless it's a government funded organisation)

A zoo contributing to conservation research is great, but not if it is at the expense of the animals' welfare - welfare should always be prioritised, with research and conservation efforts to follow.

Welfare is a state that is in flux. So a negative welfare state can move into positive welfare state under different influences.

There are multiple factors that influence zoo animal welfare: enclosure/habitat, expression of natural behaviour, guest interaction, diet, enrichment, water quality, hygeine ect. It'll rarely just be one factor, though it does depend how salient that factor is.

Just because a keeper or management of a zoo have been there for a long time, doesn't mean they can't be criticised - it is possible to be still using outdated practises and believing in methodologies and management practises that need updating - that's the whole point of continued education

Having limited resources can often impact welfare. Giving a facility the resources they need to improve is a good start to improving welfare.

Even if an animal is being handled in an inappropriate way for a short time, that doesn't mean that can't have long term implications for welfare eg. if every time your dog jumped on you when you got home and you smacked him in the face once before going on with your day, that doesn't mean that your dog won't learn negative associations with your arrival just because it was one time.

Best practise husbandry of zoo animals involves:

Use of positive reinforcement based voluntary husbandry and health care

All interaction based on choice and voluntary interaction that is reinforced with primary reinforcement such as food

Mostly hands off approaches for the species that require them (ungulates, large primates, large carnivores)

Relatively stable social groups with aggression only in specific situations/contexts that are normal for the species

Back areas for animals to rest outside of public view

Species appropriate habitats to meet species specific behaviour requirements

Five freedoms of welfare being met but goes above and beyond the bare minimum

Poor zoo animal husbandry involves animals:

Being forced into anything such as presentations, education programs, medical procedures/gating

Any use of physical punishment such as chasing, slapping, pushing or poking - negative reinforcement such as bull hooks are also fairly outdated in handling species like elephants

Being excessively handled, chased and touched/restrained for no reason (eg. for social media videos)

Showing signs of avoidance and aggression constantly towards their keepers

Have constant conflict happening in their social groups

Are living in enclosures that are not suitable for their specific specific needs - size is only one factor in this. Substrate, habitat design, water quality ect. are also things to consider.

Are too close to the public/at risk from the public

Have no areas to retreat from the public/rest away from potential stressors

Have no enrichment program/no daily enrichment

Those are all flags that there could be some poor welfare happening and that a zoo is not prioritising welfare

Okay there's the ramble of the day done. Feel free to ask questions for further clarification if needed.

[ellecdc]

Matched

Finnick Odair x fem!victor!reader who are constantly introduced to each other [1.2k words]

CW: people trying to introduce Finnick and reader, Capitol behaviours (body modification, eating-purging-eating, no sense of propriety), fluff, a surprise

You’d come to expect a lot of things to happen when attending a party in the Capitol.

There would be people dressed to varying levels of near insanity. There would be people literally eating until they were sick, then forcing themselves to be sick so that they could continue eating. There would be people approaching you, asking you questions, and running their hands over your clothes or hair or jewelry or body as though having seen the most traumatic moments of your life aired on TV from the safety of their homes made you friends.

And there would always be people trying to introduce you to or set you up with their favourite victor; the Capitol’s darling.

“There you are, darling!” A rather reptilian looking woman you knew to go by Komoda greeted you as she approached; arm aggressively interlocked with another’s who didn’t appear to be all that willing to be there. “There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

You plastered on your show time smile and offered your hand to Capitol Darling Finnick Odair who accepted it readily, bowing his head slightly as he met your gaze.

“Lovely evening, isn’t it?”

“It always is in the Capitol.” You volleyed, smiling back over to the Capitol citizen who seemed very excited to be seeing two of her favourite victors intermingling. “Finnick and I have met a few times, actually.”

Komoda seemed rather bemused at the fact that the two of you had met and not immediately jumped each other's bones. “Oh… oh! Really?”

You hummed in the affirmative.

“Every year when we mentor new tributes.” Finnick explained.

Komoda tried to laugh. “Well, I just think that the two of you would get on rather well.”

“We get on fine.” You continued, feigning ignorance.

“The two of you would make a very handsome couple!” One of her friend’s chimed in, earning him nods of approval from the quickly forming group of spectators.

“Well, looks aren’t everything, are they?” You tried, and a few of the more…altered individuals seemed rather perplexed at the thought. “The two of us might not have anything in common.”

“That’s very true.” Finnick agreed. “Let’s see; how do you feel about the beach?”

“Too much sand; I’m shaking it out of everything I own for far too long afterwards. What’s your favourite pastime?”

“Swimming.” He answered.

“I never learned how.” You continued with pursed lips. “Least favourite season?”

“Winter. What’s your favourite holiday?”

“Christmas.”

Finnick hummed in displeasure before continuing. “Favourite animal?”

“Cats. Yours?”

“Dogs.”

You hummed in displeasure. “How do you feel about white chocolate?”

“Love it.” He replied easily; you scrunched your nose at him before he carried on. “What’s a dealbreaker for you?”

“People who like white chocolate.”

He pressed his lips into a flat line and nodded his head in understanding. “Very fair.”

You looked back over at Komoda and her friends to see them all gaping at the two of you.

“Sorry to disappoint, folks.” Finnick apologized with a shrug of his shoulder. “It’s apparently just not meant to be.”

“But…” Komoda started, looking rather crestfallen. “I…I was so sure!”

“You’re not the first to try to set us up.” You placated, placing a gentle hand over the scale-like jewels on the shoulder of her gown. “You probably won’t be the last, either.”

“Maybe the 29th time will be the charm, hm?” Finnick offered you with a wink, causing you to roll your eyes at him.

“Don’t hold your breath, Odair.”

“I can hold my breath for a very long time, sweetheart; I’m a world class swimmer, afterall.”

“Oh, you’re something alright.” You laughed as you turned to walk away, deciding then to begin your rounds of goodbyes before heading back to your suite.

You held the towel to your face for a few seconds, just taking a moment to breathe and enjoy the quiet, warmth, and serenity of your post-party ritual.

You were just about to pull the towel away when you felt gentle hands slide around your waist before you were being embraced between two strong arms.

“Long night?” He murmured into your shoulder before pressing a kiss to it.

You hummed in agreement and pulled the towel away from your face, smiling at Finnick in the reflection of the mirror.

“It always is in the Capitol.” You replied.

He offered you a knowing smile before pressing another kiss to your shoulder.

“Missed you.” He said before reaching around you to grab some makeup wipes to begin removing the work his own stylists put into his appearance tonight. “Anything interesting happen?”

You hummed noncommittally as you smoothed cream over your skin. “Not really. Someone tried setting me up with this guy again.”

“Really?” Finnick asked, feigning intrigue. “Was it a match made in heaven?”

You made a so-so sound. “He was pretty cute,” you allowed, “but I don’t know if it would work.”

“No?”

“No. I mean, for one, he didn’t start drooling the second he saw me. Huge red flag I think.”

With that, Finnick theatrically slammed his hand down on the countertop and levelled you with a disbelieving look. “You mean to tell me that he didn’t immediately fall to his knees in worship?”

“No!”

Finnick shook his head; simply aghast. “You can do so much better, honey.”

Your smile turned soft as you watched him lather some of his face wash between his hands before bringing them to his face. “I think so too.”

By the time he was done with washing his face, you were sitting on the counter with Finnick standing between your legs as you massaged some moisturizer into his skin.

“They don’t know what you deserve anyway.” Finnick states suddenly.

Your brows scrunched in confusion. “Who doesn’t?”

“The Capitol people; they don’t know what kind of partner you deserve.”

You stayed quiet as you finished working the product into his skin, pressing a kiss to his lips to alert him to the fact that you were finished. You felt rather shy when he opened his eyes and you found yourself pinned beneath his sea green gaze.

“They’d be sorely mistaken if they thought Capitol Darling Finnick Odair was all you deserved.”

You smiled softly at him before pressing another softer, lingering kiss to his lips.

“I’m rather fond of this Finnick Odair.”

You relished in the slight pink dusting of his cheeks as his smile grew wider before he pulled you in, cradling you to his chest.

You’d come to expect a lot of things to happen when attending a party in the Capitol.

It would take your stylists three hours to prep you for the party. It would take you forty minutes to disassemble yourself after the party. The outfits and jewelry you wore would cost more than most District families saw in years.

And there would always be people trying to introduce you to or set you up with their favourite victor; the Capitol’s darling.

The best part was that no one knew you and Finnick Odair have actually been dating behind closed doors for four years now.

[prime-adeptus]

EX MACHINA – DOTTORE X READER

Not once have you strayed from your true purpose—if this is what your creator made you for, then you will fulfil it until your body breaks down.

CONTENT.⠀18+ only, minors dni. HORROR / DARK CONTENT UNDER THE CUT; gender-neutral reader; unhealthy relationship, psychological and emotional manipulation, possessive and obsessive behaviour, non-consensual body modification, conditioning and mindfuck, drugging, kidnapping, sadism, descriptions of anxiety attacks. Dottore is simply referred to as “The Doctor.” DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT | ~2.5k words

A/N.⠀dedicated to my beloved @hiperacid2! this is my first horror/dark fic and it was challenging to write, but i hope you like it, my fellow kindred and kuro hater (/j) // @angelshub @bitchcraftinc @kentocidal

CROSS-POSTED ON AO3

You follow his orders.

