Canine intervention teaches viewers the responsibility of owners to train their dogs properly rather than labelling a dog bad or dangerous. it additionally shows the life of someone who turned their life around and is making his life mission to give people and animals a second chance. Wholesome show, about real people doing real things.
124 Reviews
So far enjoying this show!
samafranke3 March 2021
Was pleasantly surprised to see that this is an actual trainer training actual protection/obedience dogs.
This man professionally trains dogs for bite work, so please do not think watching this show makes you fit to begin protection training with your dog 🙃
This man seems very capable and I would take a course or clinic with him in a heartbeat. Also lacks a lot of the stupid useless drama like you see in series like "it's me or the dog" with Victoria Stilwell. I will happily take this show over her any day.
Updated note: Go ahead and train shame all you want folks. At the end of the day, the reason you are a keyboard hero and are taking the time trolling review sites is because YOU AREN'T ACTUALLY OUT THERE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. I have seen this time and time again from so many of these "positive reinforcement only" trainers.
Positive reinforcement training should have a place in any training routine and is very successful. For these trainers that slam anyone who uses negative reinforcement in any way, in the majority of experiences I have had, you are trying to make money off of people and offering them very little... and costing dogs their lives.
I once heard one of these so called "trainers" tell their client that their puggle "would never need to be within 6 feet of another dog anyways" adding to this woman's hopelessness in her situation. Or how about the other the other one who piped on to me about the scientifically correct methods and a month later their cattle dog (who was having trouble controlling his herding instincts with people) was dead because "he couldn't be fixed". I'm so over it.
Our local animal shelter (who offers an aggressive dog rehabilitation program) got two strong breed dogs in exhibiting dominance and fear aggression. They were automatically labelled as "dangerous". The shelter called my friend and trainer because they were too scared of them and needed someone else to step in and take them on... oh but don't worry... they continued to train shame this trainer's methods to anyone who would listen. At the end of the day, they say it for PR reasons to appease the uneducated... because they cannot walk the walk.
All of the trolls who are taking the time out of their day to slam people like this fellow are just insecure about themselves and their methods and are trying to find another way to build themselves up and gain control... which leads to bullying and reactivity. Sound familiar? Thats right. They are just insecure, unbalanced, fear aggressive dogs in human form. Their methods supposedly only work on one species and using negative reinforcement on people is the only way to get their point across. Makes so much sense, right?
If you are an exclusively positive reinforcement trainer that IS actually taking these extreme behavioural cases and are able to make a difference, good on you and keep up the good work! I am not shaming YOU, because that's not what is needed to ensure every dog has a happy and safe home in this world. I am shaming the shaming. I am making that correction on all of those unstable, reactive individuals who are trying to tear people down to build themselves up. Because that is the method we use when behaviour like that is exhibited... and it works.
This man professionally trains dogs for bite work, so please do not think watching this show makes you fit to begin protection training with your dog 🙃
This man seems very capable and I would take a course or clinic with him in a heartbeat. Also lacks a lot of the stupid useless drama like you see in series like "it's me or the dog" with Victoria Stilwell. I will happily take this show over her any day.
Updated note: Go ahead and train shame all you want folks. At the end of the day, the reason you are a keyboard hero and are taking the time trolling review sites is because YOU AREN'T ACTUALLY OUT THERE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. I have seen this time and time again from so many of these "positive reinforcement only" trainers.
Positive reinforcement training should have a place in any training routine and is very successful. For these trainers that slam anyone who uses negative reinforcement in any way, in the majority of experiences I have had, you are trying to make money off of people and offering them very little... and costing dogs their lives.
I once heard one of these so called "trainers" tell their client that their puggle "would never need to be within 6 feet of another dog anyways" adding to this woman's hopelessness in her situation. Or how about the other the other one who piped on to me about the scientifically correct methods and a month later their cattle dog (who was having trouble controlling his herding instincts with people) was dead because "he couldn't be fixed". I'm so over it.
Our local animal shelter (who offers an aggressive dog rehabilitation program) got two strong breed dogs in exhibiting dominance and fear aggression. They were automatically labelled as "dangerous". The shelter called my friend and trainer because they were too scared of them and needed someone else to step in and take them on... oh but don't worry... they continued to train shame this trainer's methods to anyone who would listen. At the end of the day, they say it for PR reasons to appease the uneducated... because they cannot walk the walk.
