First off that it is abundantly clear that Kim Richards loves, loves, loves this dog. We get that, seeing them interact is wonderful, there is an outstanding trusting bond that has been forged here and there is joy. All the romping and playing —so wonderful to see Kingsley play bowing to Kim as she attempts to keep house and entertain him at the same time. Kim seems to miss that when Kingsley places his front legs out and bows down he is asking for play and not trying to keep objects away from her but she is kind and good natured and there is much laughter in the segment. And when Kim gets under the bed to retrieve a toy for Kingsley, fellow dog lovers can relate, having all been there getting whatever has rolled under the couch, dresser, bookcase, or bed.
Kim acknowledges in the segment that she needs to train this big puppy. Good intentions. Where this falls apart is in the training methods employed by the trainer Kim has hired. We see the back of the trainer kicking what appears to be the dog as a method of control, advocating Kim and her son to “thunk” or hit the dog with her legs and to grab on to the tender scruff of the dog’s neck to force the dog to sit. There is much made of how this puppy should not be treated tenderly and the relationship with “Mommy” that he has forged is disparaged. We see no teaching of Kingsley as to what we might want from him. None. No teaching of “sit” or “off” or “quiet’.” Instead, the trainer advocates rough manhandling which teaches a dog nothing except to fear the handler period. Studies bear this out extensively. Punishment creates fear and defensive aggression as the animal seeks to protect himself. Teaching any animal, human or non-human with positive reinforcement is proven more successful not to mention kinder and more humane.
Kim, herself seems to question these methods. (Good for you Kim!) In her blog of November 12th she writes: “The trainer told me he’s very spoiled! You think??” No Kim, your doggy is a puppy and a high energy, playful puppy who likes to play and do dog like things like bark, and chew and bite and jump up. You need to learn how to redirect him in a positive manner just as you would any child. Kingsley needs to be taught how to channel those behaviors to coexist in your human family. Positive dog training without aversive strategies is the way to go here.
Kim writes on: “When I spoke to the trainer, David Utter, he told me that Kingsley is not going to like the authority of a trainer and what he represents and that he could become aggressive with him.” There is absolutely no good reason for this. Dogs are heavily domesticated and work well with any human that handles them with sensitivity, consideration and respect. If the dog reacts aggressively to anyone including a trainer there is an issue with the approach and handling. A dog becomes aggressive when he is fearful and is protecting himself, and what the dog is protecting himself from in this instance is the trainer’s painful handling. Kim goes on to write: “He also said that Kingsley should have a choke collar and leash on when he arrives, because Kingsley may sense him on the other side of the door!” Such bad advice! Restraining an animal with a powerfully aversive method such as a chain which chokes off their air supply is compulsion training which is not only cruel but which will work counter to what you are trying to teach. This sort of pulling and pain inducing will hurt and frustrate the dog, add to that the owner’s high energy and you have a recipe for extreme arousal. Attack dogs are trained to attack by keeping them on lead and just within reach of whatever it is they are trying to get to. Way better here to teach Kingsley to sit off to the side and offer treats for quiet behavior. This trains “sit quietly while I open the door” not “opening the door means you get choked.”
In TV land, where shows are shot way ahead much has already happened in real time that we are not aware of. I hope Kim Richards has figured this out already and that Kingsley is being taught without the use of compulsion training. There is so much that can still be done with Kingsley and this trainer and behaviorist would be happy to show guidelines and strategies to Kim and Kingsley to start working with on set or off. Should the producers be looking for celebrity think of Ian Dunbar, Sophia Yin, Suzanne Clothier or Victoria Stillwell. Good luck Kingsley!
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Photo:G.Milldrum
