Aggressive behaviour in dogs is a multifaceted issue that can be influenced by genetics, environment, past experiences, and underlying medical conditions. Addressing aggression requires a deep understanding of canine ethology, behavioural science, and appropriate intervention strategies. However, many individuals offering training and behavioural services lack formal education in these areas. Instead, they rely on anecdotal experience, outdated dominance-based methods, or poorly understood interpretations of canine behaviour, often exacerbating the very issues they claim to resolve.
One of the most concerning aspects of unqualified intervention is the potential for escalation. Aggressive behaviours that are not properly managed—or worse, are suppressed through inappropriate punishment—can become more unpredictable and severe. Dogs that are subjected to aversive techniques, such as harsh corrections, intimidation, or physical force, may suppress their warning signals, leading to situations where aggression emerges suddenly and without the usual precursors. This not only places owners and the wider public at risk but also significantly increases the likelihood of euthanasia due to perceived unpredictability and danger.
The misuse of training tools and techniques by unqualified individuals can have lasting negative effects on a dog's psychological well-being (Wise, 2022; Guilherme-Fernandes et al., 2017; Ziv, 2017). Electronic collars, prong collars, and other aversive devices are frequently employed by those who lack the knowledge or willingness to implement evidence-based, humane interventions. The fallout from such methods extends beyond the individual dog, influencing broader public perceptions of dog training and perpetuating the misguided belief that aggression must be met with dominance and control rather than understanding and rehabilitation.
Guardians seeking help
for their dogs are often in a vulnerable position, desperate for solutions and
willing to place their trust in anyone claiming expertise. This creates an
environment in which misinformation spreads easily, particularly in the digital
age, where social media and online platforms provide an unregulated space for
self-taught individuals to present themselves as ‘professionals’. The lack of standardisation
and regulation in the dog training industry exacerbates this problem, leaving
the responsibility to guardians to discern between credible professionals and
those who operate without sufficient knowledge or ethical integrity.
The consequences of
unqualified trainers working with aggressive dogs extend beyond the immediate
risk of injury or harm. They contribute to a broader cycle of misunderstanding,
fear, and ultimately, failed interventions that result in rehoming, abandonment,
or euthanasia.
The damage is not limited to the dogs and their owners but also
affects the credibility of qualified professionals, as the fallout from poorly
handled cases can lead to distrust in the field as a whole.
Addressing this issue
requires a shift towards greater regulation, education, and public awareness.
Without more trainers and behaviourists signing up to clear professional
standards and accountability, the welfare of dogs and the safety of the public
remain at risk. Guardians must be encouraged to seek trainers and behaviourists
with accredited qualifications, verifiable experience, and a commitment to ethical,
evidence-based practices. Only through such measures can the industry move
towards a future where dog aggression is managed responsibly, reducing harm and
ensuring better outcomes for dogs and the people who live with them.
References:
Guilherme-Fernandes,
J., Olsson, I.A.S., & Vieira de Castro, A.C. (2017). Do aversive-based
training methods actually compromise dog welfare? A literature review. Applied
Animal Behaviour Science, 196, 1-12.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2017.07.001
Wise, J. (2022).
Exploring relationships between dog training approaches and aggression, fear,
and dog-owner relationship. CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/968
Vieira de Castro,
A.C., Fuchs, D., Pastur, S., de Sousa, L., & Olsson, I.A.S. (2020). Does
training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based
methods on companion dog welfare. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0225023.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225023
Ziv, G. (2017). The
effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review. Journal of
Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.02.004
Links: https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners/
