As an African American, I’ve found these past few months difficult. I’ve been examining different aspects of my personal and professional life and reflecting on the various journeys that brought me to where I am today.
I’m a dog trainer – a professional in an industry with few Black colleagues. This isn’t the first time I’ve wondered why there are so few people of color in my profession, but it’s potentially the most impactful time to discuss it, in hopes of increasing the diversity of what has long been an extremely white occupation in the U.S.
HOW I GOT HERE
In 1985, I walked into my first dog obedience class with Casey, my new Irish Setter puppy. The class was run by the local kennel club and held at a community center in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where my U.S. Marine husband was stationed.
As the only African American in the class, I stood out, but this did not concern me. As a child, I attended predominantly white schools and lived in many white-majority neighborhoods; I was used to being one of the few Black people in many situations! Besides, I enjoyed what I learned in class so much that, after only a few sessions, I decided that I wanted to earn obedience titles with Casey and become an obedience instructor myself.
Recognizing my enthusiasm and knack for training, the seasoned and much older ladies of the kennel club took me under their wings, mentored me, and welcomed me into their inner circle. I’ve been thoroughly immersed in the world of dog training and behavior ever since.
IN THE MINORITY
I was incredibly lucky to have so much support from my fellow dog trainers, especially since I have often been the only African American wherever I went in the dog world, whether I was competing at local conformation dog shows or obedience or agility trials. I see more people of color in the dog world today, but at most local events, out of the dozens in attendance, you’d be able to count Black people on one or maybe two hands.
I’m confident when competing with my dogs against anyone in a dog show. But in all these years, I have felt most uncomfortable among my dog-trainer peers at professional dog-training conferences, workshops, and seminars. Why is this? I’ve thought about it a lot.
For one thing, I stand out even more at these educational meetings than at dog shows. The dog-training profession is strikingly white and largely comprised of white, middle- and upper middle-class women. This is especially true of the subset of trainers who use positive reinforcement and science-based training.
But it’s more than just being a minority. Through the years I have attended many dog-training conferences and events. While I can’t say I experienced any overt racism or bigotry, I often felt discounted and downright invisible. Worse, on occasion I was mistaken as “the help” at the conference hotels where the events were being held.
I don’t know how to explain this, except to say that dog trainers are not always perceived as the most inclusive people, welcoming and open to different points of view and perspectives. There is a joke about dog trainers that goes, “If you put two dog trainers in a room, what’s the only thing they would agree on? That the third dog trainer is wrong!” The profession is rife with contrasting schools of thought and methodologies, complete with exclusive cliques and very strong lines drawn in the sand.
Most people who know me know that I walk to the beat of my own drummer and I’m generally unbothered by the opinions of others. But I must admit that stepping out of the comfort zone of my own little training community into the big one at large was sometimes daunting even for me, a middle-class, suburban Black woman raised and educated among white people. Think of how difficult it might be for newcomers to break into the dog-training profession, especially when they don’t see anyone else who looks like them at the table.
It wasn’t until I became a minor celebrity from appearing on the reality television show “Greatest American Dog” in 2008 that other trainers started noticing and acknowledging me and speaking to me at events. At that point, dog training hadn’t ever been the center of a prime-time broadcast television show, and most trainers had seen at least one episode; it seemed like the show was a safe topic as an entry point to conversation. I met and made friends with many more fellow trainers after the show ended.
FRAUGHT RELATIONS BETWEEN DOGS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS
Historically, the relationship between Black Americans and dogs is quite different than that of white Americans. Our relationship with dogs has been complicated and tainted and affected by violence, fear, and intimidation.
As a very young child in the 1960s, I regularly saw images on the nightly news of Black people being knocked down with fire hoses and police wielding batons, accompanied by teeth-bared and lunging German Shepherd Dogs – dogs who were sometimes even let loose to terrorize and attack civil rights protestors. Those images haunt me to this day.
However, we can go even further back than that. Dogs were an integral tool in the implementation and management of the institution of slavery in this country, from their presence and usage on slave ships during the middle passage, to the shores and plantations where dogs were used as tools of intimidation and bred and trained to track, attack, and even kill runaway slaves.
These experiences have undoubtedly led to a multigenerational fear and avoidance of dogs in many Black families. Even within my own family, I have relatives with such a real and present fear of dogs that they refuse to visit my home (I have never had fewer than two dogs, and today I have five: two Dalmatians, a Pharaoh Hound, a long-haired Chihuahua and a Yorkie).
