I’ve been doing some research on the Korean Jindo breed because I’m working with little Nina, a dog currently at Angel’s Animal Rescue. I had never heard of Jindos, and Nina is demonstrating some interesting behaviours that made me wonder if they were characteristic of this breed. She is very quiet, aloof with strangers, and does not welcome physical contact. Sure enough, this is typical. I’ll write more about my work with Nina.
What really sparked my attention during my research was this description of the Jindo from Treasured K9s, a rescue organization that specializes in rehoming this breed. According to Treasured K9s the Jindo “is a rare breed and revered in Korea, yet there are hundreds, if not thousands dying in animal shelters across the United States every year.” Other rescue organizations specializing in Jindos make similar claims.
This is how they describe the Jindo:
▪ Is Highly Dominant: A Jindo is not for the novice dog owner. You must understand pack mentality and the techniques you will need to firmly establish your role as the pack leader. We highly recommend Jindo owners have a working knowledge Cesar Millan’s (aka the Dog Whisper) dog psychology methods. Once a Jindo respects the human as the pack leader, the Jindo is very obedient and easy to train using positive reinforcement.
Who are the caregivers that will fit this profile?
Throw dominant into a description, and to many people that means you must be firm, stern, strong, and gruff. Mention Cesar Millan’s “dog psychology methods” and wait for the “experts” to step forward and take on the challenge. I mean, how hard can it be to kick a dog in the ribs and stare him down to get it to be in a “calm and submissive state”? (Note all the jargon protected by quotation marks.)
The caregivers will emerge from a population of dog prospective owners who pick up their training tips from people who are using outdated methods. Unfortunately, this includes “professional” dog trainers and reality TV celebrities, but also the very people who are dedicated to improving the lives of animals: rescue organizations.
Is this rescue organization contributing to the problem of Jindos dying in shelters? That’s a disturbing thought.
To claim that an entire breed is dominant, and to further advise that a working knowledge of Cesar Millan’s “psychology methods” will prepare you to deal with this breed, speaks volumes about the education of individuals involved in rescue. That’s when my enthusiasm for supporting a rescue organization completely takes a turn. The mission to improve the quality of life for dogs is completely in conflict with the practices of the people involved in rescue.
Of course this isn’t the first time I’ve come across rescue organizations that advise that prospective adopters need to be experienced. It’s honest and up front to warn that adopting a particular dog is going to be a challenging process, and thankfully some people are willing to take that on.
But you want an educated person to be willing to take that on. I recently suggested in a public forum that this description of a 100 lb Dogue de Bordeaux ready for adoption might attract the wrong type of person — that I was concerned about this dog’s future if someone comes forward to foster who thinks they should/can meet these requirements. At that time, the dog was staying in a kennel, and working with a trainer.
The description included: “He requires a alpha leader” “He is a dominant dog that is requiring an experienced owner willing to work with him on further training.”
My question was:
What does the rescue organization mean by this language, and where does it come from? The trainer at the kennel? :
The ensuing conversation boiled down to yes, this information comes from the trainer, and that this trainer would make sure the potential adopter would meet these qualifications. The first question in my mind…Are your fundraising efforts going toward hiring a trainer who believes that humans need to be alpha leaders?
As my respect for these organizations drops a notch, then another notch, likewise so does my willingness to support them. I am happy to offer training and other volunteer services if I think it might lead to a better quality of life for the dogs, now and in the future. In fact, what better reason to get involved, if you can be part of a transition to better handling practices by staff and volunteers. Positive change begins with time and effort.
But financial support is a little different. Donations should not be directed at trainers who are using archaic training methods, and are clearly not keeping up-to-date in their field.
It’s a dilemma. Most people involved in animal rescue have huge hearts and great intentions. There’s no doubt that it is a huge amount of work and commitment. After all, look at the many hats you need to wear to sustain a not-for-profit, much less care for all of the animals. But a big heart and drive is not a replacement for knowledge and education.
The future of some of these rescue organizations is at risk. They need to be more savvy about dog behaviour AND marketing. After all, reputation is everything if you are relying on public support. It won’t be long before language like “dominant dog” “pack leader” and reference to Cesar Millan, will be code for BACK AWAY.
Recommended reading:
When good rescue groups make bad training decisions
This is a post (dog is a GSD) from one of our new local rescues. Very nice, well meaning, young people – running their rescue is their ‘calling’.
“Meet Miingan (meaning wolf)
“She’s a very sweet girl who is just 2yrs old. She needs a firm pack leader as she can be a bit pushy although she corrects easily. Miingan loves to play fetch and is very willing to please her owner. Great with kids and great in the car. Miingan walks nicely on a leash and is working on her obedience commands. “
That’s a tricky thing, isn’t it? People who work in rescue are well meaning and work so hard. The last thing you want to do is be critical, but unfortunately these are also the very people who are helping to perpetuate a (huge) problem of too many dogs needing to be rescued.