All of the trolls who are taking the time out of their day to slam people like this fellow are just insecure about themselves and their methods and are trying to find another way to build themselves up and gain control... which leads to bullying and reactivity. Sound familiar? Thats right. They are just insecure, unbalanced, fear aggressive dogs in human form. Their methods supposedly only work on one species and using negative reinforcement on people is the only way to get their point across. Makes so much sense, right?
If you are an exclusively positive reinforcement trainer that IS actually taking these extreme behavioural cases and are able to make a difference, good on you and keep up the good work! I am not shaming YOU, because that's not what is needed to ensure every dog has a happy and safe home in this world. I am shaming the shaming. I am making that correction on all of those unstable, reactive individuals who are trying to tear people down to build themselves up. Because that is the method we use when behaviour like that is exhibited... and it works.
Am I missing something??
rebecca-woods8727 February 2021
I've read lots of reviews saying that Jas's training methods are not humane but I really don't get it? As far as I can tell he advocates giving the dogs lots of praise and treats during training. What is bad about that? I've also seen people criticising the theory that dogs are pack animals but surely, whether that is true or not, dogs need boundaries just like children do? I can only assume that either I am missing something from the show or that the people that like to criticise it are the same naive people that think that it's ok to tolerate bad behaviour. Anyway, I loved seeing the dogs becoming happier and calmer, my criticism would be that there's a little too much focus on the trainer and not enough on the dogs. Worth watching though.
hmmm
tumlesumle26 February 2021
Was excited to see Netflix had made a dog training show.. Then I watched it and saw the incorrect, outdated, cruel and nonscientific ways of Jas.. It is sad to see, that even though we have made amazing progress, he continues to refer to terms like Pack leader and dogs being disrespectful.... It seems as though he has no scientific grasp on what dogs are, their behavior or how to respectfully interact with them.. Should be cancelled and pulled of the air asap!
The Show is Okay
kristi237428 February 2021
Cesar Millan is more engaging and educational. However, I like Jas and his methods. He just isn't as polished as Cesar.
There is someone reviewing the show multiple time with brand new accounts on IMDB. You can tell it is the SAME person/people writing the reviews. They are calling his methods abusive. His methods are NOT abusive. I use these methods with all my dogs and my dogs are happy, healthy, and better behaved than any dogs I know. I am sure the reviewers are somehow related to PETA. They ruined Cesar Millan's television career and now they are trying to do the same with Jas. D**k hea*s.
There is someone reviewing the show multiple time with brand new accounts on IMDB. You can tell it is the SAME person/people writing the reviews. They are calling his methods abusive. His methods are NOT abusive. I use these methods with all my dogs and my dogs are happy, healthy, and better behaved than any dogs I know. I am sure the reviewers are somehow related to PETA. They ruined Cesar Millan's television career and now they are trying to do the same with Jas. D**k hea*s.
It's...different
cool_gal1114 March 2023
As a dog Walker/trainer, over the years I've watched Caesar Milan, Victoria Stillwell and Graeme Hall all do their training; even though Jos is different in his tactics, he does specify that he's mostly worked with attack and security dogs. I think a lot of what he says about dog behaviour is spot on! Very similar methodology as Caesar but just applied differently. Caesar's method is definitely a lot more calming to watch and use, but with Jos, what he can do with a dog in terms of obedience and training in such a short time is absolutely incredible! His kind of training is very basic to watchers but necessary for new owners.
Great show
navos6 March 2021
Not sure why so many people are hating on this show, too many people crying about abusive methods used by Jas but im not sure if they were watching a different show. Apparantly telling the owner to not let the dog wear shoes is cruel.
I watched a great show about a dog trainer helping owners and dogs. Hope we get a season 2.
There are better trainers
anna-nagem21 December 2021
Can you learn something from it? Yes. Is this the best source of knowledge when it comes to dog training? Absolutely not. Watch Cesar911 and then you will know what a really sensitive, smart, knowledgeable person is. And that goes a looong way beyond dog business. Just watch them both and you will for sure get what I mean.