If the Doctor tells you to kill, you do so in cold blood. If he tells you to steal something for him, you bring him everything he needs. If he is not pleased with you, you recalibrate and retry the next time he needs you. Like a dog obeys its master, you obey your creator and he rewards you with his praise. Not once have you strayed from your true purpose—if this is what your creator made you for, then you will fulfil it until your body breaks down.

The halls of Zapolyarny Palace’s science wing are silent save for the sound of your footfalls and the occasional murmur from lower-ranked Fatui agents pass by. They do not look into your eyes nor do they greet you. It is not important whether or not they greet you. An agent’s purpose is to do the duty given to him, much in a similar vein to yours, and it is his responsibility not to be hindered by trivial things. The coat you’re wearing covers the lower half of your face and is heavy enough to withstand the unforgiving winters of Snezhnaya, but even then, the air within the walls is cold.

For a reason you haven’t been able to find yet, your body seems to be having difficulties regulating its temperature recently. Perhaps you’d ask the Doctor if he could fix the issue when he’s less occupied with his latest project.

The doors to his laboratory slide open the moment it detects your facial features. It’s dark inside the laboratory; the sun has not yet risen, the only light at this time of day comes from the main city, and frost settles on the glass panes of the window. As you enter, you find that the Doctor is hunched over his desk and that the room is in complete disarray. Papers are scattered across the floor. Beakers and other glassware have shattered into pieces, some of their contents spilling out on documents the Doctor spent hours organising. Your gaze scans every corner and you reach for your sword, about to unsheathe but stop when he speaks up.

“Ah, you’re here, Seven.” He drums his fingers on the surface of the desk, the telltale sign of his impatience. A sigh leaves his lips as he turns around to face you, his lips pursed in dissatisfaction. “Seven, my dear Seven, my prized unit 70-Y…”

He steps closer and closer until your faces are mere inches apart and you are staring directly into his mask. There is a strange sensation that travels across your system and once more the temperature beneath your skin spikes in pinpricks of static. Your ears are ringing, your hands are beginning to shake but they’re out of your control. You can’t comprehend what type of error it is and it only gets worse with each passing second. It can’t be an error; the Doctor never makes any mistakes, so it must be a flaw on your end.

“D-Doctor?” you stammer—another error you don’t recognise. “What… What happened?”

“You’ve grown incompetent,” he replies. You can’t tell whether he sees you malfunctioning in front of him or if he’s simply ignoring it for the matter at hand. “My commands for you were quite simple, were they not?”

Your lips part as you try to respond, but no words come out.

“You don’t understand.” It’s more of a statement than it is a question. “My research has been stolen, Seven. You’ve failed your mission in keeping my laboratory exclusive to us.”

“I’m sorry, Doctor,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper. You try to continue, but your body is unstable, swaying until you find yourself falling to the ground. Your legs don’t move the way you need them to; it’s as though they’ve become rubber and can no longer hold your weight. Weakly, you push yourself up into a sitting position and look up at him. Your vision blurs and instinctively you narrow your eyes to try to focus, to reach out to him. “I…”

“You don’t feel well, do you?”

You can’t see him clearly. Something is different about his tone—the irritation has transitioned into something akin to amusement like he’s aware of something that you aren’t. You don’t understand. You don’t feel. That’s something only humans and animals are capable of. He despises having a human assistant; he needs something beyond human, so he created you. It is the only information about your ‘birth’ that you know. 

He lets out another sigh, tone dripping with annoyance once again. “What a bore.”

You detect him staring down at you in the same way he does with his failed projects. You have witnessed firsthand what he does to some of them. They’d get abandoned, their lifeless bodies piled atop each other until it was time for them to get disposed of. Emotions are unknown to you—it’s an area you haven’t explored, but when he ordered you to disassemble all of them with your own hands, you wondered if it could be compared to what humans describe as fear.

Irked and impatient, he clicks his tongue. “Find the thief and kill them. Do not fail me again.” He strides past you and toward the doors, ready to leave but not before he spares you a displeased glance over his shoulder. “And clean this up. You know I hate clutter.”

The Doctor does not return to his laboratory after the incident. 

For the past couple of days, you’ve been trying to find the Doctor so you could report your findings but he’s nowhere to be seen. While it’s not unusual for him to go off somewhere without a word, it is out of routine that he doesn’t have you follow him. If he has been sent on a mission by the Tsaritsa, you would know either from himself or one of his segments. You consider asking his fellow Harbingers, but you have also been forbidden from interacting with any of them aside from the Director. All there is to do is your objective and the disposal of the culprit as soon as you can.

The investigation has been difficult. There are no fingerprints you can scan, no notably suspicious trails left behind, and not enough of anything to form a hypothesis. All you know is that the Doctor’s journals are no longer where they are supposed to be. You consider interrogating the guards but decide against it. They cannot provide useful information, not when the responsibility for surveillance is yours. 

The only thing clear so far is the motive. Whoever broke into the laboratory needed the Doctor’s notes for a reason, whether it was to expose the moral ambiguity of his experiment or to take an idea for themself. Yet there is no evidence of a break-in; the windows aren’t broken and the security system hasn’t been tampered with. If the culprit truly had intentions of stealing or exposing him, they would’ve taken his most valuable research of all: his studies of the Gnoses. The door to his private library remains locked as well, which simultaneously proves the point and does nothing at all. 

You walk through the halls of the palace in silence, attempting to note anyone with suspicious behaviour to no avail. Every face starts to look the same, every voice seems to be monotonous, and the static buzzing beneath your skin returns once again. The discomfort seems to increase with every passing minute of inactivity. Your body feels heavy as if you’re slowly shutting down, out of energy. Have you neglected your self-maintenance? Why have there been errors in your system today?

No matter. Those aren’t of concern now—you’ve been given a mission to complete and you can’t fail him again.

Setting your destination to the laboratory, you decide to do another investigation. There must have been something you missed. A bloodstain, a fingerprint, anything the culprit could’ve left behind in their wake. As you make your way inside, you spot something on the Doctor’s desk that wasn’t previously there: a newspaper. It doesn’t appear to be recent; the date on the corner of the page indicates it’s over a year old.

That’s unusual, you note. He doesn’t like to keep anything unrelated to his work and research. 

The article seems to be about an aristocratic family’s activities which makes it all stranger considering his disdain for them. ‘The patriarch, 47, has now become a priest at the Church of Celestia. His heir did not attend the ceremony, most likely due to their dispute with their father earlier this year,’ it says. The names written in the article are mostly unknown, but as you continue to read, you find that something is off.

One of the people in the images looks just like you. Could it be that the Doctor modelled you after them? And if their reputation precedes them just as much as the article describes it, why haven’t you heard of them?

The newspaper nearly rips in half from how hard you clench your fists. You don’t understand why you did it. You aren’t supposed to have a physical reaction. You aren’t supposed to malfunction, and yet your system is out of your control again, the odd sensations spreading across your skin like frost does to water. There is something wrong with you, with everything. But there isn’t supposed to be—he wouldn’t lie to you, would he?

“So, have you figured it out yet?”

The Doctor steps into the laboratory with his arms crossed behind his back, walking with confidence and satisfaction. His expression melts into a scowl when he approaches you. “Hm. Your optical cybernetics aren’t working well anymore. You should’ve been able to detect me coming in.”

“There wasn’t a thief,” you whisper shakily.

“That’s right!” He grins. “And the heir?”

You choke out, “I… I don’t know.”

It couldn’t be you. No. It’s not possible. You’re an android created by the Doctor, the second of the Harbingers. You’re his assistant, his servant. You have always been here with him.

“Has my precious assistant gained sentience?” he coos mockingly, “A flaw in your code, perhaps? An error or a malfunction?”

“That can’t be,” you breathe. You’re suddenly aware of how unfamiliar it is to inhale and exhale, and how it feels as though there’s something lodged in your throat that is suffocating you. “Y-You made me. You never make mistakes.”

He ignores your words as he smiles at you wickedly, his eyes widening. “Isn’t it fascinating to discover something new? To feel something new?”

“How…”

You feel weak. Exhausted. Everything hits you like a storm and you can’t even figure out what any of them are; all you know is that you are afraid. The same man who built you will be the same man to break you.

“I’ve replaced some of your organs with artificial ones. Not sure what you’re missing here.” He feigns annoyance and clicks his tongue, a sound you’ve found to make you feel overloaded. There’s too much happening, too many truths, too many lies. You don’t know what to believe.

“W-Why?”

“Why?” He laughs as if your devastation is humorous to him. His voice echoes throughout the room in a way that makes your skin crawl. “To sate my curiosity, of course! And, well, I have a… fascination with you, Seven. Or should I say—” his laughter dies down and he leans forward, the smile never leaving his face. Then he says a name—your true name, and everything comes crashing down once again. 

It’s too much. It hurts. Your breathing is out of order, your mind (you have a mind) is in tatters and all you can do is wail as he rejoices in your torment. There’s a stinging sensation in your palms; when you look down, you find that you are bleeding from how hard your nails have been digging into your skin. Out of fear, you scream and cry until your voice is hoarse, until your energy has been drained, until there is nothing left. When you’re finally quiet and sobbing sporadically, the Doctor kneels beside you and pulls your hair back, forcing you to crane your head to look up at him.

He grins. “I suppose I can consider this hypothesis to be true.”

A sharp, biting pain pierces your neck. The world around you spins and slowly disappears behind a haze. Your limbs feel weak, boneless. Your body succumbs to the poison in your veins, and as you fall farther and farther from the light, the void takes you in its embrace.

