Who is to Blame When Devices, Methods and Techniques Fail to Work?

By Dale McCluskey

When devices, methods and techniques fail to produce results what is really happening and who gets the blame ? Often the dog or owner are unfairly blamed when things go wrong. The owner is left confused, frustrated and without hope or answers. In the end the dog is given away or worst.

Trainers pivot their entire system of training on "what works most of the time" and are unable to provide answers when a dog trained to respond for treats or a clicker bites someone. The answer is that true overall role change has not occurred. A system which adopts a human approach and perspective to training can interfere and conflict with creating and maintaining the pack roles. Authority is often the most misunderstood part of this process. Authority, although nessesary, is not aggressive or linked to devices, methods or techniques which create high challenge.

A very dominant dog will accept less and less authority and challenge it more and more as weeks and months pass. The dominant dog may appear to respond for authority but avoid it at the same time.

The owner must adopt those traits and qualities which challenge for but also allow the dominant dog to accept authority and release the dominant pack role, over time. Depending on the dynamics occurring within the pack relationship this process can take time. Method must be applied in such a way which is meaningful and consistent enough to create change. The emphasis for this change is with the owner, to adopt the lead role, become part of pack and the solution.

Hope exists for all dogs if we can see beyond the human perspective and embrace a new reality. This reality is that dogs have basic needs which are different than our own. By meeting their pack needs we also meet our own, in a way that provides harmony, happiness and true connection for both dog and owner.

Dale McCluskey

The Power of Pack. A Complete Guide to Dog Training is available at http://www.k9pack.com This 84 page guide provides a clear path to training your dog with step by step instructions on using these unique pack psychology methods. This thought provoking guide challenges how we think about dogs and provides insight into a their world.