Why Would We Want to Be Pack Leaders?
By Niki Tudge There are so many inaccurate facts that need to be dispelled about dogs and the dog training industry. The use of dominance theory and the necessity to be a pack leader using this dominance theory is one of the more concerning inaccurate facts that as professionals we have an obligation to educate pet owners about. Using powerful, engaging and educational messages we need to encourage pet owners to reconsider these outdated facts and misconceptions about their dogs and their relationship with their dogs and look toward more… Continued
The PPG Ethics Review Process
The Ethics Committee The ethics committee at The Pet Professional Guild consists of a committee Chair and three other PPG members. The key role of the Ethics Committee is to investigate all reported ethics violations. Your Pet Professional Guild Ethics Committee are: Chair – Catherine Zehner. Committee Members are Robert A King, Diane Garrod and Debra Millikan. How To Report an Ethics Violation The following is how a report of an alleged violation of the Pet Professional Guild’s Guiding Principles is handled. Reports of alleged membership violations will be handled… Continued
The PPG Position Statement On Reality Dog Training
In recent years, much creditable scientific study has been given to dog training and behavior modification methods and their respective efficacy and consequences. The preponderance of the evidence shown by these studies indicates that the implementation of training and/or behavior modification protocols predicated upon “dominance theory” and social structures (“alpha,” or “leader of pack”), usage of physical or mental force, intimidation, coercion or fear are empirically less effective and often create as a consequence “fallout” behaviors – behaviors which may be dangerous to the human and animal involved. Some of… Continued
Take the Choke Out of Walking Your Dog!
by Niki Tudge April is designated Pet First Aid Awareness Month™ so I started thinking about the things that pet dog owners may be doing on a daily basis that could be risking the long term health of their dogs without their knowledge. The practice of using choke collars and jerking the lead as a “correction” that many people still use when training and handling their dog can do so much physical and mental damage to the dog. The most common ‘use’ of the ‘jerk’ correction I have noticed is… Continued
Defining, Determining and Maintaining Best Practices within Our Force Free Organization.
Defining, Determining and Maintaining Best Practices within Our Force Free Organization. Written by Debra Milikan, Dip.ABST, Dip.DTBC, PABC. The question of how one defines determines and maintains best practice is one that troubles individuals, organisations and professions alike. In the fledgling, unregulated industry of animal training, the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has worked in conjunction with James O’Heare (President of the Companion Animal Sciences Institute and Director of the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals) to deliver to its members a guided delivery system for best practice. Read the full article here… Continued
ICFF Day – Wow Look At The Prizes!
For some time now you have been hearing all about the Pet Professional Guild’s Virtual Event to celebrate force free training. What has not been so easy to find out about are the prizes!!! Well, look no further. For simply registering for the event you will automatically receive * A special canine competitor medal (which we hope will become an annual collectors’ item) * A completion certificate * Access to enter the PPG photograph Competition And the prizes for the photograph competition are beyond belief!!!!! Just for showing us a… Continued