Can I Train My Dog Just Like They Do On TV?

Real Life vs. Reality TV

Have you seen the program  “The Biggest Loser”? It is a TV show where overweight people try to lose the most weight and win cash prizes.  The program depicts the competitors running, lifting, sweating, and pushing away from the dinner table, with each episode ending at a weigh-in to see what progress was made. Many of us can relate to them as they carefully consider everything they do and its impact on their goals.  No one would expect it to take less effort than they put in to get the amazing results they get.

Do Some Critical Thinking

Every TV dog training program has some good points and silly ones too. You’ll have to wade through and see what you can use from the show. Here are a few points to consider as you evaluate each episode:

Don’t Try This At Home.
If your TV dog-training program starts out with a disclaimer, watch out! Some TV trainers have skills that may not show through the airwaves, so you’re not going to be able to replicate their results at home. Do you feel comfortable doing it? Is it safe. If the people on TV are being bitten, this is NOT a technique you’ll want to try on your own.

One Size Does Not Fit All!
The same problem may have different causes, so you can’t assume that the miracle trick you observed on TV will work for your dog, and you can’t assume that the technique will be as effective as what you observed on the (edited) TV show. You don’t get that many ‘takes’ in real life.

Sounds of Silence.
As you watch the TV program, try turning off the sound so you’re not over influenced by the narration and dramatic music. Just watch the dogs. Do they seem willing participants in the process or are they stressed, frightened, or being hurt? Is the end result a happy, engaged, and friendly dog or has the dog just shut down and “given up?” You can make some better decisions about whether this method you’re watching is the one for you.