Veterinary Behaviorists Oppose Millian and Behavior Theory

[HeartSong]

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Okay, I know there are not a lot (if any) people on here going into behavior medicine, but is drives me crazy lately how much time veterinary behaviors have to spend just trying to convince people to get the whole dominance myth out of their head. Even if you aren't going to be dealing with behavior, it is good for you, as vets/future vets, to know who to refer behavior cases to and how to tell if someone is a good behaviorist.

I'm glad to see AVSAB coming out with articles that oppose the dominance theory, I just wish they were more in the mainstream media. This article is older but is still their official position on dominance theory. http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance statement.pdf

This one is more recent and tries to give both sides a balanced voice. http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=12230 (I think you can see this without being a member of VIN. If you are a member, you can log in to read a bunch of discussion on this article. It still amazes me that people think AVSAB is jealous of Millian, that makes no sense.)

I hope by the time I'm certified, I will be able to spend more time instructing people on what to do rather than what not to do. If anyone is curious and wants more information, I have several of articles from practicing veterinary behaviorists about the dominance theory and why it is erroneous.

 

[Angelo84]

Okay, I know there are not a lot (if any) people on here going into behavior medicine, but is drives me crazy lately how much time veterinary behaviors have to spend just trying to convince people to get the whole dominance myth out of their head. Even if you aren't going to be dealing with behavior, it is good for you, as vets/future vets, to know who to refer behavior cases to and how to tell if someone is a good behaviorist.

I'm glad to see AVSAB coming out with articles that oppose the dominance theory, I just wish they were more in the mainstream media. This article is older but is still their official position on dominance theory. http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance statement.pdf

This one is more recent and tries to give both sides a balanced voice. http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=12230 (I think you can see this without being a member of VIN. If you are a member, you can log in to read a bunch of discussion on this article. It still amazes me that people think AVSAB is jealous of Millian, that makes no sense.)

I hope by the time I'm certified, I will be able to spend more time instructing people on what to do rather than what not to do. If anyone is curious and wants more information, I have several of articles from practicing veterinary behaviorists about the dominance theory and why it is erroneous.

I think there are more of us than it would appear. I am not planning on getting boarded in behavior but it one of the areas I am particularly interested in and intend to work with my clients on. I agree that Milan's techniques are out dated and in some cases dangerous. I have only seen one episode of It's me or the dog but her approach seems to be much better.

Thanks for the link!

 

[HeartSong]

I really like the show DogTown. Those are some good trainers/ behaviorists/ rehabilitators - whatever you want to call them. They rehabilitated around 20 of Michael Vick's most aggressive pit bulls using positive reinforcement techniques. The vets there also did a lot to care for them medically. But the trainers and behaviorists that I have the most respect for aren't on TV. Dunbar (obviously), McConnell, Donaldson, Coren, Pryor, Horwitz, Haug ... okay I'll stop. 😀