In recent years, more and more people have adopted pets, whether through purchasing, adopting, or unfortunately, abandoning them. With the increase in pet ownership, various issues have arisen. One of the most concerning is aggressive dogs.

Many breeds have been involved in fatal attacks on other dogs or even humans. This has led to growing hostility towards breeds with higher aggression and has prompted calls for laws banning certain breeds.

In such situations, pet behavior trainers are crucial in helping owners address behavioral issues such as excessive barking, aggression, or destructive tendencies.

Correcting Bad Habits: Understanding the Root Cause

Pet behavior training primarily focuses on correcting undesirable habits in pets. These may include aggression, anxiety, barking, and destructive behavior, or even preventing these issues before they develop. One breed that has often been at the center of controversy is the Pit Bull. Several incidents involving these dogs have raised concerns about their temperament, leading to regulations that require owners to leash their Pit Bulls in public places. However, pet trainer Ming explains that Pit Bulls were originally bred for dog fighting, which made them genetically less resilient to stress. "Aggression" in these dogs is often a result of overwhelming stress, rather than an inherent problem. Many owners seek these dogs because they want a fierce companion, and the way they raise and treat these dogs can put a lot of pressure on them. This stress often leads to aggressive behavior as an outlet.

Training for Emotional Well-being: Fostering Confidence

As the number of pet owners grows, so do the challenges, but the demand for professional pet trainers has increased as well. One of the important aspects of pet training is helping dogs understand their environment through scent. Dogs are highly sensitive to smells and use them to gather information about their surroundings. Trainer Ma Yiwen shares that scent training, similar to human yoga, can help dogs feel more secure. “Just like Maslow's hierarchy of needs for humans, dogs also experience their own emotional needs. Scent training fulfills a dog's curiosity and allows them to gauge their environment's safety. Once these needs are met, dogs tend to be more relaxed and less likely to display problematic behaviors.”

Changing the Owner's Perspective: It's About the Dog's Needs

Through behavior training, many owners not only resolve behavioral issues but also gain a deeper understanding of their pets. For example, after attending training sessions, Ms. Chen, one of Ming's students, made significant changes to her dog's daily routine and environment. She introduced scent-based activities and allocated more time for her dog's exercises. Over time, these adjustments, along with desensitization training, greatly improved her dog's behavior and decreased instances of aggression.

TTouch: Healing Through Gentle Touch

Another aspect of pet behavior training involves the TTouch system, which uses gentle touch techniques to relax animals. TTouch can be done by hand or with the use of specialized tools, like a calming vest. Trainer Ma Yiwen explains that TTouch stimulates cellular activity and helps alleviate stress. This system has been scientifically validated to be effective in soothing pets and promoting body awareness.

One remarkable story shared by Ma Yiwen involved her own dog, Hulk, whom she adopted from a shelter. When she first got Hulk, he had significant behavior issues, especially during walks. However, after several sessions of TTouch, Hulk's mobility improved, and he became more comfortable walking. This technique not only helped him physically but also mentally.

The Role of Pet Communicators: Understanding Your Pet's Mind

Pet communication is another fascinating but controversial field. Unlike what some may think, pet communication isn't about “talking” to animals or performing telepathy. Instead, it's akin to intuitive communication or "mind-reading." Animal communicator Qiu Shujun explains that it involves using meditation and mindfulness techniques to connect with the pet's thoughts and emotions. She shares an intriguing case where she helped reunite a lost dog with its owner. The dog communicated that it would return home in three days, and indeed, three days later, the dog was found heading back home.

Balancing Science and Intuition: The Future of Pet Behavior Training

While pet communication isn't scientifically proven, it can still offer valuable insights into understanding your pet. However, pet owners are still encouraged to consult with veterinarians and professional trainers for behavioral issues. Despite the skepticism surrounding some aspects of the pet training world, the increasing recognition of the importance of pets' emotional and physical well-being is undeniable. The use of holistic methods like TTouch and behavioral training is growing in popularity, allowing pets and owners to build stronger, more harmonious relationships.

We hope this article has shed light on how pet behavior training can create a happier and healthier environment for both pets and their owners. If you're a pet parent, have you considered behavioral training for your furry friend?