You are alone with a woman you don’t know. She is the very epitome of holiness, bringing you warmth and comfort, but there is a sorrowful air about her. You try to ask, try to talk to her, but you can’t speak. With a smile, she holds you in her arms like a mother cradles her child, and she cries. She mourns for her child as droplets of her tears land on your skin, a mark of her grief. She whispers apologies to you, tells you that home doesn’t feel the same, and you mourn together with her over the loss of her only child.

Your world shifts, and you find yourself with a serpent. 

It hisses at the air, bares its fangs to something you can’t see. It wraps itself around your frame and softly nudges your cheek with its head, an attempt to comfort you when there is nothing but its presence and yours. It speaks to you in a language you can’t understand with its forked tongue. It coils around your throat when you sleep, both a warning and a reassurance that it won’t leave you alone.

You feel fondness and fear for it at the same time.

Your eyelids slowly flutter as the lid of your sleep pod slides open, exposing you to the bright lights of the room. A masked man is sitting beside you, his lips curved into a joyous smile when he sees that you’re awake. Something is familiar about him, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

You feel strange, like you’re forgetting something. It doesn’t make sense. How can you search for a memory you’re not even sure exists? You want to ask, but a glance downwards steals away your attention. Your hands — they’re mechanical, sleek and black metal that goes up to your elbows. Your fingers are long and sharp, undoubtedly made to be weapons. Curiously, you bring it to your eye level to take a closer look; they resemble claws with their pointed tips and sharp edges.

“My dear Artiglio,” he says, watching as you push yourself up into a sitting position. “Are you ready for your first mission?”

Of course. How could you have forgotten?

You serve the Doctor, your creator. With the gift of life and lethality he bestowed upon you, your purpose is clear.

If the Doctor tells you to kill, you do so in cold blood. If he tells you to steal something for him, you bring him everything he needs. If he is not pleased with you, you recalibrate and retry the next time he needs you.

You follow his orders.

[shihkas]

Like literally just say what you mean. Torture, abuse, conditioning, cults, etc. you don’t need the conspiracy to legitimize your pain or anyone else’s.

Cont'd:

I brought up project monarch because the conspiracy theorists who invented the term ramcoa were referring directly to it and this beta programming etc terminology is all straight up project monarch shit. It can’t be separated. Ramcoa = project monarch = violent antisemitic conspiracy.

This post contains graphic discussion of Nazism, the Holocaust, Nazi experiments, concentration camps, and antisemitism. I also directly address and refute your claim that "RAMCOA = Project Monarch = violent antisemitic conspiracy" in this post.

First of all do not assume I'm "(mis)using terms to legitimize my pain". You do not know me. You do not know anything about me. I used my family's experiences as an example. My family is not me.

Also love how I've been providing source after source after source and you can't even back up your claim that "ritual abuse is an antisemitic dog whistle." You didn't try to refute or deny any of my other claims, or admit that you were wrong in the slightest. And you're continuing to make arguments without any sources. I doubt you even read my post at all actually let alone any of the links.

Just say you don't care about child abuse survivors and leave. But clearly you want to die on this hill (under a read more because this got very long):

Let me first make it clear I do not take antisemitism lightly. Antisemitism is something that should not ever under any circumstance be taken lightly. Let me also make it clear the Holocaust was in and of itself a combination of ritual and organized abuses:

"Ritualized" in the sense that it was compound sadistic forms of abuse (sexual, physical, psychological, etc.) and justified in the name of the Nazis' institutionalized disregard of the humanity of the Jewish people

"Mind control" in reference to their many horrific so-called "experiments" they enacted (this is better described as interrogation techniques/behavioural modification through torture, mind control is a frustrating and inaccurate term)

"Organized" in the sense that... I really shouldn't have to explain this one, they were an entire government body

Nazis themselves conducted and documented their own "mind control experiments/research", as early as the 1920s (see 1.2 on pg2):

First let me clarify, again, mind control =/= the sci-fi depiction of it. It's literally just torturing an individual until they do something they're told without question. This really isn't that fucking hard to do unfortunately

In relation to the above article, "mind control techniques" can be much better described as "interrogation techniques" and that's why people very rarely find anything about "mind control abuse" when they google it, because they're not discussed through the same lens. "Mind control" in the context of the acronym "RAMCOA" is psychiatric terminology, not criminal terminology (not anymore at least)

Part of their "biomedical research" (torture) was testing "truth serums" (refers to mind-altering, aka. "mind-controlling", substances) on their victims. This led to the US recruiting these Nazi scientists and getting their help in the US' own "psychological control" projects, like MK Ultra (see previous link) and Operation/Project Paperclip

So to summarize I have explained how the Nazis' experiments actually laid the foundation of ritual and organized abuse, and how the Nazis heavily contributed to the research into "mind control" itself.

Despite the Nazi roots of ritual abuse, mind control, and organized abuse, people still love to use, uh, let me quote you exactly: "Ramcoa = project monarch = violent antisemitic conspiracy" as an excuse to discredit abuse survivors. Thanks for not citing Any proof of that.

You are quite literally trying to claim that organized abuse inherently equates to a "violent antisemitic conspiracy" which hilariously in and of itself loops back around to antisemitism. You are making assumptions that people calling something an "abusive institution" = "inherently refers to an organization comprised of specifically Jewish individuals" = "antisemitism".

The biggest reason people whine about how "RAMCOA is antisemitic" is because of blood libel:

The term blood libel refers to the false allegation that Jews used the blood of non-Jewish, usually Christian children, for ritual purposes. The Nazis made effective use of the blood libel to demonize Jews, with Julius Steicher's newspaper Der Stürmer making frequent use of ritual murder imagery in its antisemitic propaganda.

Hey isn't it interesting how the source of the word "ritual" in the context of antisemitism was first used by Nazis themselves? I wonder what kind of implications that has?

This relates to allegations of ritual abuse, mind control, and organized abuse because of the many claims that some individuals made during the 80s and 90s while the Satanic Panic was going on, some of which featured accounts of children witnessing/being involved in sacrificial rituals.

These specific accounts were unfounded. There were no convictions directly related to the Satanic Panic. Again, no, there are no documented worldwide satanic cults whose members regularly bathe in the blood of infants.

People also assume RAMCOA = antisemitism because:

Michelle Remembers. This was the real "start" of the Satanic Panic. By the way the psychologist who wrote it married his client (Michelle). Just to illustrate the inherently abusive power dynamic there. Michelle WAS a victim; of Pazder, who used her and overblew whatever experiences she had for profit.

Svali exists unfortunately. Svali is a self-proclaimed "Illuminati survivor" who is well-known because she's very graphic about her fake experiences, and the more graphic something is the more researchers are inclined to look at it, especially when what she writes about is underresearched. Here's an entire Wordpress blog about how much of a fraud she is.

Springmeier's Illuminati literature. Fritz Springmeier is an ACTUAL conspiracy theorist who purports Actual antisemitic conspiracy theories and blood libel. One of his books mentions DID, and an unfortunately popular (fake) DID YouTuber started using parts of his book to map their (fake) system.

The above is likely a big reason why the association with DID and the Illuminati (which should go without saying is inherently ACTUALLY antisemitic in nature) came to the spotlight, and thus DID's association with antisemitism, based on a few bad apples.

On Project Monarch:

Project Monarch as a term comes from ONE INDIVIDUAL. ONE. One singular individual who claimed to have experiences that are actually rooted in some reality because yes MK Ultra did happen and yes there are victims of it, very well known ones at that. Other people started talking about Project Monarch in name ONLY because of O'Brien.

Do I need to mention again that Nazis were involved in MK Ultra? I wonder if they, you know, THE NAZIS, incorporated their horrific antisemitic beliefs into their torture! :)

That's it. That's all that needs to be said about Project Monarch. MK Ultra happened. There were subsections of MK Ultra (Project Monarch was never named as one however, but also keep in mind documents were destroyed (see second paragraph) so).

This woman is claiming to be a survivor. It's not up to me to defend or deny her claims of abuse because I do not know her and also I don't give a shit because her claims are, as I have REPEATEDLY stated and cited, rooted in some proven reality.

You cannot insist that because of the term's "shaky roots" (which that claim literally has no basis, because all of the Satanic Panic allegations were proven to be false) we should no longer use the terminology.

If we are going to go with the argument that "terminology with so-called poisoned/negative roots should never be used": are you gonna go up to a 60 year old transgender man and tell him to stop calling himself "a transsexual" because "uwu that word is offensive now uwuwuw"? Goddamn I sure fucking hope not.

These words aren't For You to use. They are descriptors used either in scientific literature, or for individuals to identify their experience (to label), such as "CSA survivor", "CSEM survivor". You are obsessing over semantics.

The whole idea that RAMCOA = antisemitism is only something I've seen talked about in recent years. Prior to like, 2020 (you know, the year that everyone had to stay in their houses and a bunch of 11 year olds started pretending to have DID and claimed experiences that they simply did not have, thus bastardizing this disorder and ritual abuse in and of itself) I had Never heard of this claim because it is baseless bullshit used to deny the experiences of ritual abuse survivors because, truly, at the end of the day, people just don't want to believe children are being abused.

By the way my grandfather barely escaped Nazi Germany by the skin of his teeth. Just so you know who you're fucking talking to. :)

[fruitless-vain]

hey!! dog training question. i want to teach my puppy a freeze command to put staying still on a cue to communicate better what i want from her while grooming her and putting on gear. how would you approach doing that? im currently trying to shape/capture when she’s intensely focused on something and stays still for two seconds and then build duration once she has that, but i was wondering if you had any other ideas?

