In order to tame the wild gray wolf (approximately 15,000 years ago), man must have used calm communication techniques to create trust – a form of Dog Whispering. Dog Whispering is still used today to communicate with the Domestic Dog (Canislupus familiaris), based upon the early communication methods.
Where did the term ‘Dog Whispering’ come from
Originally back in the early 18th century there was an Irish “Horse Whisperer”, by the name of Daniel Sullivan, who had a “mysterious technique” for rehabilitating troubled horses. Most of his training techniques were passed on until the 1850’s, then lost until a brief mention in the 1950’s followed by a novel by Nicholas Evans in 1995 and then a film The Horse Whisperer, with Robert Redford in 1998. Today there are many trainers and equine workers, who use the name Horse Whisperer, and it is believed that is the origin of the popular term “Dog Whisperer”
Methods of Dog Whispering
The Dog Whispering methods used by Bruce Clanford, the UK Dog Whisperer, are:
•Non – Confrontational
•Passive
•Motivating
•Peaceful
•Using Classical and Operant conditioning
•Use of Clicker Training Techniques
•We use a host of other basic handling/training techniques that are essential to healthy canine development and welfare.
These are used as they are not only therapeutic, but it is rewarding to see a well behaved dog and after hours/days/weeks of patient, calm, repetitive, training, this is what they become, naturally.
Commercial Methods of Dog Whispering
There are commercial methods of Dog Whispering that the UK Dog Whisperer frowns upon as they cause the dog to be forcefully placed into submission. Any attempt at physical correction using the wrong intensity (hitting, kicking,pulling, tugging – generally causing the dog pain) are unhelpful for proper development.
Who are todays Dog Whisperers
Bruce Clanford Dip.Dog.Psy. M.S.F.T.R. M.O.C is the FIRST and ONLY Qualified Dog Whisperer.
Bruce Clanford is The UK Dog Whisperer & Managing Director of the Dog Whisperer Limited.
Bruce Clanford has the Registered Trademark for The Dog Whisperer http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/1/UK00002537663
There are others that have been known to use the term, in the U.K. and abroad, but ONLY Bruce Clanford has the rights to trade, as The Dog Whisperer in the United Kingdom.
One who was important in the U.K. is the late Steve Fryer who died unexpectedly on 30/05/06, may his soul rest in peace. For decades he strived to achieve a better life for animals in particular dogs and their owners.
