Theory: Evidence-based Dog Training
Explore the principles of evidence-based dog training in this quiz. Learn to critically evaluate claims, identify reliable sources, and understand why certain methods are advised over others. Essential for enhancing training techniques and ensuring a great client experience.
- 1.
OhMyDog stands for Evidence-based, Least Invasive Method Available, and Great client experience. What does 'Evidence-based' mean?
- A.
We only advise methods that have been formally researched and published in the scientific peer-reviewed literature.
- B.
We believe that there are always two sides to a story, and evaluate every dog behaviour claim with an open mind.
- C.
No bullshit: no argument to ideology, tradition, or authority We can defend our choice of exercise/advice with critical thinking, sound logic and reliable sources of information.
Correct Answer
C. No bullshit: no argument to ideology, tradition, or authority We can defend our choice of exercise/advice with critical thinking, sound logic and reliable sources of information.Explanation
"We believe that..." is based on the False Balance fallacy. There aren't necessarily always two sides to a story any more than there are necessarily five or six sides. Reality isn't open to opinion or debate. The only 'side' worth weighing up on hot topic issues, is the one enjoying the heaviest weight of evidence.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine does not pass scientific scrutiny. When examined systematically, research does not reveal much specific efficacy beyond the placebo effect. Which topics below are considered CAM? Choose as many as you want.
- A.
Homeopathy
- B.
Reiki
- C.
Massage
- D.
Chiropractics
- E.
Physiotherapy
- F.
Commercial Dog Appeasing Pheromones
- G.
Most over the counter herbs (except for Valerian- and St John's Wart-based herbs, among others)
- H.
Relaxation exercises
- I.
Tellington Touch massages
- J.
Anti-vaccination movement
- K.
Osteopathy
Correct Answer(s)
A. Homeopathy
B. Reiki
D. Chiropractics
G. Most over the counter herbs (except for Valerian- and St John's Wart-based herbs, among others)
I. Tellington Touch massages
J. Anti-vaccination movement
K. OsteopathyExplanation
The topics considered CAM in this question are Homeopathy, Reiki, Chiropractics, Most over the counter herbs (except for Valerian- and St John's Wart-based herbs, among others), Tellington Touch massages, Anti-vaccination movement, and Osteopathy. These practices are considered complementary and alternative medicine because they are not widely accepted or supported by scientific evidence. They may rely on anecdotal evidence or personal beliefs rather than rigorous scientific scrutiny.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Evidence-based dog training means
- A.
We trust claims about dog behaviour with an open mind
- B.
We evaluatie the likelihood of a claim about dog behaviour critically.
Correct Answer
B. We evaluatie the likelihood of a claim about dog behaviour critically.Explanation
Evidence-based dog training means evaluating the likelihood of a claim about dog behavior critically. This involves carefully examining the available evidence, such as scientific research and studies, before accepting or rejecting a claim. It emphasizes the importance of using objective and reliable information to inform training methods and decisions, rather than relying on personal opinions or anecdotal evidence. By critically evaluating claims, trainers can make more informed choices and ensure that their training methods are based on reliable evidence and proven effectiveness.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Evidence-based dog training means:
- A.
We learn to sharpen our bullshit detectors, we learn bullshit red flags.
- B.
Even if a claim has lots of red flags, we put a lot of weight in the client's claimed positive results with the intervention.
Correct Answer
A. We learn to sharpen our bullshit detectors, we learn bullshit red flags.Explanation
Evidence-based dog training means that we acquire the ability to identify misleading or false information and recognize warning signs that indicate a claim may not be credible. Additionally, even if there are several indicators of potential misinformation, we still consider the client's reported positive outcomes resulting from the intervention as significant evidence.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Evidence-based dog training means:
- A.
We get our information from as broad a spectrum as possible: TV, internet, books, people's experience.
- B.
We learn what makes a source of information reliable, and get our information from the most reliable sources available.
Correct Answer
B. We learn what makes a source of information reliable, and get our information from the most reliable sources available.Explanation
Evidence-based dog training means that we learn what makes a source of information reliable and only gather our information from the most reliable sources available. This approach ensures that the training methods and techniques used are based on scientific evidence and proven to be effective. It emphasizes the importance of using reliable sources such as research studies, reputable experts, and professional organizations in order to make informed decisions about dog training. By relying on credible information, we can provide the best possible training for dogs.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Evidence-based means:
- A.