Cuing a formal stay for gear and grooming is something I avoid doing since it could cause the dog to suppress feelings of discomfort they have with the process. Suppressing discomfort can cause an immense aversion to grooming/ gear which can either make application even more difficult or result in a bite down the road!

I would setup a start and stop button sequence instead that allows the dog to perform a behaviour in order to initiate the start of the application and when that behaviour ends the application stops. This allows you to get more stillness while still giving the dog ample agency over the situation to avoid accidentally suppressing discomfort.

The most common start button behaviour for grooming is a chin rest, the dog lays their head on a target (typically a towel) and holds the head there while you groom. When the head lifts off the towel the grooming ends. To reinforce this you’d teach your chin rest with increasing durations then move to cuing the rest, brushing one stroke, reward, and toss a treat away from the chin rest target. The dog should begin to run back over and “opt in” to the grooming session by placing their head on the chin rest target themselves over time. You can then build up to multiple brush strokes and more complex grooming elements.

You can do the same behaviour for gear, if using a harness you may need to have them walk their head through the hole on to the chin rest target as a minor modification to the process. When the head lifts up you’d remove the harness if it’s partially applied.

When the head lifts off the chin rest target you’d still toss a reward away from the station, I typically then wait for about a minute for them to return and if they don’t then the session ends. If you’re training and they keep lifting off over and over then the process needs to be simplified further so that the dog can succeed and not repeatedly feel the need to opt out of the session.

Here’s an example of me using a chin rest for Yoshi to opt in to getting eye drops, noting that I do not directly cue the behaviour. I present the eye drops very obviously to her so she knows what’s happening and what she is opting in to. She places her head down to say “okay I’m ready” and I reward away from the station. If she were to raise her head I would move my hands away from her and wait for her to opt back in or not. If not, I’d toss a treat away and end the session.

When it comes to initially building duration for stillness in the chin rest position you start by continuously feeding in position. Feeding treats back to back to back while the chin is placed down. Then you’d reward, pause, reward, pause, reward increasing the amount of time between each treat so they’re inclined to hold their head down on their own for longer times. Ensuring to “release” the head position by tossing a treat away from the chin rest target throughout the session.

[lgbigg]

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[muttsmischiefacademysblog]

The importance of working within a multidisciplinary team for the best care of both the dog and guardian! 

The importance of working within a multidisciplinary team for the best care of both the dog and guardian!

The first step is the elimination or inclusion of a diagnosis to move forward for patient centred care.

If you visit my website and go to the contact form, you will see a little extraction from a prior blog on what to expect when you want to book a consultation and I am 100% transparent and state that the first thing I am going to do is ask you to see a Vet. I am and I will. Or we will discuss your most recent vet check. You are also not on your own with this, so like many if you have no idea where to start, I will help you.

Thanks to vet checks, sudden new behaviours have meant that guardians didn't need me after all because the vet found that the dog exhibited the behaviour due to being unwell. Whilst this may not book me a client it does let that guardian know, first and foremost I care about their dogs health over money and secondly they will and do spread the word that I care solely about the dogs welfare as an individual.

I am now super lucky to be a patient of Lincolnshire vets who have been absolutely amazing, from coming across from other vets, down to what they have done for Koda, as well as truly caring about us both. Now to me this should be a standard with all vets. Vets who listen, work with us, recommend additional services, recognising only the animal patient and their guardian matter.

Working within a multidisciplinary team means I can recommend to a guardian to contact certain professionals and only with permission (because of GPRD) can we then have a discussion on the best way forward for the individual dog with the guardian included in the care plan moving forwards.

For example, working with Bilsby Canine Hydrotherapy, Koda now needs a different care routine in hydrotherapy and we can discuss this thanks to being a multidisciplinary team, with the same goal, Kodas welfare.

"Behavioural problems and physiological medical problems have been treated separately for years, but behaviour depends on an animal's health and vice versa. Some behaviour problems are caused totally or partially due to medical problems. But this comes with its own diagnostic challenges for vets as apart from behavioural changes there are no other indications of illness. Camps. T, Amat. M, et al (2019)

Something that has encouraged and conversely put some clients off on initial contact is the recommendation of a Veterinary check to establish whether sudden behaviour changes or rescue dogs could be suffering with pain or ill health which has caused the change in behaviour.

When a dog presents with a new behaviour we have to explore all of the changes within yours and your dogs life, whether you have moved home, someone has moved in or out, any surgery, any attacks or incidents, a new dog in the home, sudden periods of separation and much more which could influence behaviour or if there's anything medically happening.

Dogs are very good at hiding pain and illness, we have to be mindful that no two dogs will show the same behaviours of expression of pain, especially depending on their pain threshold as some injuries or pain may be slow in developing to big gestures of limping or vocalisations. There can be more subtle signs such as changes in pupil dilation, restlessness, changes in appetite or behaviour, increased or reduced physical activity and even a bite from a normally friendly dog.

You may not see any behaviour change at all as we didn't with Koda, instead her unwellness was physical and could be visually seen.

Some people also think that when we say vet check that we mean a booster appointment for a vaccination.

Instead a Vet check with an integrative vet can ensure that there is nothing going on medically and that this is behavioural and not medically related as pain is fluid and vets tend to simply look at isolation pain and not chronic pain or unwellness. An integrative vet will see the dog as an individual and do a blood panel, possibly a pain trial and ask you lots of questions to get a better picture. Recording videos of the dogs movements and behaviours can also be a great starting point for the vets.

Within another research study researchers found that veterinarians were criticised for not discussing or investigating behavioural problems with dog guardians, so the researchers set up on a fly on the wall approach. 17 consultations were set up with 6 veterinarians, the dog guardians were asked to share their concerns about behaviour which resulted in 58 behaviours of concern across the total and found that only 10 of the consultations out of 58 had been discussed. With the dog guardians having to bring up the topic of behavioural concerns that they had. Roshier, A. L. (2013)

A previous study five years earlier observed wellness appointments and health problem appointments and found that 90% of the conversation focused on the health problem focusing on the biomedical data whereas in wellness appointments, 50% of the conversation is based on gathering information and 27% based on owner education and that due to dogs only going to the vets when unwell or for boosters is the only opportunity to discuss welfare. Shaw.J, et al (2008).

Which as a form of confusion that we find when discussing vet checks with dog guardians makes sense as to why when we ask or recommend a Vet check that dog guardians (guardians) typically tell us that nothing was wrong and or discussed at the booster appointment.

There were also two main barriers found in the question of: "Do you have any concerns?" in that dog guardians felt embarrassed or that the behaviour was trivial and that dog guardians needed a flow of conversation to be able to open up. Robinson. J. D, (2001)

This second part is really important because when we use a client centred approach with dog guardians and help them to feel empowered, more people do talk at ease and even though emotions come up, there is no sense of embarrassment. When we actively listen this helps people to talk, and empowers the dog owner to speak up about how you feel, how behaviour might be affecting you and then we come full circle to how we can help. Because both ends of the leads are equally important.

This study goes onto discuss welfare in dogs and dog guardians (guardians) legal duties under the Animal Welfare Act (2006) which I have discussed before. The study finishes with the conclusion of understanding animal and owner needs for best welfare practice aimed at vets. Short, C. E. (1998)

But all professionals who work with dogs have an ethical duty of care to best inform dog guardians with education on why vet checks are vital and why doing particular things with dogs and meeting their biological needs is so important. This is why we also share a welfare responsibility for dogs who we work with because we need to best support the primary caregiver and families of their dog.

So if your dog is showing changes in behaviour or you have a new dog and you're worried about some of the behaviours, please don't be worried about reaching out for help and discussing these worries. Either with your vet or reach out to a behaviourist. You should always be made to feel empowered, valid and supported.

There are no silly questions or concerns, if you are worried about something it's much better to ask and if you aren't happy with the answer you can absolutely get another opinion. This doesn't make you a "Karen or a Kevin" as many people do worry they will quickly become a social media slur and considering people's feelings and worries as much as we might chuckle at these expressions of names to label someone difficult, the truth is more people dare not speak up when something is bothering them because of silly social media quips.

If you don't feel you have a good relationship with your vet then you may find that speaking to a Canine Chiropractor, hydrotherapist, physiotherapist more empowering and asking for their evaluation of their professional opinion. This doesn't mean that they can give a medical diagnosis but they can support you with a specific referral to the vet with specific instructions of what needs to be explored.

Always speak up, always ask questions, your feelings are valid and there is nothing to be embarrassed about and even if you cannot pinpoint how your dog could be ill or in pain, remember they hide pain and unwellness well.

References

Camps T, Amat M, Manteca X. A Review of Medical Conditions and Behavioral Problems in Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel). 2019 Dec 12;9(12):1133. doi: 10.3390/ani9121133. PMID: 31842492; PMCID: PMC6941081.

Roshier AL, Foster N, Jones MA. Veterinary students' usage and perception of video teaching resources. BMC Med Educ. 2011 Jan 10;11:1. doi: 10.1186/1472-6920-11-1. PMID: 21219639; PMCID: PMC3025976.

Shaw J. R., Adams C. L., Bonnett B. N., Larson S., Roter D. L. (2008) Veterinarian-client-patient communication during wellness appointments versus appointments related to a health problem in companion animal practice. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 233, 1576–1586

Robinson J. D. (2001) Closing medical encounters: two physician practices and their implications for the expression of patients' unstated concerns. Social Science and Medicine 53, 639–656

Short, C.E. (1998) “Fundamentals of pain perception in Animals,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 59(1-3), pp. 125–133. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-1591(98)00127-0.

