Episode 267: The downfall of the rigid system

Glenn, Pat, and Cameron Ford came together to take a hard look at the existing ‘system’ that governs many dog training practices. This meeting ignited an important discussion, probing into long-standing practices that have become ubiquitous within the industry. We raised concerns over the rigid thinking that is prevalent in the field. This often manifests as a cult-like dedication to a single methodology, stunting the growth of new ideas and innovation.

Our conversation highlighted how this narrow-minded approach creates an environment where trainers aggressively defend their chosen ‘system’, often to the detriment of their professional development. In an act akin to religious fervour, these individuals quickly reject or even openly attack novel ideas and methodologies. Such behaviour creates an unfriendly atmosphere that prevents the adoption of emerging research and innovative techniques that could potentially revolutionize dog training practices.

Against this backdrop, we proposed a solution rooted in openness and flexibility. Rather than clinging tightly to one specific approach, we suggest trainers should continually seek knowledge from a wide array of methods. By promoting a culture of open dialogue and intellectual curiosity, we believe an efficient, multifaceted ‘system’ could emerge in dog training.

Furthermore, we emphasised the need to challenge and reassess the industry’s deeply entrenched beliefs. They argued that a ‘system’ should be adaptable and dynamic, capable of evolving with new discoveries in animal behaviour and learning. For the field to truly progress, we all stressed the importance of breaking free from the rigid constraints of some existing methods to embrace a more holistic understanding of dog training.

Have a listen to another episode we did discussing the best way to train a dog

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