Dear Animal Lover,

My name is Stephen G. King and for those of you, who do not know me, I am an Essex-based dog-trainer, who specialises in puppy training and pet behavioural problems. I am also a founder member of the APDT, whose code of practice allows only Kind, Fair and Force-free methods of training. It has been my mission to spread the use of operant conditiong (clicker training) and I have had students from all over the UK, as well as Holland, Belgium and Finland coming to my Clicker Workshops. I am also a publisher and a video producer. My two videos, Clicker Train Your Dog and Your Puppy's Early Learning have been very well received in the UK. My new book Ready, Steady, Click! An introduction to Clicker Training has already become one of the UK's top selling dog training books. This is testimony to the belief that positive reinforcement works!

My wife Josie and I have considerable experience in animal care and welfare as for the past 12 years we have for run a Boarding Kennels licensed for 100 dogs and I currently head the tutor team in the Animal Care and Welfare department at the Animal Care College.

I am communicating to you with some serious news that has caused my family and I much distress. It has come to my knowledge that I share my name with another dog trainer currently practising in the London area. Stephen Barry King of Portland, Oregon, USA is at this present time living and training dogs in the Greenwich, London area and is renowned for his training methods that are allegedly, very abusive and heavy handed. Animal rights campaigners have been emailing UK websites to make them aware of this man and how he is practising in England. While their actions are justified in that they are attempting to raise awareness, it has meant that in some circles, the name Stephen King has become associated with abuse.

For more information see "SPOT HANG" at www.arkonline.com/abuse.html

I would like to take this opportunity to put the record straight and point out that I am, in no way linked to this man. I do not approve of any methods that shocks or inflicts pain when there are solutions that are much better for the relationship between dog and owner. It saddens me deeply to think that I could be confused with this character, as my own beliefs and values seem to be very different. It frustrates me that I have to justify myself but I feel it needs to be done to save further confusion. I only hope that the official authorities take some serious action soon before more animals are put at risk or harmed.

I hope this information has proved useful and that it has helped to distinguish between Stephen Barry King, the American trainer who has allegedly abused both dogs and owners, and Stephen G. King who only uses Kind, Fair and Force-free methods.

If you or someone you know hears something about the dog trainer Stephen King, whether good or bad, make sure you are aware that there are two men who go by this name. One with a history of abuse allegations, the other with a respectable reputation.

Thank you for your time,

Yours faithfully
Stephen G. King
Steve@crosskeysbooks.com
CLICKER ZONE UK

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