Image description: A grey four window comic strip. Titled on the centre - Multidisciplinary team. Muttsnmischief.com underneath.

The first left window is a Wheelchair user with purple hair with a Wolfdog in front of them with an orange and red background. The text says: behaviourist.

We all have to work together as a team.

Behaviour changes can indicate being in pain or unwell.

The second right window is a man with blonde hair and a blue jumper, standing next to a Wolfdog with a green background. The text reads: therapists.

Canine chiropractors, Canine physios & acupuncturists are your friends!

The third bottom left window is a Vet with blue hair with a red shirt and white doctor's coat, with a cream and grey Wolfdog. The vet says - Integrative vet.

The text reads - pain is fluid, it is not always isolated and can be chronic.

The fourth right hand window is a Wolfdog in a water treadmill in an orange life jacket. There is a woman in a black wetsuit stood next to her inside the treadmill.

The text reads - hydrotherapist.

Qualified and regulated hydrotherapists can really support your dog in recovery and wellness.

[cherryblossomshadow]

[Image ID: screenshot of tumblr tags that read:

#file under reasons I don't reblog activism posts with guilt trips attached

/end ID]

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#I didn't want to come back to this #but this is actually really important and so far this is the only person that's said it #This is why it is SO important to THANK a child after they do what theu are told #especially when it was a fight #It's a way to say “I'm not mad anymore. This conflict is over now that you did what I asked. You had the ability to end this at anytime.” #Get that Christian idea of external punishment out of your head!!!#It is never your job to be hell (tags courtesy of OP)

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More notes under the cut:

@enonem

If you shame someone about a behaviour, they will associate it with a negative emotion and thus instinctively want to stay away.

So when you try to shame someone into doing something, they will feel shame every time they start doing it, or even think about doing it, feel bad and stop at the first occasion.

If you want someone to do something, associate it with a positive emotion. So they will feel good about doing it.

So yeah, the corollary for this is indeed praising bare minimum behaviour when it marks an improvement.

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@purplesaline

And honestly given that science has proven positive reinforcement is a far more effective tool for behaviour modification, if you want someone to stop doing a behaviour a better method than guilt or shame would be by positively reinforcing an incompatible behaviour.

In dog training it's called Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviours and it looks like this: Dog jumps up on people when excited? Positively reinforce lying down when people come visit. The dog can't jump up if they're lying down. Dog barks when they see a squirrel? Positively reinforce getting and holding a toy when they see a squirrel. (It won't necessarily completely negate the barking but it will drastically lower the volume of it. Basically making your dog gag itself lol)

In people it works the same way. Want the kids to stop playing video games inside all day? Positively reinforce going for a walk (give them some cash to go get a slushie or ice cream) or set up a water fight in the back and invite their friends over. The more you positively reinforce behaviours incompatible with staying inside playing video games the more they'll start choosing to go outside on their own instead.

The key is that whatever you use to positively reinforce them has to be more rewarding to them than the behaviour they're currently engaging in, and you don't decide what is more rewarding, they do.

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@tacktrunkstudies-deactivated202

Four Quadrants of Classical Conditioning are positive reinforcement, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, negative punishment. These aren't related to good or bad so much as adding or subtracting a motivating stimulus. When training *new* behaviors to *start* the most effective is positive reinforcement, when trying to reduce or stop existing behaviors positive punishment is the most effective. If you want to inspire change and start someone giving a fuck, you want to use *positive reinforcement* *NOT* POSITIVE punishment. People really are as simple as dogs.

@demons-pubis

My ex, to get me to stop biting my nails, would tell me how ugly they looked, slap my hand away from my mouth, etc. I never stopped.

My current boyfriend simply told me he'd get me a manicure if I stopped. And then I did. 😭

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@technicolor-swarm-of-bees

to add some nuance, though, guilt can be useful but shame never is.

guilt is about a specific thing you did. ('I cheated on a test and I feel guilty about it")

shame is about yourself regardless of your actions ("I'm a worthless dumb person who has to cheat to pass a test")

guilt is situational and can demotivate you from repeating an undesirable action. shame is ongoing and doesn't generally work to prevent any specific behaviours because it isn't about the behaviours—it's about your identity.

this difference is really important to understand especially in queer and disabled circles because many of us live in the shadow of a a built up mountain of shame, accumulated failures and guilt and insults and missed expectations and judgmental things people have said to us. many of us have spent our lives feeling that we simply are not as good as other people, that there's something fundamentally flawed or undesirable about us. the classic example is many people with adhd have had it pounded into them that they're lazy. when we miss a deadline, we might feel guilt over that deadline, but the overwhelming feeling is shame: I once more missed a deadline because I'm a lazy person who never completes things on time.

it's really, really important to recognise shame vs guilt so you can combat the shame and replace it with true and more realistic beliefs about yourself.

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@cherishedproperty

The other thing that can happen is, if you shame someone enough, they start to see the bad thing as part of their identity—not something they do, but something they are. And this can also backfire horrifically.

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@doomhamster

It says something painful about the standards of parenting/teaching in Western society that so many of us haven't been exposed to any other method of modifying behavior.

It says something fucking terrifying about the FUTURE standards of parenting/teaching that so many, even people who consider themselves progressive, are desperate to find a Good Way to be the ones doing the shaming, rather than being willing to even consider encouragement as a way of modifying others' behavior.

#social justice done badly

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@lyndentree63

This makes so much sense of evangelicalism.

Something I wish people understood about evangelical Christians, as someone who comes from those circles, is just how unequipped people are to actually do things. There's so much focus on not doing things, people have no idea how to positively motivate themselves or others. The only behaviour-management tool they have familiarity with is demotivating. And that's heartbreaking.

People just don't know better. They don't have better tools. They're trying desperately to build things, but all they have is a sledgehammer. And that hurts everyone.

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@doctor-fluffy

And in my experience, a person that’s only been shamed into not doing bad things…

it’s HARD to truly care about other people when you’re ruled by shame..

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@selkies-world

Hey, look, it's my logic for how to get people to stop consuming fast fashion!!!! Neat

(You can't shame someone into doing something good, but you can shame them out of something bad & offer them an alternative for them to turn to, then praise them for making the change & pointing out how much better this new option is for them. You can also shame corporations into changing their ways when you take away their profit margin & ask how it feels to not have it anymore - and they'll change their ways in order to get the profit back, or they'll get boycotted & go out of business. BRB, I'm clicker-training people & industries.)

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@sustainpedal

Also, shame works when it makes the person think "1) I'm doing something different from everyone else 2) I want to change my habit/lifestyle, and 3) I know how to change." If one of those three pieces is missing and you keep piling on shame, the person won't change; they'll get bogged down or bitter, withdraw from people they perceive as "better" or "normal", and develop a belief that they are incapable of change.

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@assortedinsanities

Thought about this post yesterday and realized another limitation of the use of shame.

While swearing can be a case where guilt/shame works, it's not a universal tool to make someone stop a behavior.

If the behavior serves a needed purpose, shame will either not stop it, or make the person seek out a different behavior to substitute.

I was specifically thinking about substance abuse when this occured to me, but it can really be anything.

Maybe the kid swears in class, because it gives them a good standing with other students and that is the only way they know how to connect with others. Maybe them swearing serves to give them a tough persona so bullies think twice about going after them. Maybe they are extremely stressed about some aspect of school and this is the only outlet they have for the aggression it builds up.

Basically, while shame can stop a behavior, if you happen to shame someone for some sort of coping mechanism that will backfire. Because if you want someone to stop a problematic coping behavior, you need to motivate them to find a helpfull alternative and that will not be accomplished by shaming them.

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@jukashi

I would add an important note: social negative reinforcement, like shaming tactics, only work if the person you're using them on actually cares about what you think of them.

If they don't care about what you think, attempts to shame them will just make them hostile, and less likely to listen to you. It's very likely to just make them double down on whatever you're trying to shame them about. Example: Me still having long hair despite being bothered about it for most of my adolescence. I don't even actually like having long hair that much! There's just a 'fuck those guys' response still baked into my brain somewhere that makes me not want to cut it, because it'd be like agreeing with them, even decades later.

Important note to the important note: Do not mistake shame not working on someone as them not caring about you. They could just think you're incorrect to shame them - which, you must remember, is always a possibility. Anyone can be wrong about something. The tumblr demographic should be familiar with the idea of being shamed about things by people they care about, and still refusing to change those things.

Important note three, revengeance: If someone does care about you, you'd better make sure you're right before you do any shaming tactics, because shaming someone who cares what you think for no good reason is something that's pretty shameworthy itself.

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@strive-to-be-human

Do not punish behavior you wish to see!

If someone is going to make meaningful steps toward desirable behavior, you have to reward any motion in that direction. You have to help people figure out what is blocking them from doing the desirable behavior, help them find tools or strategies to get around those blocks, and then celebrate attempts to do the thing you want.

If you're thinking to yourself, "Sure, that works on toddlers, but adults should know better," come and sit by me. Would you like a cup of coffee?

I want you to think of a time at work when you made a mistake. Maybe you didn't know better. Maybe you did but you fumbled the task inadvertently. Maybe you knew better and you didn't care. Maybe you thought the established procedure is stupid so you didn't do it on purpose. It's your memory; anything can be true.

