Local Animal Lovers Oppose Humane Society Yukon’s Decision to Bring Brad Pattison for Fundraiser

Are you a dog lover who is passionate about animal welfare? If so, you may be interested in the recent controversy surrounding the Humane Society Yukon’s decision to bring dog trainer and television personality Brad Pattison to Whitehorse for a weekend fundraiser.

Local animal lovers are up in arms about Pattison’s methods, which they believe are inhumane and harmful to dogs. A petition has been started to cancel the event and end any further association with Pattison or the trainers he certifies. Many people are concerned about the use of physical force, such as stepping on dogs’ toes or hitting them in the face, as a means of training.

On the other hand, Pattison defends his methods, claiming that they are effective and have produced successful results. He has never been charged with abuse by any humane society or the SPCA, and he has even traveled to disaster-stricken areas to help dogs in need.

However, local dog trainer Sabine Almstrom warns that using fear and punishment-based methods can be detrimental to a dog’s well-being, causing them to become aggressive and lose trust in their owners. She advocates for positive reinforcement training, which rewards good behavior and obedience with treats, praise, or clicker training.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association also supports reward-based methods and condemns any training techniques that cause fear, distress, pain, or anxiety in dogs. Dr. Warren Skippon, a veterinarian with the association, emphasizes that physical force should have no place in dog training.

Despite the controversy, the Humane Society Yukon hopes to raise funds for important initiatives, such as repairing fences at the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter. The society aims to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 through Pattison’s visit, which will benefit the local community and help improve the lives of animals in need.

In the end, the decision to support or oppose Brad Pattison’s training methods is a personal one. Whether you believe in his techniques or prefer a more positive approach to dog training, it’s important to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our furry friends. Let’s continue to advocate for humane and compassionate treatment of animals in our community.