Fantastic Show and work from Jas and CaliK9
dstar-2399113 March 2021
Oversimplifying the issues and huge process gaps
scorpiogemini24 February 2021
Appearently, "dopamine" is the solution to correct a very fearfull-aggressive dog. Sounds simple? Yes dogs are simple but if you came to watch how to be a pack leader and how to correct unwanted behavior in dogs you came to the wrong place.
I could not watch after the first episode ended, where we meet a fearful pitbul who bites people. So much was lacking. First we meet the dog that gets so wound up she nips her owner, in his face! Why? Because he is literally arousing her and rewarding her by playing "tug of war" literally when she is in a very agitated state of mind where she seconds ago was misbehaving with the stranger in her home. Also the owner is smoothering this dog with hugs and strokes while she is on red zone! You don't have to had watched Cesar Millan to know this is the worse thing you can do. To "reward" the dog while its in panic moode. No wonder she bites or nips people and her own owner. The dogs has no structure or limitations and her fearfull state is being rewarded.
The "methods" this canine trainer uses, well first of all, we the viewers are not allowed to see the process, just bits and parts of it. There are huge gaps!
First we have scenes where the trainer visits the dog to evaluate her and next thing we see is the trainer running an agility course with this dog. How did that happen? How did this person even win the dogs trust? How did he correct her behavior? How did he train the owner in how to show leadership with his dog?! There is nothing useful here, nada.
Say and think what you want about for example Cesar Millan (who actually was under huge pressure during filming his first show for natgeo), atleast he showed us his whole process truthfully with no gaps and no lies. How to rehabilitate a dog and how to train its humans. How to stop applying child psychology on a canine etc.
So yes I'm disappointed in "canine intervention" because we are not learning much about the process. Its fearful aggressive dog+dopamine (agility course)=finishline. With dog rehabilitated just by running agility courses. Its not the whole picture and its not truthful.
I could not watch after the first episode ended, where we meet a fearful pitbul who bites people. So much was lacking. First we meet the dog that gets so wound up she nips her owner, in his face! Why? Because he is literally arousing her and rewarding her by playing "tug of war" literally when she is in a very agitated state of mind where she seconds ago was misbehaving with the stranger in her home. Also the owner is smoothering this dog with hugs and strokes while she is on red zone! You don't have to had watched Cesar Millan to know this is the worse thing you can do. To "reward" the dog while its in panic moode. No wonder she bites or nips people and her own owner. The dogs has no structure or limitations and her fearfull state is being rewarded.
The "methods" this canine trainer uses, well first of all, we the viewers are not allowed to see the process, just bits and parts of it. There are huge gaps!
First we have scenes where the trainer visits the dog to evaluate her and next thing we see is the trainer running an agility course with this dog. How did that happen? How did this person even win the dogs trust? How did he correct her behavior? How did he train the owner in how to show leadership with his dog?! There is nothing useful here, nada.
Say and think what you want about for example Cesar Millan (who actually was under huge pressure during filming his first show for natgeo), atleast he showed us his whole process truthfully with no gaps and no lies. How to rehabilitate a dog and how to train its humans. How to stop applying child psychology on a canine etc.
So yes I'm disappointed in "canine intervention" because we are not learning much about the process. Its fearful aggressive dog+dopamine (agility course)=finishline. With dog rehabilitated just by running agility courses. Its not the whole picture and its not truthful.