Let's imagine - whether or not this is how your specific memory plays out - that your boss pulled you aside and yelled at you for five whole minutes about how horrible (and horribly incompetent!) you are. No questions about how you arrived at the decision process you did... (except maybe the rhetorical, disingenuous, "What were you thinking?!") Just a dressing down. Perhaps even a formal writeup that goes on your employee record.

In this memory you have (or the imaginary scenario), how enthusiastic are you about finding the RIGHT way to do things? Are you feeling uplifted, capable and motivated? Or are you feeling demoralized, embarrassed and paralyzed?

Take that memory of a time when you made a workplace error and rewrite it with me. (How's your coffee? Need a warm-up?) Let's imagine, instead, that your boss pulls you aside and says something like "Hey, I noticed the last time X happened during opening, Y and Z weren't completed. Normally you're pretty great about Y and Z. What's going on?" or "Thank you so much for getting me that report on Company B. Could you also get me an addendum that includes [the thing you forgot to include in the first place]?" or "I've noticed that you're consistently doing [this task] in a [specifically wrong] way. We need it done [the correct way] for [reasons]. What can I do to help make sure [task] is [done correctly] going forward?"

Check in with your body. How does this boss conversation feel? You probably still feel threatened and embarrassed - especially if you live in the US, like me - because we are so primed to hear derision, censure and punishment every time our boss talks to us! But this new boss thinks we're great! They just need us to do a little better. They WANT us to succeed!

Even adults want kindness and compassion. Reward desirable behavior. Do not punish behaviors you wish to see.

If you do 9 things out of 10 correctly and your boss shouts at you over one (1) thing, your brain is not going to go "Cool! I did 90% of these tasks correctly!" It's going to go "Task 10 is the only important one" - which it will find out is not true when it forgets Task 8 - and eventually slides into "I can never be good enough to escape a lecture, so I'm just not even gonna try. Boss gets what I feel like giving and if they don't like my Minimum Effort they can fire me."

Wouldn't it be better if we spoke to each other on good faith, believing that others really are trying their best? I know what world I would rather live in. You can live here, too, if you want. Coffee's always hot. Come back any time.

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@butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway

The idea that you can shame someone out of being a bad person or that shame can reliably be used to dissuede behavior you want someone to stop is so deeply and fundamentally a misunderstanding of what the research tells us.

Shame is NOT in fact a demotivator in the sense of encouraging behavior cessation. Rather it is a demotivator in that it alienates people from the behavior's form and function. If someone *experiences the feeling of shame upon having it drawn to their attention that something they have done or said may not be in line with their values or goals, it is TECHNICALLY possible (tho not as likely as one might hope) for that person to take a functional and non-judgemental approach to changing or addressing the behavior that led up to that feeling. HOWEVER if you *inflict* shame on someone ON PURPOSE to try and get them to stop doing a thing, research tells us that all this will result in is their becoming more adept at hiding that behavior from you and (possibly, depending on where the shame is reinforced) others.

So like. I get that this post thinks it's discouraging "harmful" shaming, but I need to emphasize that it is doing so by saying that "shame is functional" is the same thing, in a clinical connotation, as "shame can be used against others to change behavior IF YOU USE IT RIGHT" and it just....it isn't the same. At all. YOU cannot inflict shame on another person, they have to experience shame as a synthesis of their own recontextualization. What we inflict on each other via "shaming" is not, in fact, shame. It is FEAR. And wielding fear as a motivator for change actually has remarkably reliably *horrific* outcomes.

It is fascinating to me how intensely so many of us cling to the validity of inflicting pain, alienation, and fear on others if only they can do it in the right way for the right reasons when EVERYTHING that we know says that very framework is what makes it so dangerous and harmful to the people around us. Why do even the conversations "discouraging" shame include gestures to the idea that of course it works sometimes!

Please be skeptical of anything that suggests you can induce a negative feeling in someone who is not you on purpose and reliably receive an outcome other than "this person now treats me as unsafe to be vulnerable with". Change requires care, functional reflection of role, and support/compassion from the people around you during the transition. At no point does that include another person TRYING to induce shame, I assure you.

#i want to be gentle in this i really do#in part BECAUSE i know what i know about change and shame#but it is REALLY hard to watch people say something this blatantly misaligned with actual clinical research as if it is the informed belief#it is not#the informed belief is that external-origin internalized shame is ALWAYS bad and harmful#and internal-origin internalized shame CAN BE AND OFTEN IS but may sometimes act as a change impulse if the person is able to#process those emotions in a healthy environment#and anyone presenting otherwise to you has either deeply misunderstood the research#or is selling you a loophole via 'some people i mean behaviors DESERVE to be shamed'

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@partypuppy-nastja

I wrote about this at work a little bit ago, citing some studies for it along the way, for that about negative motivation vs positive motivation:

Not that anybody asked, but I think it's important to understand how shame and guilt actually work before you try to use it for good.

It's a necessary emotion. There are reasons we have it. It makes everything so. much. worse. when you use it wrong.

Shame and guilt are DE-motivators. They are meant to stop behavior, not promote it. You cannot, ever, in any meaningful way, guilt someone into doing good. You can only shame them into not doing bad.

Let's say you're a parent and your kid is having issues.

Swearing in class? Shame could work. You want them to stop it. Keep it in proportion*, and it might help. *(KEEP IT IN PROPORTION!!!)

Not doing their homework? NO! STOP! NO NOT DO THAT! EVER! EVER! EVER! You want them to start to do their homework. Shaming them will have to opposite effect! You have demotivated them! They will double down on NOT doing it. Not because they are being oppositional, but because that's what shame does!

You can't guilt people into building better habits, being more successful, or getting more involved. That requires encouragement. You need to motivate for that stuff!

If you want it in a simple phrase:

You can shame someone out of being a bad person, but you can't shame them into being a good person.

[companyofanimals]

Dog Training Near Me: Finding the Right Trainer for Your Dog

Training your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It's not just about teaching your dog tricks; it's about building a good relationship based on trust and understanding. Proper training can help prevent behaviour problems, improve your dog's well-being, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Whether you're a new dog owner or looking to improve your dog's behaviour, finding the right trainer and knowing how to train effectively can make a big difference.

Every dog is different, with their own personality, needs, and pace of learning. So, it's important to adapt your training methods to suit your dog's unique traits. This guide will help you find the right trainer and provide practical tips for effective pet training.

Choosing the Right Dog Trainer

When you start training your dog, finding a qualified trainer can be a great first step. A good trainer can offer the guidance and expertise needed to teach your dog important skills and address any specific behaviour issues. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a trainer:

1. Experience and Qualifications

Experience is very important in dog training. Trainers with years of experience have likely encountered many different dog behaviours and training challenges, making them well-prepared to handle various situations. Look for trainers who have been in the business for several years and have a good record of successful training.

In addition to experience, qualifications are crucial. Certification from respected organisations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) shows that the trainer has had formal education and follows industry standards. These organisations require trainers to prove their knowledge of animal behaviour, training techniques, and ethical practices. Choosing a certified trainer ensures you're working with someone who understands canine psychology and effective training methods.

2. Training Methods

The methods a trainer uses can greatly affect how successful the training is and how your dog feels about it. Positive reinforcement is widely seen as the most humane and effective method. This approach focuses on rewarding good behaviours with treats, praise, or playtime, encouraging dogs to repeat those actions. Positive reinforcement creates a friendly learning environment, strengthens the bond between the dog and owner, and boosts the dog's confidence.

Avoid trainers who use harsh methods, like punishment or dominance-based techniques. These approaches can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, damaging the trust between the dog and owner. When interviewing potential trainers, ask about their training philosophy and methods. A good trainer should be open about their approach and prioritise your dog's well-being.

3. Specialisations

Some trainers specialise in specific areas of dog training, such as obedience, behaviour modification, agility, or service dog training. If your dog has particular needs or goals, it may be helpful to find a trainer with expertise in that area. For example, if your dog shows aggressive behaviour, a trainer specialising in behaviour modification can help manage and correct these issues.

When choosing a trainer, consider your dog's age, breed, and temperament. Puppies may need basic obedience training and socialisation, while older dogs might need help with specific behaviour problems. Specialised trainers can tailor their programmes to meet your dog's unique needs, ensuring a more effective training experience.

Dog Training Tips for Beginners

Training your dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also have its challenges, especially if you're new to it. Here are some basic tips to help you get started:

1. Start with Basic Commands

Begin with simple commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." These commands are the foundation for more advanced training and are essential for good manners and control. Start training in a quiet place with few distractions so your dog can focus. As your dog gets better at these commands, gradually introduce more challenging scenarios.

When teaching basic commands, use clear and consistent cues. For example, always use the word "sit" when you want your dog to sit, and you can pair it with a hand signal if you like. Being consistent helps your dog understand what you're asking and speeds up learning. Keep training sessions positive and rewarding by using treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce good behaviour.

2. Consistency is Crucial

Consistency is key to successful dog training. Use the same commands, cues, and rules all the time, and make sure everyone in the household does the same. Inconsistent training can confuse your dog and slow their progress. For instance, if one person lets the dog on the sofa while another doesn't, the dog may get mixed signals.

Setting a regular routine also helps reinforce good behaviours. Set aside dedicated training time each day and stick to a schedule. Consistent training helps your dog know what's expected and creates a sense of structure, which can reduce anxiety and improve behaviour.

