Humane Training Alliance, Inc
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Humane Training Alliance
What is the Humane Training Alliance?
I am a dog trainer. How do I become a part of the HTA and get listed on the website?
What is the criteria for trainers to be listed on the website?
What is the Humane Training Alliance?
The HTA is a group of dog trainers who came together to help cultivate an informed community of animal guardians by providing an online platform that connects them with certified, ethical, and fear-free animal professionals. We are currently in the process of gaining non-profit status.
I am a dog trainer. How do I become a part of the HTA and get listed on the website?
Fill out the application which can be found here [link]. You will be contacted within 3 weeks about the status of your application. If it is approved, you will be able to make an account to customize your profile on the site and receive a badge to use on your website to show off your Humane Training Alliance membership.
What is the criteria for trainers to be listed on the website?
To be listed on the website, trainers must:
- Hold the belief that aversives have no place in modern dog training
- Be committed to continuing education
- Demonstrate that they are knowledgeable enough to handle the types of cases they take by answering some basic questions
- Provide references and info about training experience
Dog Training Basics
How early should I start training my puppy?
Should I train my dog myself or hire a professional trainer?
How do I train my dog to come when called?
How do I potty train my dog?
How do I teach my dog to walk on a loose leash?
How early should I start training my puppy?
You can start training your puppy as soon as you get them. Ideally a breeder or a rescue will keep the puppies with their mother and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks of age. Young puppies are very receptive to learning and their experiences can have a lasting impact. The most important things to start with for puppy training is socialization, impulse control, and the prevention of behavior issues. Group puppy classes usually accept puppies that have had at least two rounds of vaccines.
Should I train my dog myself or hire a professional trainer?
Training a dog yourself can seem like the more cost-effective option, but you may not get the results you want. Hiring a professional is beneficial because they have invested a great deal of time and money into their education to help you train your dog as effectively and efficiently as possible. It may not be possible to resolve serious issues such as aggression or separation anxiety without professional help. Even if you are not facing serious issues, a pro can help you identify potential problems before they start, and can teach you what you need to know so you can get results.
How do I train my dog to come when called?
Dogs always try to do what is in their best interest, so we need to make coming when called worth it to them. Start in a low distraction environment and gradually make it more challenging as they learn the skill. Say your recall word such as “Come!” then move quickly away and give a yummy treat when they catch up to you. After you reward them, try to let them go back to whatever they were doing before you called them. Avoid calling the dog and then doing something that they don’t like, such as leaving for work or giving them a bath.
How do I potty train my dog?
Potty training a dog requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Take them outside frequently, especially when they’ve just woken up from sleep, when they are playing and suddenly stop, after they eat or drink, and when you notice them sniffing around or circling a spot. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they successfully go to the bathroom in the designated area outside. Accidents will happen, but it’s important to avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as this can create fear and anxiety around potty training.
How do I teach my dog to walk on a loose leash?
It can be quickly helpful to switch to a longer leash, such as 10 feet instead of 6 feet. This gives the dog more room to walk around and sniff without pulling. Try to be proactive rather than reactive, and call the dog back to you before they start pulling, rewarding with a treat and continuing to walk when they respond. Reward your dog for loose leash walking with treats tossed on the ground as well as functional reinforcers, such as access to things they want to smell. It can also be helpful to teach them that leash tension is a cue to turn back to you for a treat, rather than to pull harder. Consider hiring a professional trainer to give you specific advice if you still need help.
Training Methods and Techniques
What is "Force Free" Dog Training?
What is Balanced Dog Training?
What is the best training method for dogs?
What is Clicker Training?
Does the use of corrections make dog training faster?
What are the effects of corrections on dogs?
What is counter conditioning?
What is the difference between shock collars and e-collars?
What is "Force Free" Dog Training?
“Force-free” dog training is a word that describes a humane and effective approach to training dogs. It’s also known as reward-based, fear free, modern, science based, evidence based, or positive reinforcement training. Rather than using punishment, it focuses on setting dogs up for success, rewarding desired behaviors, and addressing underlying emotions to change behavior.
What is Balanced Dog Training?
“Balanced” training is a word that describes a training method that uses rewards as well as punishment. Punishment may be referred to as “corrections”, which may be verbal, physical, or environmental. The techniques use intimidation, fear, discomfort, force, coercion or pain to change behavior.
