p r o f i l e
The Dog in Front of You In our ongoing series of PPG member profiles, this month BARKS features Lynn Webb of The Proficient Pup Dog Training and Massage in Escondido, California
L
ynn Webb owns and operates The Proficient Pup Dog Training and Massage in Escondido, California. She spent 16 years work ing with birds, mammals, and reptiles at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for before becoming a fulltime dog trainer. Q: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now? A: I learned a lot about animal behavior during my time at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, during which time I also had the opportunity to educate the general public about the need for conservation. I left the zoo to pursue dog training and I now focus on helping shy and fearful dogs. In addition, I offer canine massage, hence the name of my busi ness. I also specialize in rattlesnake avoidance training without the use of force, pain, or shock – or snakes. Q: Why did you become a dog trainer or pet care provider? A: I became a dog trainer after my husband and I adopted a 5year old American Staffordshire terrier from a local shelter. When we dis covered that she had some behavior issues, I looked to the internet for some help. I knew enough about animal behavior to know that much of the advice I found was not good, so I decided I would learn
There Is No Excuse
FOR ABUSE
It’s time to ban shock collars I would say that, as with any helping professional, your first and primary obligation is to do no harm, and we have compelling evidence that applying shock, either systematically or randomly, to domestic dogs increases their general level of stress and discomfort. So given that knowledge, there simply is no ethical rationale for using it.
Janis Bradley,
Director of Communications and Publications, National Canine Research Council
If there’s a tool which causes pain or discomfort, it has the potential of creating other problems. As animal care professionals, I feel that if we...can’t find kinder, gentler ways of doing something, then maybe we are in the wrong profession. Ken Ramirez, Executive VP and CTO, Karen Pryor Clicker Training
“Until these devices are illegal, consumers must protect themselves and their dogs by looking beyond the marketing messages of those who profit from their sale and use. It is not necessary to use electric shock to change behavior. It is not necessary in humans, in zoo species, in marine mammals or in dogs.” Jean Donaldson, Author, Train Your Dog Like a Pro
© Lynn Webb
Lynn Webb with Charlotte, who does not like the camera and, at the time, was concerned that her guardian was wearing shoes – which usually meant she would be leaving the house
properly how to help my dog, and from there, how to be a resource for other fearful dog guardians. Q: Tell us a little bit about your own pets. A: We have two cats and one dog. Because the cats are seniors and are not as quick and nimble as they used to be, we keep our dog separate from them. This works for everyone. Q: What is your favorite part of your job? A: Providing understanding for people who may not be getting that from their family or friends. I like to encourage good human behavior and that starts with listening. I like to be the change I wish to see. Q: What do you consider to be your area of expertise? A: I do not consider myself an expert, but I am most interested in fearful and reactive dogs. I also focus on training humans and dogs to avoid hazards like rattlesnakes.
ShockFree.org
Q: Are you a crossover trainer or have you always been a force‐free trainer? A: As a professional trainer, I have only been forcefree. When I was a teenager without enough knowledge, I did rely on punishment with our family dogs. For example, shaking a can to stop excessive barking.
BARKS from the Guild/November 2020
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