#beaglebum

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many animal trainers over the years, including one of the best animal behaviorists in Texas, Michael Baugh. Dog training myths, for some reason, run rampant.

And they drive me f’ing nuts.

Here’s the thing: Just because you read something on the internet (ha, ha) doesn’t make it true. Please feel free to fact-check this piece when you’re finished reading. Let me know if you think I got something wrong. Click here

Some dog training myths are merely annoying, but others can cause serious behavioral issues among our canine companions. And that needs to stop.

How Do Dog Training Myths Get Out of Control?

When you’re chatting with a friend over the phone and the subject of your dogs arises, your friend might say something like, “Oh, I heard that prong collars are the best way to stop pulling.”

A subtle jab at your pooch, who always seems to storm ahead like a locomotive.

You accept her advice as gospel because, well, she’s your friend. Then you tell other people who struggle with maintaining their dogs on walks.

Dog myths also get out of control when a so-called expert produces a YouTube video, writes an article, gives a speech, or otherwise spreads harmful messages.

That’s why you have to get in front of the rumors.

You can debunk dog training myths on your own by digging into the research. Start with scientific evidence. There’s plenty of literature out there about positive, modern, pain-free dog training methods.

What’s the Best Puppy or Dog Training Method?

There are hundreds of ways to train dogs. Many of them are super effective.

Rob Peladeau, a successful dog trainer who has worked with service animals, law enforcement K9s, and aggressive dogs, gave a wonderful speech during a Google talk. He says that the only thing three dog trainers can agree on is that the other two are wrong.