3. Short Training Sessions

Dogs have short attention spans, especially puppies. To prevent them from getting bored or frustrated, keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, several times a day, rather than one long session. This helps keep your dog interested and motivated.

During training, watch your dog's body language and energy levels. If your dog seems tired or uninterested, it's best to end the session on a positive note and try again later. Remember, training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog, so keep the atmosphere light and happy.

4. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Rewarding your dog for good behaviour encourages them to repeat those actions. Rewards can include treats, praise, toys, or playtime—anything your dog enjoys.

When using treats, choose small, tasty ones that your dog loves. Use them sparingly, especially if your dog is prone to gaining weight. As your dog gets better at a command, gradually reduce the treats and use more praise and affection as rewards.

Timing is important with positive reinforcement. Reward your dog right after they do the desired behaviour to help them link the action with the reward. Be enthusiastic and generous with your praise, as dogs love positive attention.

How to Train Your Dog to Behave

Training your dog to behave involves more than just teaching commands. It also means teaching good manners, setting boundaries, and dealing with specific behaviour issues. Here's how to guide your dog towards better behaviour:

1. Establish Rules and Boundaries

From the moment your dog comes home, set clear rules and boundaries. Decide on things like whether your dog is allowed on the furniture and stick to these rules consistently.

Establishing boundaries also applies to outdoor behaviour. For example, teach your dog not to jump on people, pull on the lead, or bark too much. Setting clear expectations from the start helps prevent unwanted behaviours and creates a more peaceful home.

2. Socialisation

Socialisation is a key part of dog training, especially for puppies. Proper socialisation means introducing your dog to different people, animals, and environments in a positive way. This helps your dog become confident, reduces fear and anxiety, and encourages good social behaviour.

Start socialisation early, ideally between 3 and 14 weeks of age, when puppies are most open to new experiences. Introduce your dog to different types of people, including children, adults, and people with different appearances. Let them meet other animals, like other dogs, cats, and even small pets.

When taking your dog to new places, like parks or busy streets, go slowly and use positive reinforcement. Encourage calm and confident behaviour, and reward your dog for staying relaxed. Gradually increase the level of difficulty by introducing more challenging situations.

3. Address Problem Behaviours

All dogs might show unwanted behaviours at times, like barking too much, chewing things, or jumping up on people. Address these problems quickly to stop them from becoming habits. Use positive reinforcement to encourage better behaviours.

For example, if your dog barks a lot, find out what's causing it and work on getting them used to it. Reward your dog for being quiet and teach them an alternative behaviour, like going to their bed or staying calm on command. If your dog chews on furniture or household items, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and redirect their attention to these toys when they start chewing on something they shouldn't.

Consistency and patience are key when dealing with problem behaviours. It may take time for your dog to stop bad habits and learn new, positive ones. Be persistent, and celebrate small successes along the way.

Quick Dog Training Tips

Here are some extra quick tips to help you make the most of training your dog:

1. Use High-Value Rewards

High-value rewards are treats or toys that your dog finds especially exciting. These rewards can be very effective when teaching new commands or reinforcing good behaviour in challenging situations. Use high-value rewards strategically, saving them for times when you need extra motivation from your dog.

2. Stay Calm and Patient

Training requires patience and a calm attitude. Dogs can sense human emotions, so staying calm helps create a positive training environment and keeps your dog focused.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice helps reinforce learned behaviours and maintain progress. Practice commands in different environments and situations to make sure your dog can respond well, even with distractions. Include training in your daily routines, like mealtime or walks, to consistently reinforce good behaviour.

4. Focus on One Command at a Time

To avoid overwhelming your dog, focus on teaching one command at a time. Once your dog has mastered a command, you can start teaching new ones while continuing to reinforce the old ones. This approach helps your dog build confidence and ensures a strong foundation for more advanced training.

Dog Training Online: A Convenient Option

These days, online dog training has become a popular and convenient choice for many pet owners. Online training offers flexibility and access to a wide range of resources, making it a great option for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person training. Here’s why online dog training might be right for you:

1. Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of online dog training is the flexibility it provides. Online training programmes let you work with your dog at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can access training materials, videos, and tutorials whenever it’s convenient, whether early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break. This flexibility makes it easier to fit training into your daily routine without needing to attend scheduled classes.

2. Variety of Resources

Online platforms offer a wide range of training resources, including video tutorials, articles, and live webinars. These resources cover a variety of topics, from basic obedience and puppy training to specialised areas like agility, scent work, and behaviour modification. The variety of available materials lets you customise your training programme to your dog’s specific needs and interests.

Many online training programmes also offer interactive elements, such as forums or live Q&A sessions with certified trainers. These features provide valuable opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and receive personalised guidance from professionals.

3. Expert Guidance

Online training programmes are often created by certified trainers and animal behaviourists with years of experience. These experts design comprehensive training courses that follow proven methods and best practices. By enrolling in an online programme, you can access expert guidance and professional advice, ensuring you receive high-quality instruction.

Online training can also be a more affordable alternative to in-person classes. Many programmes offer subscription-based access to a wide range of resources at a fraction of the cost of private lessons or group classes. This affordability makes professional training more accessible to a broader audience.

Conclusion: The Journey of Training Your Dog

Training your dog is a rewarding and ongoing journey that requires dedication, patience, and a positive approach. Whether you choose in-person classes or online resources, the key to success lies in consistent practice, clear communication, and a deep understanding of your dog's unique personality and needs.

Throughout the training process, remember that every dog is different. Progress may vary, and challenges are a natural part of the journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones, and don't hesitate to seek support from trainers or fellow dog owners when needed.

Ultimately, the goal of training is to build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog, ensuring a happy and well-behaved companion. With the right tools, techniques, and mindset, you can create a positive and fulfilling experience for both you and your furry friend. Enjoy the process of teaching, learning, and bonding with your canine companion, and cherish the special moments along the way.

[petforever]

Transform Your Pet's Behavior: The Ultimate Guide to Pet Training in Amritsar

Why Professional Pet Training in Amritsar is Essential for Happy Pets and Owners

Professional pet training in Amritsar is not just a luxury; fostering a harmonious relationship between pets and their owners is necessary. The benefits of pet training extend beyond simple obedience, encompassing improved behaviour, enhanced communication, and increased safety for animals and humans. By investing in professional training, pet owners in Amritsar can address common issues such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, and aggression, leading to a more peaceful home environment.

The importance of professional training cannot be overstated. Experienced trainers possess the knowledge and skills to tailor their approach to each pet's unique personality and needs. This personalised attention ensures that pets receive the most effective guidance, resulting in faster and more lasting behaviour improvements. Moreover, professional trainers can educate owners on proper pet care techniques, helping them better understand their furry companions and strengthen their bond.

Amritsar's pet care scene is evolving, and professional training services are at the forefront of this change. By enrolling in these programs, pet owners demonstrate their commitment to responsible pet ownership and contribute to creating a pet-friendly community. The long-term benefits of professional pet training – including reduced stress, increased socialisation, and improved overall well-being for both pets and owners – make it an invaluable investment in your pet's future.

Meet Amritsar's Top-Rated Pet Trainers: Expertise That Makes a Difference

When it comes to shaping your pet's behaviour, nothing beats the expertise of Amritsar's top-rated pet trainers. These professionals have earned their stellar reputations through years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of animal psychology. Whether you're dealing with a rambunctious puppy or a finicky feline, our city's best pet trainers have the skills to transform your furry friend's behaviour.

Our experienced dog trainers have successfully worked with countless breeds, addressing issues from basic obedience to complex behavioural problems. They employ proven techniques that correct unwanted behaviours and strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. For cat owners, our behaviour specialists are adept at decoding feline body language and resolving common issues like litter box avoidance or aggression.

What sets Amritsar's top trainers apart is their commitment to ongoing education. Many hold prestigious pet training certifications, ensuring they're always up-to-date with the latest, most effective training methods. This dedication to their craft means you're getting the best possible guidance for your beloved pet.

Please make sure to strive for good results regarding your pet's well-being. Choose Amritsar's best pet trainers and witness the remarkable difference their expertise can make in your pet's behaviour and your overall happiness as a pet owner.

Comprehensive Pet Training Services Available in Amritsar

Are you looking for top-notch pet training services in Amritsar? Look no further! Our comprehensive training programs cater to all your furry friend's needs. We've covered you, from basic obedience training to advanced agility courses.

Our puppy training classes lay a solid foundation for well-behaved adult dogs, focusing on essential commands and socialisation. For more experienced canines, our obedience training sharpens their skills and strengthens the bond between pet and owner.

Need to address specific behavioural issues? Our behaviour modification experts use proven techniques to tackle problems like excessive barking, aggression, or anxiety. We also offer specialised pet training for unique situations, such as service dog training or therapy animal preparation.

Refrain from settling for mediocre results. Our skilled trainers employ the latest, most effective methods to ensure your pet reaches its full potential. Our agility training courses will amaze you with your dog's newfound athleticism and confidence.

Invest in your pet's future today. Our comprehensive training services will transform your furry companion into a well-mannered, obedient, and happy family member. Don't wait – book your session now and witness the incredible difference professional training can make!

The Science Behind Effective Pet Training Techniques Used in Amritsar

The science behind effective pet training techniques used in Amritsar is rooted in a deep understanding of pet psychology and behaviour. Trainers in this vibrant city have embraced modern, evidence-based approaches prioritising positive reinforcement and reward-based methods. These techniques yield impressive results and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.

