Australian leaders in pet dog training, Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), are encouraging the use of humane, positive reinforcement methods to help dogs displaying problematic behaviour.
They are doing so as Augusto Deoliveira—known as ‘The Dog Daddy’ on social media—is due to soon arrive in Australia for a dog training seminar where he will be teaching controversial methods to train dogs. These include aversive training techniques and the use of equipment designed to cause pain and fear in dogs.
The Dog Daddy’s methods have led to international petitions calling authorities to stop the events from taking place in their country, including Australia (planned for 30 September).
APDT and PPGA are also concerned the workshops will promote training techniques which risk compromising dog welfare, not to mention put handlers and the general public at significant risk of being bitten.
The APDT and PPGA are opposed to the use of aversive equipment such as—but not limited to—electric shock collars, citronella collars and prong collars (also known as a pinch or constriction collars) because their use can lead to injury, pain and suffering in the dog. Prong collars are illegal to import into Australia and are currently banned in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.
“Punishment-based methods cause a lot of stress, can put the dog into conflict and may lead to worsening behaviour,” APDT president Louise Ginman said.
“Modifying behaviour using positive reinforcement is far more effective long term and causes far less stress in dogs.”
PPGA president Sarah Campbell added, “Research shows positive, reward-based training methods—using no force, no fear and no pain—work most effectively at improving dog behaviour outcomes and have no side effects on the dogs.
“The aim of dog training is not to suppress unwanted behaviour with punishment, but to make real positive change that is long-lasting for the dogs and their owners.”
