Dr. Fetko: "In Dog Training, Jerk Is A Noun, Not A Verb."

[The Puppy Wizard]

Dr. Fetko: "In Dog Training, Jerk Is A Noun, Not A Verb."

Dr. Fetko's Philosophy (http://www.drdog.com)

Dogs Are Like Wet Cement - Whatever TouchesThem
Makes A Lasting Impression. So Please Make Every
Touch Loving."

Date: 2002-03-20 01:12:23 PST

HOWEDY People,

You're gonna love this:

Some words from Dr. Fetko:

"In dog training, Jerk is a noun, not a verb."

We're repeatedly told that dog training requires jerking the
dog's chain choke - or even pinch - collar and to lift and
shake them by the scruff of their necks and pin them on their
backs. I've trained dogs (and many other species) all over the
world for decades and was taught to use those methods nearly
40 years ago. (That's how up-to-date they are!) But those
methods are NOT necessary, nor as effective or quick as
gentler methods. I haven't jerked a collar in 20 years! All
good training is based upon trust and respect; how does a
social mammal trust or respect someone who jerks, hangs or
pins it?"

Dr. Fetko's Philosophy:
http://www.drdog.com/

Dogs are like wet cement - whatever touches them makes a
lasting impression. So please make every touch loving.

The following quotes are from Dr. Dennis Fetko, noted
veterinary behaviorist:

ABUSE

While testifying at a California State Senate Hearing, I was
asked to define abuse. One I offered: Unnecessary physical or
psychological force in excess of what is required to achieve
the goal. This, and others I stated, were accepted by the
entire Hearing panel.

I have disabled clients and I've known severe physical
compromise. If one can train dogs successfully without jerking
collars, pinning, hanging or scruffing, then doing so is, by
definition, abuse. Why pay someone to abuse your dog?

Besides, must you really pay for that level of input? Like
you'd never have thought of that on your own!

When 88% of the adult dogs I'm paid to train have already
been professionally trained, something's wrong. You pay
good money for professional advice; get it.

LEGAL WORK

Formerly San Diego's Dispute Resolutions Officer, I've
qualified in criminal and civil courts representing both
plaintiffs and defendants as an expert in animal training and
behavior, abuse, aggression, "collecting" and animal nuisances
dozens of times for many years. I'm in legal demand because,
with my background and extensive hands-on experience, my
testimony is very difficult to rebut. Contact me if you, your
attorney or someone you know is ever involved in a legal
case involving animals."

And Jerry also HAS similar expert witness testimony
experience, and Jerry WILL TESTIFY for FREE. Call
Jerry toll free 1-888-WITSEND.

Dr. Fetko's TRAINING METHODS:

My methods are practical, gentle and successful because
working with animals is not academic or secondary to me, it's
WHAT I DO! Like you, I hear and read strange things about
animals, training and behavior. But having done it full time
for many years, I know what works.

Methods have effects no one talks about. I say: "Jerk is a
noun, not a verb" and "Nothing with a pulse belongs on a
chain" because I haven't jerked collars or used chains in
decades - and I do this every day, sometimes with very
unfriendly dogs! Have you ever been to Sea World? Who jerks
Shamu?

If we can train huge feral predators to a high level of
safe performance without active physical reprimands,
HOW DARE WE tell you to jerk your dog's neck?!

Ever notice that people with "bad memories" know all the words
to dozens of songs? That's because music and singing are FUN!
A fun, playful, relaxed attitude is very conducive to
learning. Why do we remember the alphabet forever but forget
the times table immediately after the exam? Because we SANG,
PLAYED and ACTED OUT the alphabet! It was FUN and GAMES!

Then why make dog training hard, negative work for your dog?
Our own experience (and much research) clearly demonstrates
that a harsh approach inhibits learning and retards memory,
yet many people jerk lessons into dogs and drill them until
they rebel. WHY? (sounds just like Jerry so far...)

Anyone who doesn't know the difference between a boss and a
bully shouldn't touch anything with a pulse. We've all had bad
experiences with bullies; why pay someone to bully your dog
and, even worse, make you do so? (sounds a little light
compared to Jerry... Jerry's gonna put you outta business.)

"FETKOISMS"

You'll read phrases my clients and listeners call "Fetkoisms"
scattered throughout this site. Periodically I'll explain what
they mean and how they evolved. The point is that everything
you see here is based upon vast hands-on experience and hard
science.

"In dog training, Jerk is a noun, not a verb."

We're repeatedly told that dog training requires jerking the
dog's chain choke - or even pinch - collar and to lift and
shake them by the scruff of their necks and pin them on their
backs. I've trained dogs (and many other species) all over the
world for decades and was taught to use those methods nearly
40 years ago. (That's how up-to-date they are!)

But those methods are NOT necessary, nor as effective
or quick as gentler methods. I haven't jerked a collar in
20 years!

All good training is based upon trust and respect;
how does a social mammal trust or respect someone
who jerks, hangs or pins it?

