Haz Othman had already travelled to Europe for the WUSV World Championship when, he says, he learnt that a clip from his training footage had cost him his place in the event.
In Episode 377 of The Canine Paradigm, Haz joins Glenn Cooke and Pat Stuart to talk through what happened, the dog behind the footage and the wider questions it raises for dog training.
Contains strong language and discussion of serious dog bites.
Haz Othman and the WUSV controversy
Haz explains how he qualified for the Canadian team and what happened after footage from a longer Patreon training video was shared with officials. He describes receiving the news that he would not be competing, his attempts to get an explanation and the conversation that eventually followed.
His concern was that the excerpt showed pressure being applied without the surrounding training or the dog’s response when that pressure stopped. He explains why he felt the full case had not been considered.
We discuss what an organisation should establish when a welfare concern is raised, how trainers should be given the opportunity to respond and what a fair assessment of the footage would involve.
The dog behind the footage
The dog involved belonged to a client and had a history of serious aggression towards its handler. Haz talks through the circumstances of an attack, the owner’s decision to continue working with the dog and the training that followed.
He makes clear that the filmed session was one part of that work. There were other training and handling protocols, and the dog still presented risks that needed to be managed.
We ask how the dog is doing now and how the owner is getting on. Those questions lead into a discussion about the responsibilities involved in handling dangerous dogs, explaining difficult training decisions and looking at what happens beyond a single recorded session.
Showing the work and protecting the sport
The conversation also turns to the pressures facing dog sport and what happens when trainers become reluctant to show their work. We discuss the difference between raising a legitimate concern and reaching a conclusion from incomplete information.
Haz shares his views on the direction of IGP and what he would like its governing organisations to do differently. We also explore how experience with working dogs can inform the way trainers understand and manage aggression.
Throughout the conversation, Haz returns to his desire to train, compete and see the sport grow. His experience raises questions for anyone who teaches dog training, shares footage or belongs to an organisation making decisions about its members.
When a training clip raises a concern, what would you expect a fair investigation to include? Join The Canine Paradigm discussion group and let us know.
Further Details
Find out more about Haz and his work at Shield K9.
Explore Glenn’s work through Pet Resorts Australia and Pat’s coaching through Serious Dog Business.
Help keep the podcast going through Patreon, or browse our merchandise. Find your preferred way to listen on our subscription page and follow us on YouTube.
You can contact us at info@thecanineparadigm.com.
Support Our Supporters
Discover Narelle Cooke’s Canine Ceuticals and her podcast, Natural Health for People and Pets.
We also appreciate the support of Jason Firmin at Einzweck Dog Quip, From the Heart Dog Training and Birdy O’Sheedy at The Magic in Dogs.
Special Thanks
Jane Stuart, Avery Keller and Zoie Neidy contribute their artwork and creativity to the show. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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