Dog Training Myths Debunked: Ditch the Dogma and Train Smarter
This lengthy discussion delves into common myths and rigid dog training dogmas, questioning their origins, relevance, and applicability. The speakers challenge several widespread "shoulds" in dog training, arguing that many are outdated, misinterpret dog behavior, or are simply unnecessary for a well-behaved dog.
Key myths debunked include:
Dogs must heal on the left: This rule likely originated from hunting practices (keeping the gun hand free) or obedience show standards, but is not essential for everyday walking.
Dogs must wait for the human to go through a door first: The important factor is control over the doorway, not who physically goes first. The dog should only pass through with a cue.
Dogs shouldn't sleep on the bed or other furniture: This is acceptable as long as the dog doesn't display guarding behavior, aggression, or other problematic issues. It's about control and clear boundaries, not a fixed rule.
Don't feed "people food" or raw meat: Feeding "people food" doesn't inherently cause begging (that's a training issue), and raw meat doesn't make dogs aggressive.
Don't lie down on the floor or play tug-of-war with your dog: These activities don't inherently lead to dominance or aggression. A play growl is different from an aggressive growl.
Always eat before your dog/spit in their food: This is based on a misunderstanding of status and is largely ridiculous. The important aspect is controlled feeding, not a symbolic act.
Stopping barking or aggression prevents protection: Teaching a dog to control barking or aggression in inappropriate situations does not hinder their ability to protect when genuinely needed. A dog guarding a human from family members is exhibiting possessiveness, not protection.
Dogs standing on your foot or jumping means dominance: These are often signs of attention-seeking, habit, or mild attempts at control, but not necessarily "dominance" in the aggressive sense.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that many of these "rules" lack a solid foundation in modern understanding of dog behavior. They advocate for owners to make informed decisions based on their individual dog's temperament and their own needs, rather than blindly following outdated or misunderstood advice. The core message is that consistent boundaries and clear communication, where the human makes the decisions, are far more important than adhering to arbitrary rules.