A dog trainer from Providence, Rhode Island is making international headlines after posting a video of a technique called “bonking.” Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training teaches the technique to clients around the world, but not everyone is happy about it.
“Bonking,” according to Gellman, involves using a thick rolled-up towel that is bound with rubber bands. When a dog engages in aggressive behavior, Gellman teaches owners to stand in close proximity to the dog and throw the towel hard at the animal’s head.
When Gellman posted a short video to social media, he began receiving negative comments and even death threats. Gellman said that the technique can save a dog’s life. Others say the act of hitting the dog with a towel at close range is cruel and unnecessary.
“I brought all of this on myself,” Gellman stated. “I own every bit of it. But we’ve got dogs’ lives to save now. So we’re going to keep it going.”
Another Rhode Island-based dog trainer, Heather Gutshall, says the use of force is not necessary any longer, and “we’ve learned this over the course of decades.”
Gutshall believes aggressive behavior is usually a symptom of something else that can be addressed. Gellman, in the meantime, stands by “bonking” a dog when necessary and believes without it, some dogs will be euthanized.
A video of Gellman implementing the controversial technique on an unsuspecting dog can be seen by pressing play on the video below. The actual footage starts around the three-minute mark.
Warning: This footage may be disturbing to watch.
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