Here is why his “Truth & Accountability” template is bullshit.
In April Sean O’Shea posted this video on Facebook with a dog that has
“A host of serious behavioral issues. Multiple bites on family members, resource guarding, lunging at people on walks (so they no longer walk him), hyper-territorial behavior towards neighbors (barking, growling, showing teeth), and in general constant barking which is causing the owner and neighbors much grief/stress.
He’s genetically highly insecure, and will tuck his tail and urinate under any stress, according to his owners.”
My response:
“Did this dog see a vet first for a complete checkup including bloodwork to rule out any underlying issues? A large amount of aggressive like behavior can be traced back to a medical condition. What about a certified veterinary behaviorist? With that long list of issues I would think those would be the first steps.
I’m also concerned by your constant focus on punishment to resolve behavior issues. When the science overwhelming states that punishment is not necessary you continue to push toxic relationships with your dogs.
Finally, and respectfully, the only thing I see here is a terrified dog in one clip and then the same dog running outside in another. Anyone can make a video like that. What happened in-between?”
My comment was deleted so I tried again
“Weird, my comment is gone … Sean can you tell me if this dog received a full vet check up before coming to you? did the owner consult with their vet and veterinary behaviorist?
Instead of removing my comment why don’t we have a conversation? I’d be happy to do a live chat with you and discuss this case and talk about alternatives to the punishment you are always talking about”
Afterwards he recorded an eight minute video about it. All his talking points were right out of the balanced trainer how-to avoid the question, deflect, and move goal posts handbook. It’s humorous, and added to the collection.
In closing, and to be blunt, Sean is full of shit. But if you’d like to prove me wrong – you have my contact info and I’d love to have a meeting that we can do live for everyone to watch. Bring along Bernie’s owners because I have lots of questions for them too: what methods have they tried, did they talk with their vet before contacting you, and if they did lets get the vet on the call, etc. We can even hide their identity if they are worried about it.
Here is your put up or shut up moment, Sean! Here is your chance to tell the truth.