We speak with authority and confidence to the clients: after all, we've checked our facts. The clients don't need to know how we got to our conclusions/advice.
- B.
We transparently share our reasoning behind advising for certain interventions. We do not play the "Trust me, I am a professional" card when the client asks questions.
Correct Answer
B. We transparently share our reasoning behind advising for certain interventions. We do not play the "Trust me, I am a professional" card when the client asks questions.Explanation
Evidence-based means that we provide transparent reasoning behind our advice and interventions. We do not rely on the authority of being a professional to gain trust from clients, but instead, we back up our conclusions with facts and evidence. This approach ensures that clients are informed and can trust the advice they receive.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Why is Evidence-Based important at OhMyDog? Pick the one INCORRECT statement.
- A.
It protects us from accidentally advising for inefficient interventions, or making untrue claims to the client.
- B.
It contributes to our reputation as the provider of serious, well-researched, reliable, information and efficient and intelligeng advice.
- C.
It makes us sound like scientists, which is central to our marketing strategy.
Correct Answer
C. It makes us sound like scientists, which is central to our marketing strategy.Explanation
The incorrect statement is "It makes us sound like scientists, which is central to our marketing strategy." This statement suggests that sounding like scientists is the main focus of OhMyDog's marketing strategy, which is not true. The importance of evidence-based practice at OhMyDog lies in protecting clients from inefficient interventions and providing reliable information, not in sounding like scientists.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
To act in an evidence-based way, in a situation where you have no answer, what do you do?
- A.
You give an answer, any answer, sounding authoritative and confident, and using scientific and technical jargon. You then check later and correct the next week if you were wrong. It is important that we appear knowledgeable.
- B.
You tell the client that it's an interesting point/question, and that you'll research it and get back to them.
Correct Answer
B. You tell the client that it's an interesting point/question, and that you'll research it and get back to them.Explanation
In order to act in an evidence-based way, it is important to acknowledge when you do not have an answer to a question. Instead of providing a false or uncertain answer, it is best to inform the client that their point or question is interesting and that you will conduct further research to provide them with an accurate response. This approach demonstrates honesty, integrity, and a commitment to providing reliable information based on evidence rather than making assumptions or guesses.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
When asked about THE OhMyDog method, you explain
- A.
We have no method. We have ethical (LIMA), commercial (happy client) and methodological (Evidence-based) guidelines. Having a fixed trademarked methods would be an incentive to resist new evidence.
- B.
The OhMyDog method is based on well-established best practices and research, and is therefore reliable and efficient.
Correct Answer
A. We have no method. We have ethical (LIMA), commercial (happy client) and methodological (Evidence-based) guidelines. Having a fixed trademarked methods would be an incentive to resist new evidence.Explanation
The answer explains that the OhMyDog method does not exist. Instead, they have ethical, commercial, and methodological guidelines that they follow. They believe that having a fixed trademarked method would discourage them from adapting to new evidence and best practices. Therefore, they rely on well-established guidelines and research to ensure reliability and efficiency.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
You have found an interesting research paper/summary of a research paper. You want to share the relevant findings with the clients. What do you say?
- A.
Scientists say that...
- B.
Science/research says that...
- C.
It is scientifically proven that...
- D.
An interesting research paper seems to support the idea that...
Correct Answer
D. An interesting research paper seems to support the idea that...Explanation
The following are false because:
- Scientists say: What a scientist says is neither here nor there. That doesn't lend any merit to a claim.
- Science/Research says: Science/research does not have a definitive position on anything. It is a method to get as close to reality as possible
- It is scientifically proven that: Nothing is definitively scientifically proven. e.v.e.r. The best we can get to is that an overwhelming weight of evidence backs up a particular claimRate this question:
-
- 11.
What is the pyramid of evidence?
- A.
A list of information sources (e.g. the internet, experienced dog owners, etc.), sorted in order of how reliable the information they provide is likely to be.
- B.
A list of specific research papers, books and websites, sorted in order of how reliable the information they provide is likely to be.
- C.
A list of authors, scientists and professionals, sorted in order of how reliable the information they provide is likely to be. (e.g. Cesar Milan, Jean Donaldson, etc.)
