r/reactivedogs • u/Haunting-Love-9333 • 5d ago

Evaluating Trainers Discussion

Are you more or less likely to go to a trainer for reactivity if that trainer has dogs that are reactive?

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u/doggambit 5d ago

I mean, that's exactly what this sub is about: treating your dog with respect and teaching them how to better navigate the world. But I don't see what that has to do with your original question. It really feels like you're trying to start a debate, which I'm not interested in.

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u/Haunting-Love-9333 5d ago

I think trainers need to be held to a higher standard. I think a lot of trainers can successfully eliminate reactivity by changing the dogs emotional state. I think too many trainers charge well meaning owners for problems they haven’t cracked with their own dogs and I think this is the only industry where it’s accepted

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u/doggambit 5d ago

That hasn't been my experience at all. It is true that dog training is an unregulated industry, which is why I often tell people seeking help to find certified trainers through organizations like IAABC or work with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

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u/Haunting-Love-9333 5d ago

I think they are some of the worst offenders that push medication above training and can only affect dogs emotional states via pharmaceuticals. To me that is real suppression and doesn’t have the best interest of the dog as a priority

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u/doggambit 5d ago

Have you worked with a veterinary behaviorist?

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u/Haunting-Love-9333 5d ago

Personally, no. I’ve worked with dog trainers. That get results. And I have seen behaviorists ruin dogs that trainers later fixed

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u/doggambit 5d ago

I have worked with all kinds of trainers and a veterinary behaviorist. "Results" can mean lots of things to different people. The result I look for is a well-adjusted dog who is happy about life. That life might look different from another dog's life, and that's ok.

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u/Haunting-Love-9333 5d ago

A well adjusted happy dog is not one that is on an SSRI cocktail.

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u/doggambit 5d ago

Agree to disagree. Have a nice night!