Colorado Dog Trainer Sent to Jail Over Animal Abuse
  by twodolla |
On January 18, Ryan Matthews will serve 29 days in a Colorado jail for abusing a dog. |
He then will spend two years on probation where he will not be allowed around animals. This is a big step forward for animal cruelty laws.
Larimer Humane Society Receives Tip
The whistleblower was an employee of Off Leash. Matthews was caught on video surveillance abusing his own dog in the training facility. He was caught slamming his Belgian Malinois into a sheetrock. Then he body slammed the dog. The whistleblower also said Matthews repeatedly kicked and punched the dog.
Dog Trainer No More
Ryan Matthews was a dog trainer and owner at Off Leash Training. He reportedly has a background with the U.S. Army police. There he trained bomb sniffing and drug sniffing dogs. However, due to the sentencing, he will be a dog trainer no more.
Warning on Choosing Dog Trainers
This report on animal cruelty from a dog trainer should serve as a warning to all dog owners. You must be careful when selecting a trainer for you dog. It is my opinion, when choosing a dog trainer; find one who focuses on positive dog training.
Positive dog training never uses punishment as a means for training. Instead, the focus is on reinforcing good better. This type of training will greatly decrease the chances of any dog being abused.
Traditional Dog Trainers Do Not Abuse Animals
Do not get me wrong. Ryan Matthews does not represent traditional dog training. Even in traditional dog training, the “punishment” should never be like this. Even when using a “choke” collar, you never choke the dog. It is more of a snap and release.
While traditional training is harsh and requires attention getting activities, it should never be abuse. There is a big difference between an alpha roll (used in dominant training) and throwing your dog to the ground. There is also a huge difference in tapping your dog to simulate a bite and punching your dog.
Final Thoughts on Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is never acceptable and here at Pet Training 101, we are thrilled to see someone serve jail time for abusing a defenseless dog.
Resources:
coloradoan.com
ohmidog.com
kdvr.com
examiner.com