10 defends Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia
Pet guild questions "quick fix" methods of dog behaviour show, but 10 maintains best practice animal welfare.
- Published by David Knox
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10 has defended its upcoming doggie series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia which features UK ‘Dogfather’ Graeme Hall.
Based on the UK series of the same name, Hall sets his sights on aiding “Any Dog, Any Age, Any Problem” and their frustrated owners.
The Pet Professional Guild Australia has written to 10, and has the support of several dog training bodies, animal welfare experts, professional associations and animal welfare organisations such as Australian Veterinary Association, Delta Therapy Dogs, Companion Animal Network Australia and PetRescue.
PPGA warns against using “quick fix” and “archaic” methods to control normal dog behaviour and placing blame on animals.
A 10 Network spokesperson told Guardian Australia: “We take animal welfare seriously at Network 10 and sought to set the bar high with our approach to dog training on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
“We had a behind-the-scenes animal consultant with a diploma in dog behaviour working with both the production team … we followed positive reinforcement training at all times. We liaised extensively with the RSPCA – stories were submitted prior to filming, and we appraised them of our plans for behind-the-scenes support.
“Throughout the production we went above and beyond to ensure the dogs were the beneficiaries of the process and best practice was followed at all steps.”
RSPCA clarified it has not approved the stories on the Avalon production, which now premieres on 10 on July 20th, narrated by Julia Morris.
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3 Responses
I’m confused about the comments from the PPGA. Do they not want the dogs owners to do something about the dogs and let them carry on with their bad behaviour and possibly attack another dog or person? Because that wouldn’t be good for anyone. And maybe the PPGA shouldn’t pass judgement until they see what Graeme does.
The PPGA *has* viewed the series, which is why they’ve complained to the 10 Network about the show, and its inappropriate retraining of the dogs. And it’s an inaccuracy to suggest that the PPGA condones bad dog behaviour. They and their supporting organisations definitely do not do anything of the sort.
Some of the more difficult dogs have more than one meeting with the dog trainer. Also he gives the owners things to do with the dogs for homework. Many of these dogs are/were one step away from being given up and they get a second chance.