I read quite a few dog-related blogs and forums. Some are Rottweiler-specific, some are specific to training for certain dog sports, and others are more general. The large amount of good information out there, much of it free, is amazing. The even larger amount of poor quality information out there is amazing in a more depressing way. Sometimes I wonder how any first-time dog adopter or purchaser, or anyone attempting to train their first dog, manages to sort out the information at all. Sometimes I find it difficult, and I’m on year 16 and Rottweilers number 5 and 6 (which, by the way, means I’m still very much a novice owner and trainer).

I realize I tend to be judgmental in many areas myself, but I know I would be very happy to not see quite as much judgmental writing on dog training topics. If I see fewer statements saying that shock collars automatically equate to dog abuse, or that clickers are only good for training tricks, or that those who train with food are all too permissive, that would be fine by me.

Personally, I think that the success of any training method relies on the ability of the handler to learn good timing. Timing of rewards and corrections are both hugely important, or you are not communicating the right message to your dog. Timing has been a very difficult thing for me to learn. You’ve seen me or someone just like me at your classes: I’m the one who who has trouble managing leash, clicker, and treats at the same time without sticking the clicker into the dog’s mouth or tripping myself on the leash.

Dogs are amazing creatures. Mine have managed to learn a lot despite me.

But there’s still only one thing I think we can all agree on. I saw it first way back when Rottweiler number one was just a puppy and I still see it now:

The only thing that two dog trainers can agree on is that the third dog trainer is doing it all wrong!

(NaBloPoMo | August ’10: 19 of 31)