If you take a dog through training and it's much better on
lead than off it, WHY? It's the same you, the same dog and the
same command; why is it better on lead than loose? The main
reason is that most training teaches the dog to fear the
equipment, not respect the handler.

"Without the equipment, you can't do bad things to me - so
leave a note!"

The following is from an article in 'doggy door to canine
behavior':

"But now, with the puppy, he growls worse than he ever did at
Rio and is constantly showing his teeth, growling and snarling
(only has tried to nip once or twice and has been severely
scolded - picked up by the scruff, stared into his eyes, shook
him, pinned him down to the ground and growled at him) No
matter what we do, he will not quit growling at this poor
puppy."

And their "experts" reply:

It is important that you do not allow your emotions to
intervene with Riot's disobedience. No more scruff shakes,
harsh words, etc. Just say what you mean and then expect him
to do it. If he doesn't comply - then "help" him do it.

That's scruff shake, boss. I've got lots moore for ya:

From The Desk Of The Thugs At:
Dog Owner's Guide
8461 Denallen Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45255

"You must never permit him to growl or snap. If he does, a
severe scruff shake is necessary, followed by no attention
from you for 10 to 15 minutes.

The scruff is the loose skin around the dog's neck. If
your pet growls or snaps and you are not afraid to
handle him, grab him firmly by the scruff with both
hands, stare him in the eyes, and shake him.

Then put him in his crate for 15-20 minutes and ignore him."

> > I think I'd phrase it something like "if the puppy is
> > very persistant, it can be appropriate to take hold
> > of the loose skin at the back of the neck and give a
> > slight shake to the *skin*".

Or moore like this as taught by one of our university
"behaviorists":

"The scruff shake is another way of correcting the more
persistent aggressive pet. Look into the dog's eyes with a
hard, direct stare, while holding its two cheeks in your
hands.

Elevate and shake the puppy (soft at first ... then a
little harder each time the correction must be repeated.)
Do not let go or break eye contact until the dog diverts
his gaze."

And then the dirtbag has the nerve to continue:

"Puppyhood is an important developmental period.
During this state the fragile little critter is basically
innocent."

And then the dirtbag's arrogant enough to sign:

*Joan M. Locher holds a MS. in Biology and is certified in
vocational dog training and canine behavior counseling. Ms.
Locher is a member of the Board of Directors of the National
Association of Obedience Instructors. Her business, Pets
Control, specializes in canine training programs and problem
behavior counseling."

We'll see HOWE long that lasts... once I get ahold of the
bunch of our "dog training experts" and "rescues" like I did
rpdb... BWWWWAHAHAHAAAAA!!!! You're outta business, folks... Get a
new career.

> But YES - this is definitely what I meant.

INDEED. You're a cowardly, lying, dog abusing Thug, boss. You
KILL dogs for a living because you don't know HOWE to handle
and train them. See the thread "interested in hearing."

> > Janet's not talking about actually shaking the puppy,
> > which I think we ALL agree is abusive.

I think you've all been proven dog abuing Thugs and LIARS.
That's what I think, only based on your own QUOTED words.

> Of course.

But of course.

> Janet Boss

And we'll finish with some moore dog abuse from our
universities:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pamela Mueller, PhD phone 607-255-2884
328 Morrison Hall *
Department of Animal Science FAX 607-255-9829
Cornell University email pj...@cornell.edu
Ithaca, NY 14853
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I used a simple negative conditioning (call it punishment)
approach: every time I heard the dog rustling in the litter
box, or if he came running to me so proud with cat litter in
his beard,

I used vocal reprimands (aka loud yelling and screaming)
plus scruff shake followed by isolation in crate.

It only took 3 such episodes to eliminate
the unwanted behavior of litter box scavanging.

And another Thug:

"The second is NO BITE in a loud authoritative tone.

This may be accompanied by a scruff shake (hands on
either side of the head, bring front feet only off ground,
and give a brisk shake).

Ignore again.

The third is to fold the pup's lips in over her teeth as
she mouths you so that she bites herself and learns
that it hurts.

The fourth is, if the pup is really hysterical, crate her
for 15 minutes until she calms down. Do not yell at
the puppy when you do this, because crating is NOT
a punishment.

Use it as a time out for both of you.

Be consistent. React every single time the pup puts her
teeth on you. The first week react when it hurts, the second
week, when it hurts a bit, the third, every time she puts her
mouth on you at all, even if she is gentle.

She will soon get the idea that humans are very fragile,
and that you have to be very careful with them!

Remember that you are going to have to repeat this
about a hundred times to have it sink in, so be patient
and work it-you will be making progress even if you
can't readily see it."

Cathryn Lundberg,
9760 Arrow Route,
Rancho Cucamonga,
California 91730
email cat...@pyrealm.com.

BWEEEEAAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!

Your pal, Jerry "The PHONY," Howe. j;~}
The Amazing Puppy Wizard. <{} ; ~ ) >