It concerns me that many popular books recommend compulsive, negative training methods. We read of developing an Alpha attitude with Fido ... an association where your dog looks on you as the boss.

I don't completely disagree with this - it is important Fido looks to his leader for guidance. But to treat him as a wolf would treat its pups for lOO% obedience leaves a lot to be desired. Imagine the harm an inexperienced person trying to be Alpha could do to a sensitive, timid pooch. It is confusing to tell new trainers to become their dog's pack leader - some think you mean it's ok to dominate him. That is wrong.

I have seen hundreds of intelligent canines ruined because their owners have adopted a compulsive relationship with their dogs. If you were to question them they may say, "What's wrong with that"?

Experts tell us to be Alpha. Experts in what? You don't want submissiveness, just receptiveness and willingness. Using force simply means a lack of knowledge when it comes to understanding dogs in being able to distinguish between right and wrong. If I were to force my dog to submit the result would he negative, even disastrous.

Adopt a conciliatory, friendly attitude tempered with anAlpha ideology towards a dog that exhibits dislike of a particular exercise. Don't force him to do it! Many trialers don't know how to train a dog with respect and kindness and find it difficult to change their methods. Ask yourself. How many motivated, eager dogs do you see in trials?

The Koehler method is another which recommends force and is even regarded in some quarters as a reference book. It is not among my books.

Many clubs and instructors have these preconceived, old fashioned ideas about how to train a dog. They look on the lead and jerking the check chain when the dog is out of position as training aids. Not so. The lead and check chain are instruments to talk to your dog by rattling the links. Not to give him a strangling jerk around the neck.

Another compulsive method used to punish a dog when it misbehaves is to string it up by the neck so its front feet are almost off the ground. Another is to grasp the dog by the scruff of the neck, lift it up so that its back feet are just touching the ground, and shake it while you stare aggressively into its eyes and angrily chastise it. Yet another is to hold it to the ground and carry out the same procedure. These stupid methods invite face biting and ageressiveness.

Dog behaviourists reccommend food and treats to ignite a response. Such "positive reinforcements" can be cut out later and normal obedience methods reinstated. If you use these rewards to get a dog to work you will never finish up with an accurate worker. My experience is that dogs trained by food rewards never become top trial dogs. Their minds are too influenced towards the rewards and they are not working to please you. Whatever method you employ, you must have a happy dog and go forward. If not, examine your method.

Psychological dog trainers say the following problems are likely to stem from compulsive methods:

• The dog will never attain the beautiful rapport gained from training with a friend- ly, affectionate owner.
• Intimidating tactics cause timidness and a dislike of training.
• Methods that cause friction between you and your dog can make an otherwise friendly fellow become aggressive towards people and other dogs. Aggression in dogs has increased since compulsive Alpha - wolf concepts of training - became popular.
  

C W Meisterfeld, a top US dog trainer and author, says. "The scruff-shake and Alpha-wolf rollover contribute to dangerously aggressive, unmanageable pets".

A leading veterinary authority says: "This style of discipline can cause permanent brain damage, detached retinas resulting in severe eye damage or a swollen spinal cord and paralysis".

Meisterfeld's book, Psychological Dog Training, is the best obedience training book I have read.