Training Without Conflict Podcast
Episode Fifty-Two: Panel Discussion (Balabanov, Ellis, Hilliard, Cottee)
Thu, 19 Dec 2024
Welcome to the latest TWC podcast, where we challenge one of the most controversial and misleading documents in the dog training industry: the AVSAB position statement on training methods. Force-free trainers often uphold this statement as the ultimate authority, claiming it represents a scientific consensus that should dictate the industry’s practices. But we believe this statement is not only flawed but also dangerous and unethical. Today, we got together to examine its weaknesses and set the record straight!Joining me are three exceptional experts with unparalleled experience in dog training, breeding, and behavioral science:First, Stephanie Cottee, an animal behavior and welfare scientist, researcher, and co-owner of Black Kraken K9. Stephanie combines her scientific expertise with practical experience as a working German Shepherd trainer and breeder, bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.Next, Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a behavioral neuroscientist with a PhD and 45 years of experience in training and breeding working dogs. Much of his career has been devoted to military dog training, establishing him as one of the foremost authorities in the field.Finally, Michael Ellis, a legendary trainer with 45 years of experience. In the past Michael has spent over a decade giving seminars for police, sport, and search-and-rescue dog handlers. He’s the founder of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, which he has run for 15 years, and a breeder of exceptional Belgian Malinois.Together, we dissect the AVSAB position statement, reveal its contradictions, and discuss the true science and ethics behind effective dog training. Subscribe Like Share and of course comment!Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.comPlease like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
What is the main topic of this episode?
All right, guys, welcome to Training Without Conflict, podcast number 52.
And
I'll kind of open up with a little monologue. No, you're not. Yeah, because we... I'm shocked. at the times that we're living in, you know, that there is just so much divide and so much different philosophies and it's reaching extreme levels and makes things very difficult.
And while the extremists on both sides of the spectrum would argue that the fanatism within the force-free ideology, I think it's far more entrenched. Their commitment to the ideology is leading to
has led to misleading claims presented as science-based, as we all know, also the worldwide attempts on bans on certain tools, and I would say an attempt to even monopolize the whole industry with one-size-fits-all training approach. The first three advocates, and when I talk about, I don't include everybody in that,
So right away, right from the bat, I just want to make sure that what I'm talking is about the force-free extremists that kind of assert their methods and are not only, you know, they just, the claims that they are not only effective but even superior and also more ethical than anything that might involve any form of adversity.
Despite numerous attempts to find middle ground or even debate the claims, no one from their camp has stepped up for a serious conversation. The common refrain is that they won't give us a platform to idolize punishment or something of that sort. While some influential force-free advocates are willing and have engaging discussions, they maintain cordial demeanor.
The conversation often, although remain vague and ultimately, in my opinion, very unproductive, because we leave out all the controversial topics, the real heart of the matter. It always kind of gets skirted around, leaving all these important things unheard and unresolved.
So it's interesting, because being polite is all good, but we need to face the reality, even the most amicable advocates of forced retraining, if given the power, would push for outright bans on tools, electric colors, prong colors, just as an example, right? So as we delve into the, I encourage you that you stand firm in your beliefs and say things that you really stand for.
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