In my previous post "Methods Schmethods" it seems I raised quite a fire storm by expressing why I shun the Whisperers and those who use positive punishment, flooding, and aversives. I've received more comments in 24 hours on that one post alone than I've ever received in the history of this blog.
Which is funny because there are many more posts here that discredit those who claim to Whisper and rehabilitate. And those never raised anyone's ire. Anyway, I thought I'd give you all some of scientific evidence that shaped my thinking. These aren't opinion pieces (although I could post a ton of those), but actual scientists, researchers, and veterinary behaviorists who have done the research. Regardless of what quadrant of operant conditioning you use, these are valuable pieces of research. I recommend everyone read through each of these, as these findings are not opinion. And, in science, a correction is identified as positive punishment. Professionals in the field stick with accepted definitions and don't use words like correction, as that's too loosely defined. So if you'd like to leave a comment, please use the professionally accepted terms - not the undefined "slang." Science Daily Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical App. + Research Am. Society of Veterinary Animal Behaviorists Am. Society of Veterinary Animal Behaviorists American Humane Sophia Yin, DVM Science Daily
http://preview.tinyurl.com/pm8ghw
"Using 'Dominance' To Explain Dog Behavior Is Old Hat"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/p3grgy
"Dominance in domestic dogs-useful construct or bad habit?"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/6cz775
"The Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/yw3op6
"The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/b7t687
"'Dog Whisperer' Training Approach More Harmful Than Helpful"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/ozqhlu
"Experts Say Dominance-Based Dog Training Techniques Made Popular by
Television Shows Can Contribute to Dog Bites"
http://preview.tinyurl.com/cmwuln
"If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too"