Correct Answer
A. A list of information sources (e.g. the internet, experienced dog owners, etc.), sorted in order of how reliable the information they provide is likely to be.Explanation
The correct answer is a list of information sources, sorted in order of how reliable the information they provide is likely to be. This means that the pyramid of evidence is a hierarchy of sources, with the most reliable sources at the top and the least reliable sources at the bottom. This helps individuals prioritize and evaluate the credibility of different sources when seeking information.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
You have heard that something is well backed up by a scientific paper, but you haven't read it, nor could you find the name of its authors/the text to save your life.
- A.
You tell the client anyway, looking as though you know which research paper is concerned. No one is going to check and it is a good opportunity for OhMyDog to position themselves as an authoritative source of scientific information.
- B.
You tell the client that you are not 100% sure about what the exact paper is, but that you've heard about it. Later, you make a genuine effort to find the paper/a reliable summary of it, and you read it
Correct Answer
B. You tell the client that you are not 100% sure about what the exact paper is, but that you've heard about it. Later, you make a genuine effort to find the paper/a reliable summary of it, and you read itExplanation
It is totally OK if you are not comfortable reading scientific research. But then don't pretend you do as this opens the school to ridicule.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
A sharp bullshit detector uses the knowledge that, as humans, our judgment and assumptions are flawed by (select as many correct answers as possible).
- A.
Logical fallacies
- B.
Cognitive biases
- C.
Strong opinions
Correct Answer(s)
A. Logical fallacies
B. Cognitive biasesExplanation
A sharp bullshit detector recognizes that our judgment and assumptions as humans are influenced by logical fallacies and cognitive biases. Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can lead to false conclusions, while cognitive biases are inherent biases in our thinking processes that can distort our perception of reality. By being aware of these flaws, a sharp bullshit detector can help us identify and reject false or misleading information. Strong opinions, although they can sometimes be influenced by logical fallacies and cognitive biases, are not explicitly mentioned as factors in the given explanation.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
What is a cognitive bias?
- A.
A way of thinking that relies a lot on mental discipline.
- B.
The assumption that we are more correct than we in fact are.
- C.
A misleading psychological assumption, an unconscious mental shortcut that leads us to the wrong conclusions
Correct Answer
C. A misleading psychological assumption, an unconscious mental shortcut that leads us to the wrong conclusionsExplanation
A cognitive bias refers to a misleading psychological assumption or an unconscious mental shortcut that can lead us to incorrect conclusions. It is a deviation from rationality or objective judgment, often influenced by factors such as personal experiences, emotions, or social influences. These biases can affect our decision-making process and lead to errors in judgment or reasoning.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
What is a logical fallacy?
- A.
Rules of logic that we should be aware of to get to the right conclusion.
- B.
An error in our logic that leads us to draw incorrect conclusions
- C.
Reasoning that appears illogical, but that is in fact logically sound
Correct Answer
B. An error in our logic that leads us to draw incorrect conclusionsExplanation
A logical fallacy refers to an error in our reasoning process that causes us to arrive at incorrect or invalid conclusions. It occurs when there is a flaw in the logical structure of an argument or when irrelevant information is used to support a claim. Logical fallacies can be unintentional mistakes or deliberate manipulations used to deceive or persuade others. By understanding and identifying logical fallacies, we can improve our critical thinking skills and avoid being misled by faulty reasoning.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Why is post hoc ergo procter hoc a logical fallacy? What is it misleading? Pick the INCORRECT answer.
- A.
Because, if you allow yourself to think like that, then saying this is also reasonable: “My dog saw my mom yesterday. Today he is sick. Therefore seeing my mom made him sick”.
- B.
Because many health problems have long incubation times. The dog could have come into contact with the cause weeks ago, and only now be showing the problem today.
- C.
Because there are always lots of different causes for a problem, so saying that only one (e.g. vaccination) caused the dog's health problem is not completely correct.
Correct Answer
C. Because there are always lots of different causes for a problem, so saying that only one (e.g. vaccination) caused the dog's health problem is not completely correct.Explanation
The given answer is incorrect because it does not explain why post hoc ergo procter hoc is a logical fallacy. Post hoc ergo procter hoc is a fallacy because it assumes that just because one event happened before another, the first event caused the second event. This is misleading because there could be other factors or causes that contributed to the outcome, and simply assuming causation based on temporal sequence is flawed reasoning. The incorrect answer provided does not address this aspect of the fallacy.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Which jargon below is a bullshit red flag? Pick as many correct answers as you want.
