With the boom of TV dog trainers and savvy social media “dog pros” it’s become wildly popular for trainers to promote “fixing your dog’s behavior”. I will admit, having once made those promises, that it's an intoxicating industry, for the dog people in need, and the trainers in power; to the tune of billions of dollars. But the sobering reality is that making such promises is potentially more dangerous than the behavior itself, for two reasons:
Your dog is not broken
Fixing a dog that is not “broken” will come at the expense of the dog’s emotional, mental and physiological well being
Every behavior, no matter how challenging, is a direct response to dogs’ experiences. I often tell my clients that their dog’s behavior is “100% appropriate based on its experience in that moment.” Our role - and challenge - as humans is to understand and address the root of the problem, not simply suppress the symptoms.
I want to share a story about an extraordinary dog named Finnegan. A visually impaired, deaf, double Merle Aussie, Finnegan’s world was shrouded in darkness and silence. His “aggressive” behavior, rooted in fear and isolation, made his behavior a challenging case. Yet, two incredible women refused to give up on him.
They reached out for help, and while I was initially hesitant, their unwavering dedication inspired me. Together, we embarked on a journey of learning, adaptation, and unconditional love.
It was a long and arduous process, filled with setbacks and triumphs. But slowly, Finnegan began to trust, us humans came to understand his communication, and we formed unforgettable bonds. He found friendship, joy, and a sense of belonging. It was a privilege to witness his transformation. I literally cried the day that he let me walk him, and I saw him smile so big that I could see ALL of his beautiful (sharp) teeth. You know that smile that dogs have when they’ve been seen for who they are, and not what we wanted them to be.
Finnegan’s story is a testament to the power of human compassion and resilience. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly hopeless cases can find redemption. And it's a testament to the profound impact dogs can have on our lives.
Experiences like mine with Finnegan and his family only deepen my commitment and love for these incredible creatures. It’s a fierce, purposeful love that drives me to push boundaries, to change my thinking, and to make a difference in every dog and human’s life that I can.
I have more stories to share about these extraordinary dogs, and I'm eager to continue this conversation. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of canine behavior and the power of human-animal bonds.
Watch the full interview.
To work with Matt Beisner directly view our private training here: https://www.thezendog.com/privatedogtrainingsession
For more of Matt's thoughts and advise check out interviews and podcasts here:https://www.thezendog.com/praise
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