10 Reasons Why I don't Fit Into The Positive Reinforcement or Negative Reinforcement Categories:

Posted by jennifer on March 24, 2010 in Training & Behavior Tips.

1) I believe all animals are individuals. What works for one may not work for another.

2) I embrace all techniques so long as they don't injure the animal but this can even be mis-leading as I believe in hazing wildlife to deter them from becoming habituated to humans. More so that they don't end up getting killed- a bruise is better than death.

3) I have invented new techniques which would not be listed under these two categories because they come from co-operative, non-bribery and equal standpoints. Truly working with the animal not by force nor treats but simple communication and understanding. What category does harmony and equal participation fall under? More so than not, this is what most animals embrace on a daily basis with one another.

4) I will sometimes communicate to the animal in their language.

5) I view human beings as individuals and use a technique that they feel comfortable with, can understand and use effectively. There are no short cuts- the owner must do the hard work and their experience and situation must be viewed and respected as much as the dogs.

6) Fitting me into one category or the other is misleading. I can go through certain things that Cesar Milan does that I agree with and other things that I don't just as I could do that with the other dog trainer on animal planet. I believe the detriment to animals is humans thinking they actually have an approach. Truthfully, it's more about co-existence to me. Living in harmony peacefully in the most effective way possible.

7) I am always learning and coming up with new ideas. The things I thought ten years ago aren't the same as the things I know now and I hope it continues that way. I try to understand & help other creatures in the best possible way but I learn new things all the time and therefor have different approaches and ideas I come up with constantly.

8) If you put me in a room with ten dogs and ten different people and behavior problems (human & canine), I am going to do certain things with one or two and totally different things with the others. I may use three things at the same time. I think people respect my work and come back to me because of my knowledge, experience, flexibility and willingness to listen, understand and help them achieve lasting results.

9) This is no magic show- in order to help people and other creatures, patience and time is involved.

10) I believe humans feel more comfortable putting things into boxes- black or white thinking, one way or another way. Life to me just isn't that simple. For every new theory, there is another one that could disprove it. Nature is the only thing that holds all the answers. I know at the end of the day, if I am walking her path, it is the right one.

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