What is the best training method for dogs?
It is generally agreed upon that the best training method for dogs is reward-based or positive reinforcement training. This approach is backed by science and research and is recommended by many animal welfare organizations.
What is Clicker Training?
Clicker Training is a training technique which uses a marker signal before rewarding the animal, to let them know exactly what behavior or stimulus earns a reward. The marker signal may be from a simple device that makes a “click” sound when pressed, a verbal signal, or something else that the animal can perceive. Using a marker signal makes training easier for the animal to understand, therefore making the training faster and more effective.
Does the use of corrections make dog training faster?
It may look impressive when someone puts a prong or shock collar on a dog and “fixes” an unwanted behavior in 20 minutes. When we take a closer look at the dog’s body language, we can see that the dog is showing signs of stress and fear. Dogs can quickly learn to avoid something that produces scary or painful events. However the unwanted behavior is likely to reemerge later, because the motivations and emotions that were driving the behavior were not addressed.
What are the effects of corrections on dogs?
“Correction” is a word for punishment, which is something that decreases behavior. Although the word implies that it “fixes” behavior, it really just suppresses behavior without addressing the root cause. Some of the fallout from punishment include increased fear and anxiety, damage to the dog-human bond, aggression to the handler/owner, aggression to others, or physical injury.
What is counter conditioning?
Counter conditioning is a behavioral therapy method used to change an animal’s emotional response towards a stimulus, such as strangers or another dog. It helps overcome fear, anxiety, or aggressive behavior by pairing the stimulus with something the dog loves, such as hot dogs or cheese. The stimulus needs to be presented at an intensity which does not create a strong negative emotional response, with the intensity gradually increasing over time as the dog becomes more comfortable.
What is the difference between shock collars and e-collars?
Shock collars and e-collars use a remote-control device to deliver an electric shock to a dog, generally to punish unwanted behavior. Some pet owners and trainers may prefer the term e-collar to distance themselves from the negative connotations associated with shock collars, but ultimately they are referring to the same tool with the same function. With different products there are differences in the intensity and duration of the electric shock, with some providing more options including vibration and beep functions. The use of shock collars/e-collars is controversial and can have negative impacts on a dog’s well-being and behavior.
Understanding Dog Behavior
How do dogs communicate?
What should I do if my dog is fearful or anxious?
What should I do if my dog shows aggressive behavior?
What is reactivity?
What does arousal mean for dog behavior?
How do dogs communicate?
Dogs communicate primarily through their body language. There are many subtle signals that people often don’t notice or properly interpret because humans don’t intuitively understand those signals. Dogs also use movement, physical contact, vocalization, and their sense of smell to communicate with others.
What should I do if my dog is fearful or anxious?
Implementing a positive reinforcement training and enrichment protocol can help a fearful or anxious dog cope. Some helpful training techniques used are counterconditioning and desensitization. A qualified trainer or behavior consultant can give you specific guidance. A veterinarian can help you find out if there are any underlying medical conditions that are contributing to the behavior.
What should I do if my dog shows aggressive behavior?
Sometimes there can be an underlying medical condition that is contributing to or causing aggressive behavior, so a vet visit is often needed. Aggression is usually a fear based response to a perceived threat. A management protocol needs to be established to try to prevent the dog from feeling threatened, while keeping everyone safe. Then we need to work on changing the dog’s emotional responses so they don’t feel the need to use aggression, and teaching coping skills through training games. Aggressive behavior is something that should be addressed by a qualified trainer, behavior consultant, and/or veterinary behaviorist.
What is reactivity?
The word reactivity is used to describe a dog’s behavior of growling, barking, lunging at a trigger. A dog who barks and lunges when they see other dogs while on leash may be described as reactive. Reactivity results from strong emotions and a heightened state of arousal. These emotions may be based in fear and/or frustration.
What does arousal mean for dog behavior?
Arousal in dogs refers to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, causing elevated levels of adrenaline and cortisol. This heightened state of awareness biologically prepares them for excitement or aggression. Signs of arousal may include pacing, panting, barking, jumping, humping, leash biting, seeking height, or mouthing. Dogs in an aroused state may seem frantic or may engage in rough play. Additionally, they may be closer to their threshold for aggression.
