In my Dog Centred Care group on FaceBook, we have focussed on learning about the emotional experience that lies behind the behaviour of dogs. We have looked at areas of both physical pain and discomfort, and emotional pain and discomfort. We have examined the need for feeling safe, the importance of a trauma informed approach, and the many physiological components that can be leading aggravating factors. We have discovered that many behavioural challenges are multi-factorial in their presentations.
All this showed us that many arbitrary attempts to change or
stop behaviour is unlikely to provide relief for the dog, but just provide
behaviours that the human feels are more appropriate. This is especially the case when dogs are
subjected to the cruelty of inhumane training methods and tools. So many dogs,
desperate to communicate their need, are just punished for doing so.
For all of us that have been gifted even the smallest
understanding of the dog’s emotional truth, seeing what is done in the name of
‘training’ can be disheartening, upsetting and traumatic. However, I want to
offer a message of hope.
I believe this narrative we are now seeking to promote- one
of understanding the emotional care and support needs of the dogs above all
else – will be a message that will one day break through to the mainstream.
When we focus the narrative in this way, there is no room for any discussion of
the efficacy of punishment or aversive tools. Once people learn of the effects
of physical discomfort and pain, trauma, insecure attachment styles, need for
relief and a dogs communication of it etc (this list is a long one), the
aversive approach can only be seen as abusive and not just a matter of opinion
or difference in approaches !
I want to share an analogy. When I was growing up in the
1970’s in the UK as a gay person, it seemed like society hated us. Now in
2020’s society is on the whole more accepting and supportive. Did this mean
that people who once ‘hated’ gay people had now miraculously changed to like them
? I don’t believe so. I believe that people had previously been indoctrinated
into thinking gay people and their behaviour was somehow ‘bad’. This served to
dehumanise the gay community and gave the opportunity for people to show hate
and cruelty. Through better awareness and representation, many came to realise
that narrative was wrong, and that they had been given a false representation
of the gay community, and so their
attitudes changed. Their compassion was allowed to come to the fore, and their
ability to care released.
I see similarities with the general publics approach to
dogs. They have been persuaded over several decades that the dog must be
obedient, and that the essence of the dog’s nature is built around dominance
hierarchies. They have also been told that somehow their dog, if not obedient,
must be ‘bad’ and in need of ‘correction’. It is under this illusion of dogs
and their behaviour, that so many cruel things are done in the name of
training. The owners left unaware of the reality for the dogs they love and
care for.
This will change though, due to the power of our message,
for it helps reconnect the owners to their dogs. A true connection based on
trust, care, mutual understanding and social safety. As the general public get
more information about their dog’s true care and support needs, I think, I
hope, that the oxygen will gradually be taken away from those who wish to cause
dogs harm in the name of training. It will, one day, be seen more widely for
the abuse it really is.
So, as we go into the New Year, let us keep rallying around
this important message. Some won’t be ready to hear it yet, but believe me many
are desperate to hear it ! Let’s all keep finding ways to educate, promote and
communicate a message of compassion and care. It is with that message true
change will come. It is not easy at times, but the things worth fighting for in
life rarely are.
And, importantly, let us extend that compassion and care to
ourselves, and to each other, as we all continue in our own way to spread the
word and lead by our examples.
Never forget you are all making a difference every day, even
if it is just for your own dog ( and for that dog, it truly will mean
everything ! :) ).
Happy New Year to everyone :)