Loving Jas
timauthee3 March 2021
I respect those here who have expressed a desire to avoid aversive training. My practice for the past 45 years has been to always avoid aversive training. That said, many here admit they have have not watched this show. As I watched the show, I did not see what I would call as "aversive training". I certainly did not see what may be called "pain and disconnect". I saw very slight soft and quick (the most important aspect being quick) corrections, followed by immediate and focused praise and attention. Mostly, I saw a dog trainer who knows dogs intuitively! Intuition such as his use of the same words each time, his sharp 'accent' when speaking with them, his quick movements, his use of play and chewing and chasing above ALL other stimulus with the exception of connection, his emphasis on building up confidence and connection between 'owners' and each dog, his heavy emphasis on play training; his box training is also very intuitive and effective (just as any great trainer will bring their own amazing and interesting twist to the table). I have seen criticism that he advocates dominance training (something I am patently against) but I did NOT see that on the show. The old Shepherd Monk training of applying pressure to the dog through techniques like getting in the dogs face, pushing her down with ones body, jerking the chain, and other dominance training, are things that Jas does not seem to have time for; his training does not allow for one to even say a command a second time, let alone get in the dogs face for a prolonged correction that is required in dominance training; and perhaps this is my favorite thing about Jas's intuition; he avoids the most prevalent bad training technique which is prolonged correction. I often hear a dogs guardian say no, noo, nooo, NO, NOOOO! And would prefer a quick jerk on the chain (although I don't advocate jerking). Thats why I mention Jas's quick speech, even his use of the word "no" (something I don't use in training), is used so quickly and his use of prolonged praise and most importantly immediate PLAY so prevalent, that the dog has no time to build resistance or lose confidence. You cannot argue with the results on the show, as you see him turn dogs around who were previously headed for euthanasia; and also you see how his own dogs are well behaved, while still enthusiastic, confident and independent. While he does focus on treats, something I avoid for standard training, I like his approach as its use is only to bring focus and attention. One thing overlooked by his detractors is that he brings hope to those who may have given up on their dog; who may be considering taking their dog to their local pound, where almost all dogs go to be euthanized (especially those with behavior issues). Some believe that correcting a dogs behavior takes months or even years, but this has not been my experience, especially with very intuitive trainers. While some who watch the show may mistakenly conclude that they can quickly solve their own dogs problems in "an hour", I think that the hope Jas brings viewers that they may be able find help in saving their pets, far outweighs some unfounded misconception that the general public may be able to quickly adopt Jas's years of experience by watching a Netflix show. Lastly, it is apparent that Jas loves all the dogs he encounters and that he teaches others to love them as well. While I can appreciate the care others have expressed in advocating for animals in their comments here and elsewhere on the net, and their desire to see the best of training practices, I would ask such critics to watch the show, and consider the benefits of it. Personally, I prefer intuitive dog trainers (as long as they are humane and loving like Jas) over someone else's view of utopian training. Some people just have that intuition in conjunction with deep love, and Jas is one of them. The fact that he speaks deeply to a new generation of dog owners, and relates especially to many who come from a culture such as Oakland's 'hood', is a huge plus!! Thumbs up on this show, and I think it should continue.
Dogs and their owners deserve better
enettmarkham27 February 2021
Nothing but LAZY, AMATEUR training.There is no place for the use of aversive tools, pain, fear, intimidation in animal training and scientific studies have proven over and over the serious fallout that can occur. On the surface it looks like behavior problems are solved quickly, but anyone can suppress behaviors with fear and force. This type of training not only does not address any underlying emotions of WHY the animal is behaving the way he is (fear, usually. aggression = FEAR) but is very likely making those feeling more intense, creating a more dangerous situation when the dog can't suppress his intense and growing fear any longer. Good training is based on science, which tells us the best way to change behaviors (and emotions!) for LONGTERM SUCCESS is through the use of positive reinforcement, and moving at the animals pace, NOT inflicting pain and doing whatever is necessary to basically shut the dog up/off. If you know even the basics on canine body language, try watching the show without sound, and just watch the dogs body language. Good dog training doesn't cause this type of stress in the dogs. Get it together, Netflix!!
This is as real as it gets.
sunshinekvan13 March 2021
Unless you're a professional dog trainer yourself, you can put in your two cents. If you're not, who are you to say that this show was no good and could have been better and that it was animal cruelty and handled wrongly? I see mostly positive outcomes in the series and Jas does an amazing job in what he does. Although it's not a one shoe fits all, it's amazing to see that Jas is making a difference in this world by saving as many dogs as he can!!!!!
Personal experience
lbaldizan27 February 2021
Jas and Cali K9 are the best. My dog was trained by Cali K9, never using punishment as a way of training. Jas uses a method of training that I have never seen before with the boxes and it works. I have never seen Jas or any of his trainers use punishment to train a dog. My dog went to the 30 day board and train and has never had to go back for follow up training. I can take my dog anywhere off leash, he shows no aggression ever! I receive compliments about how well my dog is trained daily, and he is a Rottweiler (a breed that sometimes gets a bad rap). I swear by Cali K9 and would recommend them to all my friends and family. And so what if Canine Intervention is about Jas as well. He is showing young men and women that if they follow their dreams anything can happen. How is that a bad thing? People always have something negative to say. Keep up the good work Jas and all of Cali K9 trainers!