- A.
Correlation
- B.
Natural
- C.
Energy
- D.
Transparent
- E.
Evidence-based
- F.
Chemical
Correct Answer(s)
B. Natural
C. Energy
F. ChemicalExplanation
The terms "Natural," "Chemical," and "Energy" are considered bullshit red flags in jargon. These words are often used in a vague or misleading manner, lacking specific meaning or context. They can be used to make claims sound more impressive or scientific without providing any real substance. This is a red flag because it suggests that the speaker may be using these terms to manipulate or deceive the audience.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Among the claims below, pick the ones that are pseudoscientific, or at least disputable (pick as many as you like)
- A.
Raw food lends significant health benefits and carries no health risk to the consumer
- B.
Genetically modified food carries significant health risks to the consumer.
- C.
The preventive use of anti-biotics in meat carries demonstrable and significant health risks to the consumer.
- D.
Gluten carries significant health risks to the average, healthy consumer.
- E.
Pet food products coming from China carry more health risks because of less stringent control laws.
- F.
Cheap, supermarket brand pet food is equally nutritionally sound than the major brands
- G.
Organic food lends demonstrable and significant health benefits to the consumer
Correct Answer(s)
A. Raw food lends significant health benefits and carries no health risk to the consumer
B. Genetically modified food carries significant health risks to the consumer.
D. Gluten carries significant health risks to the average, healthy consumer.
G. Organic food lends demonstrable and significant health benefits to the consumerExplanation
The given answer correctly identifies the claims that are pseudoscientific or disputable. The claims that organic food lends demonstrable and significant health benefits, raw food carries no health risk and has significant health benefits, gluten carries significant health risks, and genetically modified food carries significant health risks are all disputable and lack scientific consensus. These claims are often based on personal beliefs or anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous scientific research.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Being very open-minded, or credulous, is a virtue.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
It might be more polite and socially acceptable, but it is not a virtue. It won't lead you to the right conclusions.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Extraordinary claims require
- A.
Extraordinary evidence
- B.
Ordinary evidence
Correct Answer
A. Extraordinary evidenceExplanation
The phrase "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" suggests that when someone makes a claim that is highly unusual or extraordinary, they need to provide evidence that is equally extraordinary in order to support their claim. Ordinary evidence may not be sufficient to convince others of the truth of the extraordinary claim. This principle emphasizes the need for strong and compelling evidence when making extraordinary assertions.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
What is CAM?
- A.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- B.
Complementary and Acupuntural Medicine
- C.
Chiropractical and Acupunctural Medicine
Correct Answer
A. Complementary and Alternative MedicineExplanation
CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It refers to a diverse set of healthcare practices, products, and therapies that are not considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional medicine, while alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. CAM includes practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, and homeopathy. These approaches are often used to promote wellness, prevent and treat diseases, and enhance overall well-being. CAM is becoming increasingly popular as people seek more holistic and natural approaches to healthcare.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
Why does do CAM interventions carry such an appeal if they are demonstrably ineffective? Pick the INCORRECT answer
- A.
Effect of time: the patient would have gone better anyway. It was the disease course. This is why chronic relapsing/remitting disease patients are particularly drawn to CAM.
- B.
Placebo (by proxy) effect: The owner believes to see signs of improvement which aren't there. By virtue of having administered the medication.
- C.
The quality time and physical contact aspects of CAM can carry therapeutic benefits (e.g. massage aspects of Tellington Touch), rather than their claimed therapeutic benefits of the CAM rituals.
- D.
Because they work. Science doesn't know everything. We must encourage clients to follow their desire to explore alternative solutions if modern veterinary medicine is letting them down.
- E.
Because people with a dog suffering from a treatment-resistant disease like some forms of cancer are desperate for a solution and feel that modern medicine let them down. But just because modern treatments can't help you doesn't mean that magic pills work.
Correct Answer
D. Because they work. Science doesn't know everything. We must encourage clients to follow their desire to explore alternative solutions if modern veterinary medicine is letting them down. -
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 17, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 13, 2018Quiz Created by
Oh_my_dog
Back to top