Hi, this is my dog Rossy and I'm a dog trainer, which basically means I spend most of my day handing out snacks and convincing other people's dogs that I'm more interesting than a squirrel. [laughter] My husband and I, along with our two dogs, lost our Altadena home in the Eaton Canyon fire. Today, I'm going to share with you what dog training taught me about rebuilding a home and reclaiming our lives.From a very young age, I was obsessed with animals. I can't think of a birthday I didn't ask for a pony. An ...

Animal Welfare Crisis & Industry Limitations - Domestic animal welfare is in a state of crisis, with 33 million dogs surrendered to shelters yearly in the US, behavioral reasons being a leading concern [2] - Mainstream dog training relies on conditioning methods that are primarily effective for puppies but become limiting and ineffective as dogs mature, failing to address cognitive abilities [3][4][7] - The industry debates center around reinforcements used in conditioning, neglecting alternative methods that respect animals as sentient beings [13][14] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an Alternative - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a method grounded in cognitive exercises that reset the brain, prevent unhealthy thought patterns, and encourage processing, decision-making, and understanding emotions [15][16] - CBT resonates with dogs by fostering understanding, self-regulation, and emotional control, leading to intrinsic motivation, contrasting with the limitations of conditioning methods [16][24] - Scientific studies could see an increase in the human-canine bond and a decrease in unwanted behavior by using cognitive exercises instead of reinforcements [17] Industry Resistance & Emerging Solutions - Organizations influencing dog trainers have dismissed alternative solutions, perpetuating debates based on reinforcements and hindering progress in addressing the core issues [13][14] - Experts acknowledge challenges in using conditioning methods during adolescence and with street dogs, but often recommend coping mechanisms instead of exploring alternative approaches [18][19][20] - Integration programs using cognitive exercises show high success rates, emphasizing mindfulness, mental health, and therapy, promoting acceptance of animals as sentient beings [22] Call to Action & Future Directions - There is a need to move beyond justifying current practices and rectify the situation for dogs in shelters, rescue systems, and on the streets [25][26] - The Institute of K9 Psychotherapy encourages free-thinking and empowers individuals with skills to make a local and global impact [27] - The global movement for sentience for all animals is a call to action, urging individuals to break free from limitations and empower themselves to contribute to a collective mission [30]