"Oh, you're a positive trainer, that means you only have one set of tools to deal with multiple situations..."
There are a lot of myths about Force Free, Positive trainers out there, mostly spread by those that refuse to understand the science. It's not even all from the "other" side of training, some of it comes from other Positive trainers.
My Definition of Force Free:
1) Use of scientifically sound and proven techniques that work on ALL animals capable of learning (ie. almost anything with a nervous system).
2) Of those techniques, only those that do not cause pain, fear or other harm to the animal
3) Letting the animal know what it's done right and what it's done wrong after it understands what works in the first place. We all make mistakes once in a while; we have to face some consequences for it.
4) Management is a key stone in the foundation as are Operant conditioning and Classical Conditioning.
5) People might need to improve skill, but we're all able to use simple, non-harmful techniques.
6) Consequences do not have to be painful or fearful.
7) No one can guarantee that any behaviour can be completely and forever removed from the repertoire of an animal; no one can guarantee that an animal will respond 100% of the time.
8) As a Trainer (or coach) working with people. Yes, People, not just dogs. If we can't get through to the people, we can't get through to the dog.
So what does it all mean?
First and foremost I would call it an ethical choice. I'm not saying those that use are using force or intimidation are not ethical themselves, but they're making a choice in the manner of their training. I don't want to show people outdated and potentially dangerous (for the dogs and sometimes people) methods that could result in making matters worse. Yes, there is a broad number of ways to deal with a situation; we should be looking for the most humane way to accomplish that goal. Sometimes the fastest fix is not always the best; fixing a problem takes time.
If the wheel came off my car, I would hope that the mechanic didn't suggest a bit of duct tape to fix the problem. We live in a time where we expect everything to be fixed right away. Dogs are complex critters and need time and effort. If something feels like it's to good to be true, chances are it is.
With the increase in dog ownership in the last few years (I've heard it's doubled in the last 10-20 years) it's not hard to imagine that there has been a thirst for knowledge - most of which seems to be coming from Reality TV. I don't believe that the "Real Housewives of..." represent real housewives... anywhere - or any time period for that matter; and I don't believe other things should be taken as useful tips and hints (even though those programs say "don't try this at home", sadly, many people do). Our dogs deserve people that understand the scientific foundations of the techniques that are being used on them; as custodians of animals that cannot verbally tell us, our responsibility is to know as well.