In poor neighborhoods in many cities, dogs often play a role as a household’s protection against crime. In neighborhoods where dogs like this are common, children are uniformly warned against approaching dogs – any dogs.
Given all this, it makes sense that it has been a bit of a longer and tougher road for dogs to be welcomed and thought of as viable and close members of African American families.
Statistics vary according to their source, but every survey or study we were able to find confirmed one thing: Black Americans are far less likely to be dog owners than Americans of other races.
In 2006, the Pew Research Center published a study that asked people of various races whether they owned pets, and if so, what kind? Of the white households that owned pets, 45% reported owning a dog. Of the Black households that owned pets, only 20% reported owning a dog.
It’s much easier to find statistics regarding “pet” ownership than “dog” ownership. A 2018 poll conducted by Branded Research, Inc., asked 14,755 participants about “pet” ownership. The majority – 66% – reported owning a pet of some kind. About 70% of Caucasian participants said they owned at least one pet; only 44% of Black participants said they were pet owners.
The 2017-2018 American Veterinary Medical Association’s “Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook” shows similar numbers: “Pet ownership differs among racial and ethnic groups. The highest rate of pet ownership overall in 2016 was seen among white households (64.7%), with Latino/Hispanic (61.4%) households next. The lowest rate was found among Black/African-American households (36.9%).”
INCREASING THE VISIBILITY OF BLACK TRAINERS
I often ask other trainers how they got into dog training. For many, it wasn’t until they attended a dog-training class with their own dog (as in my own experience) or had the opportunity to hire a professional dog trainer to help them with their dog, that they considered entering the profession.
This is why I’d like to suggest that the more trainers there are who are people of color, the more people of color could see that dog training might be a good career choice for them! Also, I suspect that many more Black and brown people would engage the services of a professional dog trainer if there were more Black and brown dog trainers!
As a dog trainer, what can I do to help make my profession more inclusive and diverse? I have a few ideas:
1. Extra effort must be made to usher in newcomers from diverse populations. That means seeking and recruiting clients, staff, interns, and working students from different races, cultures, and nationalities.
2. We need to create and foster an environment that is nurturing and welcoming to everyone. Learning about cultural differences so we can better gain an understanding of and communicate with racial and cultural minorities is a good start.
3. I encourage all trainers to examine their own training programs, looking for possible barriers to diversity within our marketing and outreach, staff, communication style, and educational materials. This includes acknowledging possible biases and/or lack of sensitivities within ourselves and others around us and taking steps, no matter how small, to do better. To change, you must want to change.
4. Trainers should apply the same principles and be just as outspoken about our commitment to the humane, fair, and compassionate treatment of our fellow human beings as we are for dogs.
5. Let it be known that you fervently stand up against racism, discrimination, and bigotry, both within our industry and society at large. Our community mirrors society at large and is not exempt.
BE WELCOMING
My hat will always be off to those “ladies of the club,” who helped draw me into dog training some 35 years ago. Honestly, they were a gruff old bunch of heavy-handed women (with dogs and people), rough around the edges, and definitely entrenched in old-fashioned dog-training methods.
In regard to inclusivity, however, those women were way ahead of their time. They welcomed me with open arms when they didn’t have to. If it weren’t for them, I might have missed out on one of my greatest passions in life. Let’s work together to make sure other dog enthusiasts who look like me don’t miss out on theirs.
Canine education specialist, dog behavior counselor, and trainer Laurie C. Williams is the owner of Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
As a woman of color, I thank you for speaking up about this issue and how it pertains to this industry. I’m just a lucky dog-mom, not a trainer, but until I read your article, it didn’t really hit me– but you’re right– all the trainers I’ve seen advertised or talked about are almost all Caucasian. And then to think of the various dog owners I’ve come across either on youtube or in person, it all corroborates the stats you included: it never occurred to me how few Black or African American dog owners I’ve come across. I can’t imagine all the emotions you have felt and will continue to experience, but I am grateful for your grace and your bravery in calling this out and for doing what you do. Thank you. 🙂
Don’t be so sure; I do not agree. And oh, this article is not about sports. If, in your topic diversion you are attempting to say that you disagree with the author then put on your big girl pants and say that & back up your opinion with facts. Or if you really don’t understand, then ask questions. However you do it, do it with respect; that is how healthy, adult discussion takes place.
Thank YOU Tina! The dog training profession and pet care industry in general mirrors just about every other industry in this country but hopefully with this momentum we are currently seeing, things will progress in the right direction. Once we know better, we have to do better!!
