International Positive Dog Training Association

"Because it has been proven that fear inhibits one's ability to learn, remember and make correct choices, because fear accounts for 97% of dog bites, and because there are so many humane and effective alternatives, I believe there is no need or excuse for the use of fear or pain in dog training!" Norma Jeanne

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About IPDTA

This is a letter of invitation, to become a member of a new association called the IPDTA International Positive Dog Training Association.

Attention: Dog Trainers, Related Professionals, Dog Owners, Dog Lovers and Enthusiasts,

"You can train the spirit out of the dog

and then you can never train it back in." Author Unknown

Hello! My name is Norma Jeanne. I am Founder and Chair of IPDTA - the International Positive Dog Training Association. To clarify, the word “positive” in our name does not refer to “positive reinforcement” or “positive punishment” – it refers to our goal to make training as pleasant as possible for the dog.

I founded IPDTA back in 2002, and we now have members in seven countries. At that time, I was a proud member of both CAPPDT (Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers), and APDT, (American Pet Dog Training Association). Both associations claimed to promote dog-friendly training techniques in their mandate and advertising, but neither would define what is, or more importantly, what is not “dog-friendly” in dog training and behaviour modification. When I asked about this, it was made clear that their mandate was not to define “pet friendly”, it was simply to educate. I accepted this and continued my membership, but I felt it was time for someone to take a stand for those with no rights and no say, the dogs. I was tired of dog owners and trainers making excuses for abusing dogs in the name of dog training.

As well as educating dog trainers about humane alternatives, our mandate includes setting the international standard for the humane application of IPDTA accepted tools and techniques used in dog training and behaviour modification.

We do this by gathering information about the tool or technique. This information includes any research already available, and the experiences of IPDTA members, dog owners, trainers, veterinarians and their clients. Our voting members are then given the opportunity to discuss and debate the acquired information, and to decide whether or not the tool or technique will be accepted by IPDTA. Our votes are based on the RISK for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction, in the hands of the average dog owner, resulting in fear or pain for the dog. When our voting members feel the risks associated with a particular tool or technique outweigh the benefits, the tool or technique in question is voted unacceptable.

It is the united opinion of IPDTA that anything designed to cause intimidation, fear or pain is not acceptable, and any IPDTA-accepted tool or technique immediately becomes unacceptable the moment the dog shows any body language indicating fear or pain.

To date, IPDTA has voted the following tools acceptable, if used within the criteria laid out in our research findings;

citronella training products – only when used as an interrupter
flat non-slip collars
head halters

We are not saying these tools cannot be misused or abused, they definitely can.

To date, IPDTA has voted the following tools unacceptable, meaning in our opinion they come with a high risk for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction in the hands of the average dog owner, resulting in fear and/or pain for the dog;

choke chain training collars
pinch or prong training collars
all shock equipment

We are not saying these tools cannot be used humanely, they definitely can. And we are not saying those who choose to use these tools are inhumane dog trainers, what we are saying is – there is a list of criteria that must be met for these tools to be used humanely, and in our opinion, too many dog owners and dog trainers are unable to meet that list of criteria for various reasons.

In order to apply these tools properly, the following criteria must be met;

The dog must be taught the desired incompatible behaviour before the correction is applied.
The correction must be properly executed, this involves:
- an understanding of the individual dog, it’s sensitivities and temperament
- an understanding of canine behaviour and body language
- an understanding of the intended and proper application of the tool or technique
- excellent timing
- excellent reflexes and coordination
- awareness and sensitivity to the dog
- the severity of the correction must be suitable to the dog’s temperament and level of sensitivity
- the correction must be delivered without emotion, on the part of the handler

From our experience, a high percentage of dog owners and many dog trainers are unable to meet the criteria necessary for the humane application of the tools we have voted unacceptable. When this occurs and the tool is used incorrectly, it can result in physical and/or emotional trauma for the dog, compromise the dog's temperament, create new behaviour problems and cause an unpleasant experience for the dog.

Since the majority of dog bites I deal with are defensive bites caused by fear, maintaining trust and mutual respect between a dog and its owner is crucial to the survival and well-being of any dog. Because there are so many humane and effective alternatives that come with much less risk for each and every training, behaviour and aggression problem, we believe there is no need for the use of tools with a high risk of causing fear or pain. It is my understanding that most dog owners and dog trainers love dogs and want to create a pleasant experience for the dog using effective tools and techniques. Because of this, we have made it our responsibility to provide these owners and trainers with numerous alternative options.

