Chicago's "Dog Whisperer" Arrested/Animal Cruelty - Page 1

I found this on another forum and I thought I would pass this on. Very interesting reading for dog trainers. http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/dogtraining

That sounds insanely cruel. How could someone do that to those poor dogs.

Yeah thats crazy.. and did you see the prices she charges for her "training"?? Wow I wish I could strap a shock collar to her balls if she had any....

The article mentions the use of multiple e collars and harsh "corrections" to get quick results. A 'concerned citizen' saw it and reported it. There is possible jail time and fines. Schutzhund clubs and organizations need to realize that the exact same thing can happen on club day at some of our clubs. Trainers and handlers need to be aware that public extremes in behavior and public extremes in corrections may come back to bite us all in the you-know-where. The organizations like to look the other way, but it's gonna happen.....all it takes is the 'right' guest trainer.....

I read the article and tried to take it at face value-at least from my perspective. Here is a person who declares herself to be a dog trainer, and is charging whatever the market will bear for her "services". Nothing wrong so far, as most jurisdictions do not require professional licensing (and training) for such a business. Is this person truely a "trainer" or is she an "opportunistic abuser"? I will let everyone read the article and form their own opinion. We know that some compulsive correction must be done with some dogs-that is a fact. How much, when, and what type is up to the ability of the dog, the ability of the trainer, and the final effect desired. To what end do we take the more severe level of correction and say "enough"-this dog will just not do what I want it to do? I use prong collars and a shocker as well for correcting certain behaviours, but very sparingly. I do not want to ever see federal, state, or local legislation that would make me a criminal for doing so. LaPorte, I agree with you that any media attention showered on this person may have further repercussions in our world, and that we must maintain some privacy in our manners of training and performance. Bob-O

I hear LaPorte and I raise him. The message should go one step further -- there should be neither public NOR private -- not ANY --cruelty to animals.

And now add this: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,264760,00.html In many states, there is a Jessica's Law that places child abusers away for a mandatory 25 years to life. I believe that there should also be the same type of law for those that would abuse an animal. It has been proven time and again that animal cruelty is a short step away from child abuse, spousal abuse, murder, etc.

I had a puppy owner of mine call me a while back about hiring this lady!!! Some of the things she told me this lady wanted to do were INSANE!!!!! I told the owner I would not only not allow this lady to help, but I would take the pup back!!!! She ended up bringing him to me instead and thank goodness after reading this!!!

Liver treats,hot dog crumbs,tug toys,tennis balls,stuffed animals,praise,even ice cream.The intensity of the reward and the how fast it is recieved is how fast the dog learns.I got thru SAR and schutzhund with only a 2 inch collar and tracking harness.Give it a serious attempt,I think you'll see e-collars and prong or pinch collars are not as effective. I personally would never put one on my dog.

I just LOVE it when the media brings PETA into a cruelty case, failing to realize that PETA also abuses and kills animals.