Ok first of all LOVED you on Greatest American Dog and HOW was that 12 years ago? This is such a fantastic and to the point article. I truly hope we start to see dog training becoming more inclusive. I’m neither a POC nor a trainer, but I look at my classes and realize we’re all very very white and I know there’s a lot of inherent racism within dog training circles. I hope we can continue to progress and that this momentum will carry us toward a more inclusive dog world. I hope that people continue to talk about this, examine their own programs and their own prejudices, and work toward it.
Thanks for this informative and insightful article. I’ve gone to Crufts for the last few years and noticed that of the thousands of people there, practically all were white, so lack of diversity in the dog world isn’t an issue only in the United States.
Because we all need to grow. If not now, when. Be apart of the solution.
The best article I’ve read it in a very long time. Thank you. I think of all the instructors I’ve had over the years, and only two of them were not “know it all” and aloof.
Thank you ! Thank you!
Yes we need more diversity. I am so impressed with you!
I really enjoyed your insight .
There are so many people who need help wither their dogs and not enough trainers .
In my prime I worked with shelter animals to make them more appealing to prospective adopters.
Thank you !!!
Great perspective. Thank you for your voice! Thankfully “heavy handed” has gone to be less practiced in many ways. I work with many young people and find myself reminding them often that in the dog world you have to remember that many are quite the “gruff old bunch” that really are quite soft on the insides once you cut through the crust. But they do tend to be pretty non-bias as to who they’re sharp tongued with… it’s directed at all humans! lol
I think it begins with children. Friendly, well-trained dogs (and puppies!) visiting schools with diverse enrollment, or all schools having therapy dogs, reading dogs, dogs for shy kids to take for walks on the playground during recess, dog time as rewards for progress in any area would benefit everyone and create positive images of dogs for all kids, especially those who haven’t had exposure. Schools have been the toughest bastion to breach, so alert are they to the possibility of being sued, but progress is being made. Several of my puppies have gone to educators as therapy dogs (I taught high school for thirty years myself), and many others have worked as library dogs and comfort dogs. Kids who are interested can research dog related careers for the future.
Good point! My dog is very friendly and well trained, but we still meet many kids in parks who draw back in fear when we walk past. Not just black kids are afraid. Kids with parents from Southwest Asia, or from Middle East or Malaysian countries, where dogs are associated with street foraging in garbage, with disease and filth. Dogs in countries with accessible vet care are not disease carriers. Dogs kept as pets and properly trained are not dangerous.
Very informative and well written article. Your thoughtful telling of the world of dog training, ownership, and relationship to people of color has given me a desire to consider finding someone to mentor under here in Jacksonville, Florida. I had the same upbringing and experiences you tell of in your article. With my love of dogs it would be wonderful to work with them in such a meaningful way and to extend a hand of inclusion to others who like me and are not who you usually see training or showing dogs. Thank you again.
Every single one of us walks their own path. You might not want to “hear” someone’s journey was influenced by racial concerns and experiences however since you didn’t walk THEIR path does not mean it isn’t worth sharing. If this article offends you, you should search deep inside you as to why others can’t share their experiences unless it fits your narrative. Closed minds find something to hate in many places.
Very well put, Ellie. I was trying to think of a way to say we all need to examine our discomfort and be a part of the solution, but you did it superbly!
I was really happy to read this informative and beautiful article! I learned things I didn’t know about and more importantly, your honesty about minorities in terms of dog ownership, their unfortunate use in being trained to attack /kill, and how much more the world of dog training, achievements and family joy we have yet to achieve! As others have said, I am tired of the conversation being about race because I am so very fortunate to not have been exposed to this systemic racism too young to become that way also! People are people , and the best people are dog loving people! Thank you, Laurie, for all the ways you continue to make a difference in the world!😘🐶🐶🙏🏻
thank you, Laurie! This is very helpful. Please let me know if this is okay to reprint in Capital Dog Training Club’s newsletter, Obichaff.
Enjoyed your thoughtful and informative article. Thank you.
The only Black people that I’ve met in the dog training world were training working dogs, when I was in that arena. It seems a lot of black families didn’t own dogs and if they did there was a tendency to keep them outside. Seems like they many were used in the inner cities as protection, mostly pit bulls and were also used in dogfighting. That, I believe is changing in a more positive direction. We definitely need more blacks in leadership roles. Good for you Laurie!
