Within the Mainstream Dog Training World many terms are used to define "influence" which align with the appearance based learning narrative. These terms include "physical force, corrections, aversive, dominance etc" while also being associated with certain devices such as remote and prong collars. The confusion, debate and ultimately the misrepresentation of the role of influence, whether intentional or otherwise, comes from a lack of depth and insight into the dog and human relationship. Further the current established Mainstream Dog Training community has become not only comfortable but antagonistic and hostile to "outsiders" who challenge the popular learning narrative.
The ability to understand, reconcile and define the context of influence and its role comes from moving beyond the learning narrative. The consistency of the break down points within this narrative highlights the social relational influence with how a dog's decision making process is governed. The Mainstream optics regarding influence via certain interactions merely adds confusion and controversy to a already distorted issue. While the back and forth debate continues between trainers these bad optics are often used to validate the Mainstream learning narrative. While some trainers promote leadership while incorporating influence within the parameters of the process it often fails to align properly. Further the negative role that the learning narrative plays acts as a counter force to the balanced approach. How influence aligns with creating change between dog and owner must be specific and intentional within the process itself while at the same time removing the learning narrative from the equation. By Dale McCluskey www.k9pack.com |