[ConcernedDogTrainer]

Hey guys,

I recently attended a dog training seminar at a nearby rescue. They've been opened since 2013, I think, and have gained quite the notoriety around my local neighborhood. Their training methods are controversial, using "Scared Straight" techniques to improve dog behavior.

I have a 2-year-old rescue who's had his ups and downs. He can be a real sweetheart at times but certainly has a dark side. I'm not sure if his previous owner was a skinhead (haha), but he would constantly nip and bark at my Jewish roommate on sight. After my roomie was forced to go into hiding for months, I finally decided it was time to do something drastic.

I was iffy on attending a class at first, but the one good review I could find reaffirmed my hopes. Since bringing Schmitzie (my pup) in, he's been a completely new dog. He doesn't bark, growl, attack, or really move that much at all anymore. Blatantly put, he's been incredible!

I was just wondering if anyone else has experience with this place or one similar? Schmitzie did pick up a small flinch afterward, so I was wondering if someone had the same happen to their puppers? It seems to be a new thing, not totally sure as to why. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Website: Home | The Dog Sanctuary

 

[LeoRose]

If they use aversive techniques, and the "scared straight" description makes it sound like they do, the flinching is probably fear and/or anticipation of a painful correction.

 

[ConcernedDogTrainer]

If they use aversive techniques, and the "scared straight" description makes it sound like they do, the flinching is probably fear and/or anticipation of a painful correction.

That's not bad though, is it? They said their trainers were qualified.

 

[LeoRose]

Qualified by whom? To what standard?

If you were nervous or uncertain about something, so much so that your first reaction is to go on the offense, and somebody punished you (either by jerking on your collar, using an electric collar, or some other physical force) for your reaction, do you think that you would start feeling better around that something, or would you start feeling worse, but be so concerned about getting punished that you freeze up and/or pretend that it's not there whenever you are around that something?

 

[BKaymuttleycrew]

Seriously? The description of the program is so ludicrous that I thought it was a joke -

"$35 Scared Straight Program - Puppies Under 5 Months
We recommend joining the program sooner than later. Vets agree that the earlier your dog experiences traumatic fear, the sooner they'll become docile."

Why would anyone ever take their dog to a 'training' program that fully admits, right up front, that their goal is to scare the crap out of your dog so they are terrified? And they are proud of this? I have no words....

 

[Sugar & Latte]

Vets agree that the earlier your dog experiences traumatic fear, the sooner they'll become docile."

Vets? Which vets? Any proof?

What Are The Implications Of Using Training Techniques Which Induce Fear Or Pain In Dogs? - Simply Be Paws

If a dog shows a behaviour which results in a perceived positive outcome, he or she is more likely to show the behaviour again on subsequent occasions – this

www.dogwelfarecampaign.org

How Do I Find A Suitable Dog Training Course? - Simply Be Paws

Being a responsible pet owner includes making sure that you teach your dog some basic obedience to ensure that you can keep him or her under reasonable

www.dogwelfarecampaign.org

 

[LeoRose]

Seriously? The description of the program is so ludicrous that I thought it was a joke -

"$35 Scared Straight Program - Puppies Under 5 Months
We recommend joining the program sooner than later. Vets agree that the earlier your dog experiences traumatic fear, the sooner they'll become docile."

Why would anyone ever take their dog to a 'training' program that fully admits, right up front, that their goal is to scare the crap out of your dog so they are terrified? And they are proud of this? I have no words....

Yikes! I'm glad I didn't look at the website, if this is their philosophy. I guess by "docile" them mean "so shut down that they can't react to anything"? The vast majority of vets, behaviorists, good trainers, and good breeders agree that is best to avoid scary situation with young puppies, and instead give them safe challenges to become confident.

 

[RonE]

As a moderator, I am skeptical as to the legitimacy of the original post. I truly can't believe that any dog owner could be so clueless and then be so flip about it.

I am shutting this thread down because members who do have a clue will justifiably eat you alive. Feel free to start a new thread - preferably on a different topic and maybe with some photos of your alleged dog.