Should I change behaviourist?

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Sensitiveoystercatcher3214 Icon representing the flag Polish
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We've had a puppy for a little while now, he's 4 months old and we've had various issues with him. At the moment, he's struggling with resource guarding. Our trainer basically told us to give him a proper smack whenever he growls at us. It didn't work — we tried it a few times, but because of his pain threshold it didn't do much. After a while, he told us to choke him with his collar as a correction, but that just winds him up even more. The dog is becoming increasingly wild, and now the trainer claims we need to start using an e-collar with him.

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4 answers
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    • Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Hitting him, choking him, shocking him... what’s next? (☠️)... honestly, it’s just abuse! Change trainers to someone who works with kindness, motivation, and respect for the dog. You don’t train through pain.

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    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    You definitely need to find a new trainer as soon as possible. You’re going to traumatise this puppy for life if you follow all that awful advice. Find someone who will help you understand what your puppy actually needs.

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    Picco85 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there. Please remember that you are the dog's owner. It's up to you to train them and trust your own instincts. It’s difficult for us to give you answers for situations and contexts that we aren't seeing first-hand.

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello,

    I understand that you’re looking for help because you don’t feel in control or safe around your dog. However, hitting your dog is animal abuse: being violent towards your dog is only likely to increase their own aggression.

    I would definitely recommend changing trainers, and perhaps looking into veterinary behaviourists. You can have your dog wear a muzzle while waiting for things to settle down. A 4-month-old puppy is still very young.

    Best regards,

    Quitterie

    Translated from French

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