Vetting Online Resources - Tips

There are so many learning opportunities and resources on the Internet!  It's a truly great thing . . . but . . . you need to be careful about the quality of the advice being given.

How do you tell who might be giving you good advice and who might be giving you misleading/potentially harmful information?

• Do the demo dogs look relaxed and eager, with bright eyes? 
• Do the demo dogs look apprehensive, do they cower or look stressed? 
• Does the instructor use physical force? 
• Is the equipment being used aversive (that is, designed to cause unpleasant experiences) - spray bottles, correction collars, shock or prong collars?
• Does the instructor talk about being dominant or being the alpha, or showing who's the boss? 
• Does the instructor talk about being mindful of your dog's abilities and setting realistic expectations?
• Are complex exercises broken into clear steps?

• The Gentle Modern School of Dog Training is a registered Companion Animal Business under State Government of Victoria Legislation.
• Instructors are graduates of The Gentle Dog Trainers Association (GDTA) Instructor Course and are members of GDTA.
• GMSDT Instructor David undertakes professional development with the Wagging School.  Amanda is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Australia, and the Pet Professional Guild - International. Rodna is an accredited VCA Instructor.  Ruth is co-author of  internationally recognised dog training books.