Our research findings include the following information about each tool or technique;

the intended operant sequence
the intended use and application of the tool or technique
the parameters of proper application
benefits
drawbacks, risks and warnings including; physical, behavioural, psychological, and mechanical
limitations
viable alternatives

After years of running successful dog training schools without the use of intimidation, fear or pain, we feel that not only is this type of training unnecessary, it is often counter-productive, jeopardizing the dog's physical and emotional well-being, and overall temperament.

If you're watching a dog training program on television and after demonstrating an exercise the trainer says “don't try this at home,” we have a problem. You can be assured that many watching the program will do exactly that, and if the exercise is not executed properly, the dog will pay. If we put risky tools and techniques in the hands of unqualified dog owners and trainers, and they are unable to use them correctly, we are doing a disservice to dogs and those who love them. This is on par with putting a loaded gun in the hands of someone who does not know how to handle guns, because the results can be just as deadly.

There are numerous benefits that are not limited to having the opportunity to set the international standard for humane dog training.

Throughout the year, our members host fund-raising events for our Dogs In Need Fund. These funds are donated to individuals in need of financial aid for surgeries, rescue and other forms of assistance.
We host our conference on alternate years in order to educate dog owners and trainers about humane options.
We host our award banquet and celebration on alternate years to honour those who make the word a better place for animals and those who love them.
Our on-line PawPrint newsletter is a wealth of information and is published twice a year.
You will be invited to join our email group who are required to treat one another with the same respect with which we treat the dogs.

For those of you who are interested in more information about our association, I’ll be available during the break, as well as from 4 to 5 pm at the information desk, to answer your questions.

If you are of like mind, and wish to stand up for dogs that cannot stand up for themselves you are welcome to join us. We encourage dog lovers and trainers alike to effectively train their dogs while treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve, making training an enjoyable experience, and creating a strong bond of mutual respect based on trust – NOT FEAR!

Sincerely;

Norma Jeanne Laurette; IPDTA Founder and Chair

What is abuse?

Abuse is physical or psychological injury caused by mistreatment

or the misuse of power associated with authority. It is a corrupt practice

or custom, improper or excessive use or treatment. It is a deceitful act,

it is a communication that condemns or vilifies unjustly,

intemperately and angrily.

The IPDTA defines abuse in training and behaviour modification

as the use of any tool or technique that was created or used with the intent to cause harm to a dog including but not limited to; injury, pain, fear, or mistrust, be it physical, psychological, emotional or behavioural.

Those that truly love dogs will not abuse them!!!

The IPDTA believe the following to be potentially abusive;

choke chains, pinch collars, shock equipment, alpha rollovers and other forms of physical punishment and/or domination, hanging, kicking or hitting of any kind, or any other tool or technique that causes fear or pain for the dog.

The IPDTA believe that any use of punishment, force or un-necessary restraint (exceptions such as a leash for safety) is un-necessary and unacceptable.

Pinch/Prong Collar Damage

The Word 'Positive' in our Name

The word "positive" in our name refers to our goal to make training as pleasant as possible for dogs. It does not refer to positive reinforcement or positive punishment. For more information please read our Mandate, Charter & Constitution.

The Dominance Theory

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Let me begin by saying I was taught the “dominance” theory - as it pertains to our pet dog's and their interactions with us, their guardians. Within my first year of instructing dog training classes, I stopped using choke chains, pinch (prong) collars, alpha rolls and all use of force or physical punishment because I quickly realized the potential harm the use of these tools could o to a dog. This potential for harm is not only physical and psychological, it can destroy the trust our dogs have in us, and as a result, the bond between a dog and its owner may be corrupted. Since trust and respect are sides of the same coin, I feel the dog's trust in its owner must be

protected at all cost. Along the same lines, I no longer use the word “obedience” in association with training due to its basic meaning according to The Oxford Dictionary, “submissive to another's will”.

At that point in my career, I didn't realize there were many trainers already using positive methods. I was convinced I was the only one in my city with the beliefs I held, and I felt very much alone. Since then, I have met so many of like-mind, and I've learned so much, and continue to learn everyday. I'm happy to say, my city now consists almost totally of “positive”trainers.

