Nature Seeks Harmony, Not Confrontation, continued. One trainer makes a statement, while
another contradicts. One book advocates a certain technique while demonizing another. “Meanwhile, the unsuspecting dog owner wades innocently into the swirling waters of dog training philoso- phy, afraid to do anything,” says Camilla, “And, the dog suffers in the wake of their confusion.”
Dominance, subordination and rank
in the world of social group mammals are not routinely determined through the use of force or aggression. Rank is deter- mined by the ability to stop another from doing something. “If you can do that, you have rank
and status,” says Camilla. “I’ve watched this social scene play out for over 50 years, with cows, horses, dogs – even humans. Curiously, the ones that rise to the top of their social group – be they cow, horse, dog or human – are the strong, quiet, focused individuals, not the blustering bullies.” When an alpha dog stops another
dog from doing something he doesn’t like, he does it with symbolic gestures and actions that only hint at his great physical power or ability. Nature seeks harmony, not confrontation. For example, a dominant dog will
stand in a way that makes him appear bigger in order to convince the other dog to back off instead of fighting. “He might body-bump into another dog to show that he is bigger and weighs more to hint that he would win a confronta- tion in order to avoid one,” Camilla said. “He will bark and show his teeth, again to hint at his power, and to avoid escala- tion into a bite fest.” Except in rare instances, even when
the alpha dog nips another dog, it is not confrontational. The alpha is still warning the other dog to stop the unwanted behavior. When the subordinate dog agrees and stops the unwanted behavior, harmony is restored. “In the dog world, correction is not
angry, vindictive or confrontational. It is pragmatic. It is a means of stopping a behavior and achieving rank without fighting. In dog training, corrections given without anger can do the same. Dogs understand and accept correction; what they take offense to is anger. The two are very different, and the key is
60 THE NEW BARKER
Dogs need leaders Do not cookies.
understanding that difference,” says Camilla. “Dogs need leaders not cookies. Dogs need boundaries not punishment. When we can agree that rank, status and leadership involve control not confronta- tion, we’ll be on the right track.” For purposes of this article, and to
help our readers gain a better under- standing that training involves many methods, we interviewed several trainers across this great divide. No matter their philosophies, each trainer was adamant in the tenet to Do No Harm to the dog. Connie Johnson, dog trainer,
founder of Florida Big Dog Rescue, director, Dogs Playing For Life; International Canine Training Director, Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshund- sportvereine (DVG), an international dog sport training club; vice chair, Florida Veterinarian Medical Board; director, Florida Realtors, the largest trade associa- tion in the state.
gs need boundaries not punishment.
dogs about 20 years ago. “It takes com- mon sense. In my opinion, you either have it or you don’t. A dog trainer must have the ability to communicate with the dog,” she added. Building a rapport with the dog
before training begins is, first and fore- most, the most important element. Before beginning work with any dog, Connie starts with play. “We get to know each other, to like and trust each other first. While we’re playing, I may throw a little training in. But, to the dog, we’re still playing.” Positive is the word Connie uses to
describe how she trains dogs. She said she has never given up on a dog, even if what she’s doing is not working. She’ll problem solve and find another solution. “I love turning the abused dogs
around; dogs who are afraid or lack socialization. I love taking them in, and teaching them that people are good and life can be fun. When those dogs finally get it, to watch them play for the first time is amazing.” Connie has been called upon time
and again to work with shelter dogs. And as the founder/director of Florida Big Dog Rescue, she has worked with many a broken dog. “If you’re not open to using all
Frankie Connie’s father was the CFO of
Chicago Steel when she was growing up. As an outlet for fun, he also trained dogs. It was from her father that Connie gained a love and respect for dogs. “Growing up, I never had a dog
that I couldn’t communicate with,” said Connie, who started in competition with
options available to you as a dog trainer, then absolutely you are promoting euthanasia. I don’t understand why a trainer wouldn’t want to use all of the tools available to save a dog’s life. If you’re not open-minded enough to try other options, then you are closing the door to help many animals.” That being said, Connie stresses that
the use of any tool should only occur when the dog knows what is expected of them. She recalls a dog named Frankie. Confiscated as part of a horrible abuse
case, Frankie had been kept in deplorable conditions.When officers opened his crate, they found him squished inside. Continued
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