Some “experts” are idiots

Recently, I received a plea for help from a colleague with a dog dilemma. Just a week before her daughter’s wedding, the groom’s mother suggested putting down the couple’s disobedient dog. A trainer had been called, and after meeting said dog, supported the idea of his death. Shake your head with me, kids, because the story gets more absurd.

First of all, can you imagine any worse pairing of emotional memories than euthanizing your dog right before your wedding?

Secondly, apparently this “trainer” who has a fancy website and a big phone book ad, showed up, slapped a shock collar on this poor dog, then pronounced him “aggressive” when he reacted badly to the pain of being shocked. I’m not kidding. I wish I was.

I don’t care how good their marketing materials. I don’t care how many certifications they have after their names. There are people (possibly a lot of them) who have no place being in the dog training business.

Now, it’s important to know that this young-adult, male dog has had virtually NO training. He and his owners have moved like 4 times in the last 12 months. He’s surrounded by a bunch of people completely stressed out about the wedding. And, the kill-the-dog contingent feared for his behavior around young wedding guests.

I totally get that he appeared to (and possibly did) pose a danger amidst the hubbub. But, kill him? Not even give him a chance? Especially when one of the bride’s friends works at a veterinary hospital with boarding onsite offered to keep him until AFTER the wedding when cooler heads could prevail?

Nuts!

So, I quickly marshaled my contacts, provided referrals to some modern-method trainers close to them and hoped for the best.

I’m happy to say that the dog is indeed still alive. His newly married owners will be working with a trainer recommended by a trainer who was recommended by a trainer I trust. It’s hard when you don’t live in the same state.

I’m no guru, but I like to think I know more than to cause pain to a stressed out, possibly fearful dog. Seriously!