Qualifications and Credentials
How is the dog training industry regulated?
What is a behaviorist?
What are credentials for dog trainers?
What is the difference between a Certified Trainer and a Certified Behavior Consultant?
What is the difference between a Veterinarian and a Veterinary Behaviorist?
How is the dog training industry regulated?
Unfortunately, the dog training industry is completely unregulated. Literally anyone can print some business cards, make a website and call themselves a dog trainer. This makes hiring a dog trainer pretty tricky, with potentially terrible consequences. That’s why we made this website to help you find a qualified trainer, and we hope to push for legislation to regulate the industry.
What is a behaviorist?
Like the title of Dog Trainer, anyone can legally call themselves a Behaviorist. However, those who acknowledge that the study of animal behavior is an extremely vast and complicated subject generally reserve the title of Behaviorist for either Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, or Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.
What are credentials for dog trainers?
Credentials generally include a combination of education, practical experience, certifications, and ongoing professional development. Some common credentials include certification from organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, completion of formal education programs such as those offered by universities and colleges, and memberships to professional dog training organizations. These credentials demonstrate a trainer’s commitment to ongoing learning and improvement, as well as their credibility and expertise in working with dogs and their owners.
What is the difference between a Certified Trainer and a Certified Behavior Consultant?
A Certified Dog Trainer has demonstrated that they are qualified to take basic cases: manners, obedience, behavior problems such as leash pulling, house soiling, etc. The certification requires 300 hours of dog training experience, letters of recommendation, and an exam. A Certified Behavior Consultant has demonstrated that they are qualified to take more serious cases, such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, compulsive disorders, etc. A behavior consultant certification requires 300-500 hours of experience with behavior cases, recommendations and an exam.
What is the difference between a Veterinarian and a Veterinary Behaviorist?
Veterinary behaviorists receive additional training and certification beyond that of a general veterinarian. The difference between a Veterinarian and a Veterinary Behaviorist is similar to that of a human’s primary care physician and a specialist. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent physical ailments in animals, while veterinary behaviorists specialize in addressing behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, and phobias through behavior modification techniques and medication.
Care and Health
How can I advocate for my dog at the vet?
What is Cooperative Care?
When should I consider asking my vet about behavioral medications for my dog?
What is enrichment?
What is management?
How can I advocate for my dog at the vet?
Remember that your dog’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health and should be prioritized during vet visits. Providing many high value treats can make the experience less stressful for them. Learning about dog body language can help you identify any signs of distress. Do your best to communicate your dog’s needs to vet staff and request adjustments to handling procedures as needed to make your dog more comfortable. Cooperative Care techniques are highly effective for helping dogs feel safe at the vet. Using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or medication as recommended by the vet can also help your dog feel more comfortable during the visit.
What is Cooperative Care?
Cooperative Care (also called Consent for Care) is a training technique that encourages dogs to be active participants in their own care, handling, and medical procedures. This involves training dogs to willingly accept handling and physical manipulation through positive reinforcement techniques. Dogs are taught to communicate through their behavior that they are ready for the handling to start, or when they want it to stop. When dogs willingly participate, they become more comfortable with veterinary care, grooming, and handling, making these experiences less stressful for both the dog and the owner.
When should I consider asking my vet about behavioral medications for my dog?
It may be worth considering asking your vet about behavioral medication if your dog exhibits anxiety, fear, aggression, or compulsive behavior that negatively affect their quality of life and your relationship with them. Behavioral medications can help your dog feel more relaxed, calm, and confident, and improve their chances of learning and responding to training. However, medications are not a quick fix. They should be used in combination with environmental enrichment, management, and behavior modification training.
What is enrichment?
Enrichment refers to meeting all of a dog’s needs by providing stimulating activities and environments that enhance a dog’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. This can include play, foraging, sensory stimulation, and opportunities for exploration and interaction with their environment. Enrichment can help reduce stress, boredom, anxiety, and problem behaviors, and increase their quality of life.
What is management?
Management in dog training involves using strategies to prevent the rehearsal of unwanted behaviors. This can be accomplished through the use of visual or physical barriers and other techniques that create a safe environment for the dog to make progress in their training.