Although I no longer taught the use of tools or techniques that involved pushing or punishing, I did teach the “dominance” theory and the importance of “leading the pack”. Over the past few years this theory has been challenged, and as a result, I renewed my research on the subject. Because of what this research revealed, at this time, I no longer agree with the “dominance” concept. Here's why.

There is a common belief among dog owners and trainers alike, that dogs will challenge their owners in attempt to rise in rank, and lead the pack. This theory has been around for decades, and although still popular, many of the top canine behaviour experts now believe this concept to be incorrect, and assert that we have misinterpreted the dog's motivation by interpreting the dog’s behaviour in that manner.

Dog owners and trainers alike often use the “dominance” theory to explain a variety of canine behaviours. Trainers often use this theory to justify both the use of aversive tools and physical techniques designed to over-power the dog, with the objective of intimidating the dog into subservience in order to stop unwanted “dominant” behaviours. This type of “training” works by virtue of the concept that the dog becomes afraid to “behave” in particular ways for fear of punishment. Unfortunately, this has cost many dogs their lives. “Dominance exercises” have

been known to cause aggression and other unwanted behaviour that result in euthanasia. In one case, a trainer in Florida actually killed a dog while attempting to force it into submission. After muzzling the dog and sitting on it for over an hour, the dog lost consciousness and later that day, had to be euthanized due to its injuries. R10

The concept of “ranking” comes from the idea that a wolf will challenge another of similar rank, hopefully winning the challenge, thereby gaining higher status, and eventually, leading the pack. Many believe this behaviour has been passed down over thousands of years, affecting the behaviour of domestic dogs and their interactions with their human guardians. R1

In reality, only “unacquainted” wolves living in captivity behave in a manner that appears as though they are competing for “status”, due to confined artificially created territories. R7 In my opinion, this is just another example of wolves being forced to compete for limited resources, such as food and mating rights.

Wolf packs living in the wild are dominated by one alpha male and female breeding pair, who guide and protect their cubs. R9 As soon as they are old enough to mate, these cubs will leave the pack to find mates, and raise families of their own. This would mean that every wolf healthy enough, and able to find a mate, will be “alpha” at one time or another during its lifespan, but only when raising its young.

During the socialization period of development, a puppy is imprinted with recognition of its own species. As a result, dogs do not identify humans as “canines” or “pack members”, because we smell, think and behave differently. R2 According to John Fisher, because we are not perceived as dogs by dogs, they will not compete with us for rank. R3 With “alpha” position comes the responsibility of providing for the pack and because we provide everything the dog needs, such

as food, shelter etc., it would be counter-productive for a dog to challenge us for “alpha” position. R4

According to Coppinger, R6 dogs became isolated from their wild ancestors long ago resulting in a new species, the Canis Familiaris - the domestic dog. Although some wolf-like behaviours remain in the domestic dog, since they are a different species, it's not realistic to assume all dog behaviours will be the same as those of the wolf. However, if we choose to compare domestic dogs' behaviour to it's natural ancestors, it only makes sense that we should compare it to the wild

wolf, not wolves attempting to survive in the face of human interference. R5

Every behaviour blamed on “dominance” is normal in canine terms and can be explained by simple motivation and reinforcement. It's quite simple, dogs want good things. R11 If you saw a $100 bill lying in the street would you not pick it up? Why then is a dog helping itself to your dinner “dominant”?, when they are scavengers by nature. It's not a “dominant” dog that takes your food, it's a normal dog doing what comes naturally to its species.

This is what I believe now; one of the few commonalities between dogs and humans is – some are more assertive than others. Dogs that are more assertive will try harder to obtain valued resources, be it attention, food, comfortable sleeping places, freedom to run and explore etc. Dogs that are less assertive are quicker to relinquish the resource to a more assertive dog or human. Since it's about the resource, it stands to reason – if you can control what the dog values, you can control the dog. An assertive dog is more of a challenge to train, but it has nothing to do with dominance.

Although it may seem as though we are “splitting hairs” with terminology, the main difference is this. According to The Oxford Dictionary, “Dominance” means “in control over a group” and “assertive” means “to insist”. An assertive dog is challenging a person or another dog to win resources that it wishes to control, not in order to control the other person or dog; therefore, a dog’s competing for a desired resource has nothing to do with ranking.

