Dear Eric and Rachel,
I want to send you guys this email from the cold country of Germany with all my warmest regards. What you have put up in the internet is the most helpful thing for me and my dog (we are working on leash aggression) I have read many books, have done much on research. You were saying something about cross association and bingo! I understand I can help my dog; I was missing the "U" in M.U.T.T.
I have spent lots! of money on private so call dog trainers, who worked with adverse methods and really goofed me and my dog up. I need to get my hands on your book!! How is it with shipping and handling overseas?
THANK YOU ERIC!!
Serena
I love getting emails like that because my website and info have helped someone thousands of miles away.
In the email she mentions using the M.U.T.T. Method. This is an acronym I developed to help people understand and deal with behavior problems. For too long dog trainers have tried unsuccessfully to deal with behavior problems by using force and punishment.
I have said for years that punishment can be a very effective form of behavior modification – but here’s the rub. Very few, and I mean very few trainers know how to use punishment correctly.
In order for punishment to work properly four steps need to be followed – EVERYTIME.
Do you know what those four steps are?
I’ll explain them in a future blog post.
Anyway, using force to overcome behavior problems can make the behaviors worse!
That is what happened to Serena’s dog. That’s why I teach positive methods. When you use positive reinforcement there are no adverse side effects.
When you use negative reinforcement there are always side effects. A little while back I did a video newsletter describing my M.U.T.T Method. I have included it in this blog for you to view.
M.U.T.T. Method Video
If you have problems with this link you can watch it on youtube.com:
YouTube.com M.U.T.T. Method Video
All the best,
Eric
P.S. Have a great weekend!
