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Chris Volk / Chad Darwin
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cvolk@golinharris.com / cdarwin@golinharris.com
FOURTH GENERATION DOG TRAINER USES WOLF RESEARCH
TO SOLVE SEVERE AGGRESSION ISSUES IN DOMESTIC DOGS
Wolf Psychology Allows Jennifer McCarthy to Better Understand the Motivations of Dogs
LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2007) — After initiating a multi-year study into wolf behavior, fourth generation
dog trainer Jennifer McCarthy has unveiled a new training philosophy, designed to teach people how to relate to
their dogs as wolves. By treating domestic dogs more like the animals they originated from, McCarthy has found
that she has been able to solve and prevent severe aggression issues from occurring.
McCarthy's wolf research has taken her to both Mission: Wolf, a remote wolf sanctuary in Westcliffe, Colorado, as
well as Yellowstone National Park where she has gained an in-depth understanding of wolf behavior. McCarthy
notes that while wolves are extremely dangerous animals, they also have a number of parallels with common
domestic dogs and can provide important lessons on how to interact with animals facing severe aggression
issues or those that have previously been branded as uncontrollable by their owners.
McCarthy has already begun to instill her research learnings into her existing philosophy of dog behavior training.
This includes teaching her clients the "language" of dogs, such as growling, while also emphasizing the
importance of maintaining eye contact, proper body language, energy and touch.
“As I study wolves in the wild and get more and more into my research, I have been able to apply their
communication style to domestic dogs, thus giving me unbelievable success and knowledge into who these
creatures truly are,” said Jennifer McCarthy. "This research not only helps us solve severe aggression issues in
dogs, but has the potential to lead to new training techniques for other general behavior issues as well."
A sample of Jennifer's training tips for dog owners which are based on her wolf research include:
•
Hunt, Kill, Chase: Always exercise your dog prior to feeding them. Do not allow "free feeding" and feed your
dogs within rank of pecking order if you have multiple dogs. Mimic your dog's behavior if they were living in
the wild or they were a wolf and they will be much happier!
•
Stress: Eliminate it. Alpha wolves take on more stress then any other members of the pack, but maintain a
calm disposition. Owners should replicate this behavior by showing fearlessness, control, attitude, leadership
and direction. By doing this, your dogs will lead more relaxed and contented lives. If dogs feel stressed, they
can become defensive and aggressive, or even run.
•
Teach your dog to accept potential new members of your pack: Be in control of your social position. You
should be the only one acting aggressive to potential new pack members - not your dog. If you ignore other
dogs in the dog park or while on a walk, you show leadership to your canines. If you maintain a leadership
position in these instances, your dog will feel more secure and will follow your lead.
•
Don't talk to your dog like a human. If you want to make a point, bark or growl at them! If you feel silly,
watch a video on wolves and mimic the way they talk to one another. Do as a wolf or a dog does and learn to
"speak" the language of Canids.
•
Control: A true alpha controls everything, including space. If your dog bothers you in the bathroom, growl at
them to get out. If your dog runs away when you take them in the front yard, correct this by teaching them the
importance of staying with the pack.
•
On the Leash: It's important for the owner to lead the pack while on walks, as they are the alpha member of
the pack. However, alpha wolves only lead 78% of the time, so it’s ok to give your dog a break every now
and then.
•
Territorial marking: The more your dog marks (or uses the bathroom) around your neighborhood, the higher
his confidence is, so encourage it!
McCarthy has found that by teaching her clients this wolf behavior, it has truly bridged the gap into solving
behavior problems with remarkable results. “These domestic animals sitting in our living rooms want nothing more
than to be part of a pack, work and hunt for food, play and have leadership just like their ancestors did,” added
McCarthy. “When this takes place, I have seen dogs in their happiest moments and that's why I do the work I do,
to see the light in their eyes and freedom in their soul.”
About Jennifer McCarthy
Jennifer McCarthy (www.jmdogtraining.com) is a fourth generation dog trainer who has trained the canine
companions of exclusive television, film, and music celebrities and influential business executives for more than
twelve years. McCarthy is skilled in a wide variety of fields including: obedience, behavior, protection, training for
television and print, trick training, Schutzhund and American Kennel Club (AKC) handling. She currently resides
in Longmont, Colorado and owns three German-bred Shepherds (Elvis, Lola and Dylan), a mini Daschund named
Jack and a rescued cat named Mitten.
Continued education, constant research, and attendance at industry seminars and conferences keep McCarthy at
the top of her game. Her active memberships include: The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Schutzhund U.S.A.,
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America, The International Association of Dog Behavior Consultants, The
International Association of Canine Professionals, Defenders of Wildlife and The International Wolf Center.
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PLEASE NOTE:
Interview opportunities and demonstrations available upon request