Another Cesar :(
brindlebabybiscuit25 February 2021
Netflix usually has some awesome shows based on scientific research and sound information. Unfortunately, they're promoting old school methods that have shown time and time again to cause dogs fear & aggression.
I understand that this training works on the surface but before your subject your dog to these methods, please do your research.
Dog training is an unregulated field. Listen to the experts in the field like veterinary behaviorists and scientists. For real, science tells us not to train our dogs this way!
The kicker, the methods he uses have been banned in many countries!!!!!!
No shame on owners that have employed these methods. When you know better, you do better! So, get to researching and knowing better :)
I understand that this training works on the surface but before your subject your dog to these methods, please do your research.
Dog training is an unregulated field. Listen to the experts in the field like veterinary behaviorists and scientists. For real, science tells us not to train our dogs this way!
The kicker, the methods he uses have been banned in many countries!!!!!!
No shame on owners that have employed these methods. When you know better, you do better! So, get to researching and knowing better :)
Missing the point
kcquail28 February 2021
Everybody misses the point of this show. Yes they talk to the owners a lot but there's a good reason for it. 90% of the problems isn't the dogs it's the owners. The owners have no idea how to train the dog. Once they realize they have to be the leader then that fixes most of their problems. I feel this show is more of a basic training for owners who have no idea what they are doing. He's just counselling them and helping them figure out what they are doing wrong. It's a system and a mindset change that he is enforcing.
This show is not a training related sho but about animal cruelty
karinbellmann26 February 2021
I thought Netflix would make a thoughtful show on dog training but this show is pure nonsensical dominance theory talk. The "trainer" ( I don't think he has any credentials besides knowing how to market himself) uses outdated, inhumane and cruel methods, has no knowledge at all about canine body language and he should brush up his knowledge about learning theory, the social aspect of dogs etc. I find it really, really sad that big networks still support these kinds of methods just for ratings sake. So: no, this show is absolutely not worth watching.
YOLO
vegetasbabygurl9 March 2021
I never write reviews on this site but I saw so many trolls commenting that I had to give my own 2 cents.
I went into watching this knowing it was going to have reality show qualities. Hello people - this is Netflix. 🙄
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the series as a whole. No we didn't see the exact techniques used for every dog but Jas did an amazing job showing that the owners ultimately control the situation. It's up to them to be the "alpha" ( I can tell a lot of the reviewers were also triggered by this word because they are clearly betas.) I also appreciated the different people they had on, not every pet owner is going to be the same. Regardless of whether you agree with peoples lifestyles or not, this is the reality of the world.
There was never any abuse (as so many of these weird PETA like reviews claim) and the dogs all look extremely happy. In fact. Over and over again you can see positive reinforcement being made with treats in hand.
Overall I believe this show reminds us that owning and training a dog also teaches you to be the better version of yourself. Don't let all the negative reviews on here let you think otherwise.
I went into watching this knowing it was going to have reality show qualities. Hello people - this is Netflix. 🙄
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the series as a whole. No we didn't see the exact techniques used for every dog but Jas did an amazing job showing that the owners ultimately control the situation. It's up to them to be the "alpha" ( I can tell a lot of the reviewers were also triggered by this word because they are clearly betas.) I also appreciated the different people they had on, not every pet owner is going to be the same. Regardless of whether you agree with peoples lifestyles or not, this is the reality of the world.
There was never any abuse (as so many of these weird PETA like reviews claim) and the dogs all look extremely happy. In fact. Over and over again you can see positive reinforcement being made with treats in hand.
Overall I believe this show reminds us that owning and training a dog also teaches you to be the better version of yourself. Don't let all the negative reviews on here let you think otherwise.
Cali K9 saved my dog! Forever grateful!
