Labels Need To Go!

Dominance Theory Training

Balanced Training

Positive reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement only Training

Force Free Training

          The 5 labels above are generally how trainers try to differentiate themselves as trainers. For many trainers one of the labels is the best method and is how they see their training. They also see one of the other labels as not good and likely two of the labels they view with disdain.

The trainers that classify their training methods as one of the above labels do so for marketing purposes to attract clients. The labels were not created out of behavioral science but were a creation of marketing strategies. That is not to say trainers who use these labels are not using behavioral science in their training methods. The labels are just not connected to the behavioral science a trainer may be using.

Unfortunately, these labels are becoming the most common discussion amongst trainers. It’s easier to place trainers in just 5 categories and label them as good or bad based on the category one trainer can place the other trainers in, based on that trainer’s own category. These labels oversimplify dog training which doesn’t help progress training methods but does make internet grandstanding easier. These labels are more often used to explain why the other trainer is not a good trainer rather than a way in which the trainer can explain their own methods more clearly so people can understand their training. Again, just a way to market why one trainer is good and the other is bad.

When I first started training dogs there were no labels. People chose trainers based on other people’s testimony as to the effectiveness of the training and their experience with the trainer. If you are a good trainer your training stands on it’s own and there is no need to put a label on it.

Why do I think it is important to stop using these labels?

1.    The labels confuse new trainers. Rather than discussing and learning about dog behavior they believe they must choose a label to connect with and be accepted prior to getting help becoming a trainer.

2.    The labels lead new trainers to being indoctrinated rather than educated.

3.    The labels create division and walls rather than opportunities for trainers to discuss, without fear of attack, behavioral science, and training methods.

4.    The labels do not help the public become more educated on how to have a better relationship with their dogs. They take the oversimplified direction the labels present and fail to make progress.

This is a subject that I understand some will think controversial. However, I don’t see anything controversial in suggesting that trainers stop using marketing terms to define training methods. Training methods should be based on behavioral science and not marketing terms.

I welcome input and feedback.