The bottom line is this: if we want dogs to behave in a manner that is not natural to it's species then we have to control the environment to prevent the natural - yet unwanted behaviour. In order to do so, we have to teach new behaviours and reinforce them. Although dogs need guidance to be good companions, “dominating” them has proven to be counter-productive at the very least, and extremely abusive at its worst. It's time for us to teach those around us, dog owners and dog trainers alike, to stop blaming, labelling and punishing dogs with a “dominance” tag. When the world becomes aware that it is not only easier, but also more productive, to teach instead of punish, only then will the world be a more humane place for dogs.

References

R1 - Dominance Fact or Fiction?, Barry Eaton 2002, Page 4 – Dominance: Where Does It Come From?

R2 - Dominance Fact or Fiction?, Barry Eaton 2002, Page 4 – Pack Theory

R3 - Diary of a Dotty Dog Doctor, John Fisher 1997

R4 - Dominance Fact or Fiction?, Barry Eaton 2002, Page 5 – Pack Theory

R5 - Dominance Fact or Fiction?, Barry Eaton 2002, Page 7 – Origins Of The Pack Rules

R6 - The Domestic Dog, Edited by James Serpell 1999

R7 - Dominance Fact or Fiction? Barry Eaton 2002, Page 6 and 7 – Origins Of The Pack Rules

R8 - Dominance Fact or Fiction? Barry Eaton 2002, Page 7 – Origins Of The Pack Rules

R9 - Alpha Status, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs, David Mech, 2000

R10 - http://www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcentral/content/local_news/epaper/2006/07/19/s1b_deaddog_0719.html

R11 – The Power of Positive Dog Training, Pat Miller, Howell Book House, Wiley Publishing Inc., 2001

Tools & Techniques - Acceptable or Not?

Votes are based on the risk of misuse, abuse and/or malfunction in the hands of the average dog owner, resulting in fear and/or pain for the dog.

To date we have researched and voted on the following;

choke chains	voted unacceptable due to a high risk for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction
citronella spray products	voted acceptable if used within the parameters listed in the "IPDTA" Research Findings
pinch collars	voted unacceptable due to a high risk for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction
shock equipment	voted unacceptable due to a high risk for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction
head halters	voted acceptable if used within the parameters listed in the "IPDTA Research Findings"
flat non-slip collars	voted acceptable if used within the parameters listed in the "IPDTA Research Findings"

These research findings are compiled from the references listed, personal experiences of IPDTA members, professional dog trainers and dog owners. All research findings to date will soon be added to this website for your viewing.

We are currently researching retractable leashes due to numerous reports of serious injury to the dog and/or owner.

click here to view research findings to date

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SOME REACTIONS FROM THE INDUSTRY

“Wow, this is amazing!” - Jean Donaldson

The San Francisco SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers

“The Business Insider is fantastic! You rock!”

Pat Miller - Peaceable Paws

“Boy, is this information helpful! I’m going to make a number of

changes to my business based on the advice in The Business Insider. Thank you!” - Norma Jeanne Laurette - International Positive

Dog Training Association

Disclaimer

Web Links

Because anyone can link to our site from theirs without our permission, be advised that a link to our site does not mean the IPDTA supports or endorses the originating site or anything on it, including but not limited to; products, services, techniques, ideas or opinions.

Award Winners

Those that have received awards from CCS/IPDTA have been awarded for individual accomplishments. This does not mean that CCS or the IPDTA supports or endorses everything the individual or dog trainer does, including but not limited to; the sale of products, services, techniques, their ideas or opinions.

Lecturers

The IPDTA may hire speakers that may use tools or techniques that we do not agree with, as long as we do not feel they are abusing dogs, as we believe these chosen speakers have valuable information to share with us.

CCS Students or Grads

Because I can give you a tool, but cannot make you use it, because I cannot control the words or actions of others, Puppy Power, CCS, Puppy Power and Canine Communication Studies, Canine Communication Studies Inc., Norma Jeanne, Norma Jeanne Laurette and any and all combinations of the above, will not be held responsible for the words, actions, reproductions or writings of any student or graduate of Puppy Power and/or Canine Communication Studies.