Khrabb9 March 2021
When Canine Intervention first aired on Netflix, my heart was filled with joy. Any one of those dogs, except little Heaven, could've been MY dog. With tears in my eyes, I binge-watched the shows back-to-back and I'm praying this show is renewed for many seasons. Not only was it heart-warming and meaningful to me personally, but it was well done in every way. Words can never describe how life-changing my experience has been with Jas and his Cali K9 team and my hard-headed aggressive, misbehaving dog Zeus. I'll try, but it might not be short. Zeus wasn't a problem until his behavior began to slowly change when he was about a year old. He started growling at other dogs, even dogs he knew, and his aggression became out of control. He stopped coming to me on command and became more dog aggressive as well as stranger aggressive, so I couldn't even walk him down the street without him pulling and growling at people and other dogs. I started to dread walking him. The day he started fighting with another dog and my leg got in the way was the day I vowed to get professional help. Luckily, Cali K9 came highly recommended by one of my boyfriend's co-workers. I looked at all the positive reviews, then called for an evaluation the same day. When I met with Jas, he said he wanted to do a short "demo" with him working with my dog. Within minutes, I was looking at a different dog! I was so impressed and relieved that I signed up then and there for the training package that would change my life...and save his life. He assigned a trainer who worked with aggressive dogs like Zeus and after just one session, I saw a dramatic difference. Not just in my dog's behavior, but how I was learning to handle him to become a successful, responsible dog owner. I did the homework I was given religiously, every single day. Very quickly, things improved and Zeus stopped pulling, growling, and barking at other dogs and people. He walks with me on my left side and if I slow down, he slows down too. Now I'm able to walk him downtown to have lunch or breakfast outdoors and people constantly tell me about how well-behaved he is. If they only knew! Those negative reviews that say Jas uses cruel, barbaric techniques, negativity, and punishments obviously don't know Jas or his team. What they're saying couldn't be further from the truth. There may be some abusive dog trainers out there, but Jas Leverette is NOT one of them! Don't believe everything you read, people. I'm an eyewitness. Never, in all the months I trained Zeus at Cali K9, attended group classes, and visited the training facility, did I ever see or learn anything negative, cruel or hurtful. The rewards are many for "wanted" behaviors, like training treats, tug toys, and a ton of praise every few seconds. The "corrections" are mild...like a gentle "pop pop" reminder, consistent, and only when needed. It might seem expensive, but it's well worth it. In my head, I divide the $1400 I spent by the number of days since then. At only 45 cents a day, I consider it a real bargain. As the old saying goes: "You get what you pay for!"
Do not follow his training techniques
sianhornigold25 February 2021
Canine Intervention is filled with misinformation on Animal Learning Theory. His techniques are not supported by any evidence based research in the field of learning theory, Ethology, Neuroscience and applied Behaviour Analysis. It supports inhumane treatment towards animals that could lead to further fear and aggression and puts those watching abs attempting these methods in danger.
AMAZING
harmonycotgrove13 March 2021
A lot of outdated and potentially harmful training methods
jengumas1 March 2021
I was really excited to see a new show about dog training coming, and then I was really disappointed once I saw some of the show and learned more about how these dogs are being "trained." I'm glad to see there's a little bit of positive training here and there, but still sooooo many concerns about this show and what's going to happen after people watch it and try this stuff on their dogs at home.
I'm a professional dog trainer that works with aggressive dogs all the time. There are humane, effective ways to modify the behavior of aggressive dogs. This show features dangerous, outdated techniques that compromise both the welfare of the animal and the safety of the humans involved.
While these methods may appear to magically "fix" canine behavior problems within the space of an episode, what they really are doing is suppressing the problem temporarily. Dogs trained with these punitive methods often have their aggression or other problems resurface later, explosively (because their warning signs have been punished). Dogs who have been "treated" with methods like this before they come to me are among the most dangerous dogs I work with.
Why do I care if someone trains dogs differently from me? For years, I have seen the fallout that has happened from people who have embraced these sorts of techniques: dominance, punishment, and other methods that are not promoted by science or experts in the field of animal behavior. I have had dogs come to me who were injured by these methods; dogs who are now so incredibly anxious from these methods that they are miserable; dogs whose relationship with their owners have been so far damaged that they are almost beyond hope and may have to be euthanized. I have seen aggression INCREASE in dogs where people have used these kinds of methods because the dog feels the owner is attacking it.