Clicker training, a popular method among Amritsar's pet professionals, leverages the power of precise timing and consistent rewards. This technique allows trainers to pinpoint desired behaviours accurately, making it easier for pets to understand their expectations. Pets quickly learn to repeat behaviours that earn them praise and treats by associating the click sound with rewards.

Understanding pet psychology is crucial in implementing these techniques effectively. Amritsar's trainers recognise that each animal has unique motivations and learning styles. By tailoring their approach to individual pets, they can create personalised training plans that yield faster and more lasting results.

Reward-based methods have proven to be far more effective than outdated punitive approaches. By reinforcing good behaviour rather than punishing mistakes, trainers in Amritsar create a positive learning environment that encourages pets to participate actively in their training. This leads to better-behaved pets and happier, more confident animals that enjoy the training process.

These scientifically-backed training techniques can transform your pet's behaviour and enhance your relationship. Whether dealing with a naughty puppy or a stubborn adult dog, Amritsar's pet training experts can help you achieve remarkable results through these proven, humane methods.

Choosing the Right Pet Trainer in Amritsar: Factors to Consider

When selecting a pet trainer in Amritsar, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure the best outcome for you and your furry friend. First and foremost, examine the trainer's qualifications. Look for certifications from reputable organisations and inquire about their experience with various breeds and behavioural issues. A well-qualified trainer will have a solid foundation in animal behaviour and modern training techniques.

Next, compare different training methods offered by potential trainers. Positive reinforcement-based approaches are widely recognised as effective and humane, promoting a strong bond between you and your pet. Be wary of trainers who rely heavily on punishment-based methods, as these can lead to fear and anxiety in your pet.

Pricing and packages are essential considerations but should be a different deciding factor. Evaluate the value offered in each package, including the number of sessions, follow-up support, and any additional resources provided. Remember, investing in quality training now can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Lastly, assess the trainer-pet compatibility. A good trainer should be able to connect with your pet and understand their unique personality. Schedule a meet-and-greet session to observe how the trainer interacts with your pet and whether their energy and approach align with your expectations. By carefully considering these factors, you'll be well-equipped to choose the right pet trainer in Amritsar, setting the stage for a successful training experience.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Towards a Well-Behaved Pet with Amritsar's Finest Trainers

Don't let another day go by with an untrained pet. Amritsar's expert trainers are ready to transform your furry friend into a well-mannered companion. By investing in professional training, you're not just improving your pet's behaviour but enhancing the quality of life for you and your animal companion.

Remember, a well-trained pet is a happy pet, leading to a harmonious household. The skills your pet will learn will last a lifetime, making every interaction more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you're dealing with fundamental obedience issues or more complex behavioural challenges, Amritsar's trainers have the expertise to address them all.

Take action now. Reach out to one of Amritsar's top-notch pet trainers today and set the foundation for a better relationship with your pet. Your future self – and your pet – will thank you for making this critical decision. Don't wait; the path to a well-behaved pet starts with a single step. Make that step today.

[dogerys]

Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour - Dogerys

Dogs are beloved members of countless households worldwide, cherished for their loyalty, companionship, and unique personalities. However, understanding your dog's behaviour can sometimes be challenging, especially for new pet owners. By delving into the underlying reasons behind common behaviours, you can develop a deeper bond with your furry friend and address any concerns effectively. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decode and interpret your dog's behaviour:

1. Body Language

A dog's body language is a powerful form of communication, offering insights into their emotions and intentions. Pay attention to cues such as:

Tail Wagging: Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn't always indicate happiness. The position and speed of the wag can convey different messages, from excitement to anxiety.

Ears: Erect ears suggest alertness, while flattened ears may signal fear or submission.

Posture: A relaxed, loose posture indicates contentment, while stiff or tense body language may signify discomfort or aggression.

2. Barking

Barking is one of the most common forms of vocalization in dogs, serving various purposes:

Alert Barking: Your dog may bark to alert you of potential threats or intruders.

Attention-Seeking Barking: Some dogs bark to get your attention or express excitement.

Anxiety Barking: Excessive barking can also be a sign of anxiety or distress, especially when left alone for extended periods.

Understanding the context and frequency of your dog's barking can help determine its underlying cause and address any underlying issues.

3. Social Behaviour

Dogs are social animals, capable of forming strong bonds with humans and other animals. Key social behaviours include:

Playfulness: Play is an essential part of canine socialization, promoting physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Pack Mentality: Dogs have a hierarchical social structure reminiscent of their wild ancestors. Establishing yourself as the pack leader through consistent training and positive reinforcement can help prevent behavioural issues.

4. Aggression

While most dogs are friendly and well-behaved, aggression can occasionally occur due to various factors:

Fear Aggression: Dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened or intimidated.

Resource Guarding: Some dogs exhibit aggressive behaviour when protecting their food, toys, or territory.

Redirected Aggression: Redirected aggression occurs when a dog redirects their frustration or arousal towards another target, often unintentionally.

Identifying the triggers and underlying causes of aggression is crucial for implementing effective management and behaviour modification strategies.

5. Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common behavioural issue in dogs, characterized by distress or destructive behaviour when left alone:

Symptoms: Signs of separation anxiety may include excessive barking, destructive chewing, or house soiling.

Management: Gradual desensitization, providing interactive toys or puzzles, and creating a safe, comforting environment can help alleviate separation anxiety.

6. Training and Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a highly effective training technique that rewards desired behaviours with treats, praise, or affection:

Consistency: Consistent training and reinforcement help reinforce good behaviour and discourage undesirable habits.

Patience: Training takes time and patience, so be patient and understanding with your dog as they learn and grow.

Conclusion

Understanding your dog's behaviour is essential for fostering a strong, trusting relationship and addressing any behavioural concerns effectively. By observing their body language, vocalizations, and social interactions, you can decipher their needs, emotions, and motivations more accurately. Remember to approach training and behaviour modification with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement for the best results. With time, dedication, and a deeper understanding of your furry friend, you can enjoy a harmonious and fulfilling bond with your canine companion.

[doggydosanddontsinc]

Dog Aggression Training Port Moody

Understanding the Importance of Dog Aggression Training in Port Moody

Dog aggression can be a concerning behaviour that affects not only the dog but also the owners and the community. In Port Moody, where the scenic environment encourages outdoor activities and pet ownership, ensuring your dog is well-behaved and sociable is crucial. Dog aggression training is a necessary step to address and manage this behaviour effectively.

Why Is Dog Aggression Training Necessary?

1. Safety

Protecting Others: Aggressive behaviour puts people and other animals at risk of injury.

Legal Obligations: Dog owners are responsible for their pets' actions. Ensuring your dog is not a threat is a legal requirement.

2. Better Quality of Life

Peaceful Coexistence: A well-behaved dog can enjoy a fuller life, participating in more activities and social interactions.

Reduced Stress: Addressing aggression can reduce stress for both the dog and the owner.

3. Community Harmony

Responsible Ownership: By addressing aggression, you contribute to a safer and more harmonious community.

Positive Reputation: Responsible dog ownership enhances your reputation in the neighbourhood.

4. Addressing Underlying Issues

Fear or Anxiety: Aggression can stem from fear or anxiety, which can be addressed through ‘Anxiety Answer Treatments’, training, and behaviour modification.

Communication: Training improves communication between you and your dog, leading to a stronger bond and better understanding.

5. Legal Requirements

Bylaws and Regulations: Port Moody, like many other municipalities, has regulations regarding aggressive dogs. Compliance is necessary to avoid legal issues.

How Dog Aggression Training Can Help

1. Professional Guidance

Trainers: Experienced trainers can assess the situation and provide personalised, custom training plans to suit your needs.

Behaviourists: Can help identify underlying issues, provide specific help to relieve their anxiety, and develop a comprehensive behaviour modification plan.

2. Behavior Modification Techniques

Releasing the Trigger: When basic obedience is not the main issue, when it’s something deeper: fear; dog anxiety; nervousness; old trauma; etc, that is affecting their behaviour … now there is help for that too. 

Anxiety Answer Treatments: When the trigger is removed, their response behaviour changes too.  Removing the problem, eliminates the symptoms.

Desensitisation: Gradual exposure to triggers can reduce the dog's sensitivity and aggressive response.

Counterconditioning: Associating the trigger with positive experiences can change the dog's emotional response.

3. Ongoing Management

Consistency: Following the training plan consistently is essential for long-term success.

Environmental Management: Avoiding triggers and managing the dog's environment can prevent aggressive episodes.

4. Positive Reinforcement

Rewards: Using rewards for good behaviour encourages the dog to repeat those behaviours.

[jebelk9pets]

Canine Training Solutions in Muscat: Jebel K9's Behavioral Modification Program

Unlock your dog's full potential with Jebel K9's specialised behavioural modification training in Muscat. Our expert trainers employ proven techniques tailored to your dog's needs, ensuring lasting positive changes in behaviour and enhancing the bond between you and your furry companion.

Know More - https://jebelk9.com/training-center/behavior-modification/ 

[fruitless-vain]

I was stopped at Canadian tire the other day by this person who asked “how do you train them like that?” Referring to Yoshi maintaining full focus and heeling in the store

And I’m just like? How do I even answer that question? With years upon years of carefully curated training plans, meeting her needs, and strategic behavioural modification? Years of confidence building, gradual approximations, and evidence based approaches?

Like they wanted a 30 second rundown of How To for their own dogs’ issues and I’m just like?????? That’s not how behaviour works?????

And ma’am this is a herding breed the eye contact comes free with the package.