Dog Training and Dan Ariely's "Predictably Irrational" Insight

Two recent posts on http://www.predictablyirrational.com/ deal with concepts related to dog training. Whether you are a dog trainer or learning dog training from an expert, these two articles point out "irrational" human brain tendencies -- tricks our brain plays on us -- that we should be aware of.

We're more swayed by confidence than accuracy June 25, 2009

Read the article for details on how this was determined.

The take-away for me?
This "irrational" phenomenon in human brains explains how unscrupulous dog trainers (ones with little or no analytical understanding of their work) can convince folks to part with their cash.

Often, these unscrupulous individuals have more financial and reputation "success" than those honest dog trainers (ones who realize the limitations and variable nature of the field) who express the verifiably uncertain nature of dog training advice!

Knowing this, however, leaves me with a quandary. If I act more confident, or avoid acknowledging the variable nature of dog training results, am I simply manipulating people? I think yes, and that feels icky. However, if I act less confident, I am risking clients & their dogs, who may end up taking advice from someone unqualified.

The Value of Advice July 10, 2009

Again, read the article for a scary revelation about how we think: when presented with the opinion of an "expert", human brains literally STOP thinking about a decision.

Perhaps this phenomenon, this preference of the human brain, explains why critical thinking skills are disappearing. In today's world, expert opinions are more accessible than ever. We are forced to make more decisions that don't matter, like which of 8 different peanut butter jars to choose in the grocery store, and less decisions that do, like how to teach our children (or dogs) social skills, or how to manage our finances and avoid debt.

The take-away relative to dog training is that, as an expert, forcing my clients to choose or invent their approaches, rather than stating a clear answer actually encourages their brain participation, and prevents their (human) brain from shifting into auto-pilot, because good (humane AND effective) dog training hinges on good decision-making, not use of prescribed techniques.