People watching these sorts of shows on TV have no idea of the risks involved in using these techniques, for them or their dogs. And usually, it's the dog that suffers, the dog that loses, if their aggression stays the same or gets worse instead of better.
A staggering number of people have adopted rescue dogs and brought home puppies during the pandemic.I wonder how many people will watch this TV show and think they have the tools they need to solve their dog's behavior problems. I wonder how many puppies and dogs will be damaged as a result of this show.
It isn't a matter of opinion. It's a matter of science, a matter of welfare, and a matter of ethics. Look at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB's) documents about the use of punishment and dominance. While you're at it, look at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)...I could go on. You will find NONE of these professional organizations, and none of the experts in animal behavior with ACTUAL academic credentials, certifications from reputable agencies, AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE endorse these kinds of techniques. There is a reason for that.
Please spread the word. Tell your family, tell your friends, don't watch this show. Sign petitions. File complaints. Tell Netflix that you're disappointed in them. The welfare of many, many dogs is at stake. It's not just about the dogs on the show. It's about all the dogs who belong to all the people who are watching.
I'm a professional dog trainer that works with aggressive dogs all the time. There are humane, effective ways to modify the behavior of aggressive dogs. This show features dangerous, outdated techniques that compromise both the welfare of the animal and the safety of the humans involved.
While these methods may appear to magically "fix" canine behavior problems within the space of an episode, what they really are doing is suppressing the problem temporarily. Dogs trained with these punitive methods often have their aggression or other problems resurface later, explosively (because their warning signs have been punished). Dogs who have been "treated" with methods like this before they come to me are among the most dangerous dogs I work with.
Why do I care if someone trains dogs differently from me? For years, I have seen the fallout that has happened from people who have embraced these sorts of techniques: dominance, punishment, and other methods that are not promoted by science or experts in the field of animal behavior. I have had dogs come to me who were injured by these methods; dogs who are now so incredibly anxious from these methods that they are miserable; dogs whose relationship with their owners have been so far damaged that they are almost beyond hope and may have to be euthanized. I have seen aggression INCREASE in dogs where people have used these kinds of methods because the dog feels the owner is attacking it.
People watching these sorts of shows on TV have no idea of the risks involved in using these techniques, for them or their dogs. And usually, it's the dog that suffers, the dog that loses, if their aggression stays the same or gets worse instead of better.
A staggering number of people have adopted rescue dogs and brought home puppies during the pandemic.I wonder how many people will watch this TV show and think they have the tools they need to solve their dog's behavior problems. I wonder how many puppies and dogs will be damaged as a result of this show.
It isn't a matter of opinion. It's a matter of science, a matter of welfare, and a matter of ethics. Look at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB's) documents about the use of punishment and dominance. While you're at it, look at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)...I could go on. You will find NONE of these professional organizations, and none of the experts in animal behavior with ACTUAL academic credentials, certifications from reputable agencies, AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE endorse these kinds of techniques. There is a reason for that.
Please spread the word. Tell your family, tell your friends, don't watch this show. Sign petitions. File complaints. Tell Netflix that you're disappointed in them. The welfare of many, many dogs is at stake. It's not just about the dogs on the show. It's about all the dogs who belong to all the people who are watching.
Loved it!
dcbrown-3437613 March 2021
Truly Amazing
valeriemcantwell20 March 2021
Absolutely loved this series, I don't even have a dog but I was gripped and amazed at how Jez has the patience and understanding of how to train any breed of dog no matter what their background. Really hope there will be many more episodes to come in the near future. Best dog training I've ever seen.
As an expert in this field, I can tell you that every aspect of this show is wrong.
taychastain27 February 2021
As a professional who works with dogs at the highest level, I am appalled at the culture of human-animal interaction that is being promoted through this show. Jas uses abusive techniques that are based on empirically disproven theories. The body language of the animals on this show demonstrate high levels of distress to the point of becoming dangerous even to their owners. He conflates key terminology, calling an ESA a service animal. Jas is the embodiment of the powerful fact that how we treat animals is how we treat humans, as exhibited in the most inappropriate training session I've ever witnessed when he intimidates a young client and his mother into using abusive methods. This show is a disaster and misses an incredible opportunity to help viewers improve their relationships with animals while simultaneously communicating truths that change the way we interact as humans.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