Thank you Laurie fro this very timely and insightful article. Lots of gross closet racists on here, proving your point nicely. They quite determined to remain racist and ignorant because their narrow world really does depend on pretending that racism does not exist. The person who made that silly comment about The NYT, that’s a publication for people who are educated and intelligent. Not for you hun.
Thank you, Laurie and Whole Dog Journal, for writing and publishing this insightful article addressing an important issue. Our dog world is not a bubble that can ignore issues of fairness and justice in the larger world. Brava!
Laurie, thank you so much for sharing your experience and your wisdom (and your wonderful story!) – even knowing there would be responses like some of the above. Your courage and your message are so appreciated. Detractors: congratulations – you have just made the author’s point for her.
Enjoyed this article, your thoughts and the words of your personal experiences. Amazed at the anger some people are expressing, but maybe they need to let it out. Hope they find their peace before they hurt anyone, including themselves. You are right in that the more types of people around the world who feel comfortable expanding their education of dog training only benefits more dogs (and probably other animals as well, bc it makes us practice observation and empathy for non-verbal beings). I for one can’t wait for the entirety of the human race to feel at home working positively with dogs. Good on you for never minding being the only black woman in your dog training circles to be doing so!
Thank you for such a great article. I am also a long-time lover of dogs and a person of color. Found this article great and encouraging. ANd to the WDJ — this is great! It opens the doors to articles on trainers and owners who also may face other obstacles and challenges in the community, such as those with physical challenges. I want more stories like this and others. And I am going to go restart my subscription BECAUSE of this article.
Excellent article, thank you.
YES Excellent article. Someone who has been ambitious & lucky enough to make a living & have a life with dogs because she loves them & enjoys them. And she only wants to bring more people into the life!
Politics SERIOUSLY?
Honestly – I so enjoy the articles AND usually the comments – I learn from both & hearing from other people who love their dogs – as I do. AND as the writer of this article does.
I cant really comprehend HOW this article in any way threatens the mindset of some of people who commented here. I really do not understand how someone could react in this manner. Honestly, that type of reaction sounds like something from back in the 50s or 60s! Thought we were beyond that.
Thanks for this well written and insightful article Laurie. Perhaps those who are speaking out in such a negative manner can step back and look at why they are so angry..and perhaps realize that these very same angry words are why there continues to be less diversity in the dog world.
Diversity is something we should all seek in all aspects of our lives. Inclusion, not exclusion should be our goal.
Good Lord, I am sorry that some people are incapable of imagining what life is like for someone who is not them. Until you have walked a mile in another’s shoes, then you have no right to judge them. It is an embarrassment to read some of these posts. I, for one, am thankful that the WDJ stepped out and published this. I would like to see the AKC repost.
Iit is everyone’s loss when an activity lacks diversity.
Stories about dogs, BTW, are stories about people, until the dogs write the stories.
So true, thanks for speaking the truth.
I enjoyed this article Laurie. I’ll admit I’m surprised that many readers are responding with such hostility. It seems that just by being yourself and expressing your views you’ve pressed some buttons. All I can say is that when we worked with you at Super Pet Expo a few years back, I was really impressed with you and your dogs. Keep up the great work! Scott Houghton-Mutts Gone Nuts!
I’d like to add a different way to look at this, One reason I would like to see greater diversity in dog training is so that my dog doesn’t react to a person of color on the street. We hosted three Girl Guides from Thailand who were terrified of my beagle. He in turn was not in their fan club. Dogs and humans need to have experience with diversity to be comfortable with people of different backgrounds. My dog barked at people of color until he met my friends at our house. A Canine Good Citizen is important. Diversity in trainers could improve this.
Thanks, Penelope, well- said. I’m amazed at the people who are too threatened to even try to understand Laurie’s perspective. It shows, starkly, how important it is to increase the diversity in our profession. I’ve been a trainer for 32 years, and can count the number of fellow Black obedience trainers I know on less than one hand.
Interesting article, thank you. As a white person in the UK I went along to a dog obedience competition (merely as an observer, not as a competitor) and was struck at just how unfriendly and uncommunicative the participants were and how joyless the process seemed to be. Maybe I was just unlucky but it was to such a degree that I made a mental note never to get involved in competitive obedience.
It was interesting to hear the cultural perspective on dog culture (or lack of it) amongst African Americans. I don’t think diversity can be increased artificially. If someone is interested in dog training they will seek out classes and progress from there. We can all be discouraged by personal experiences but real interest in dogs will out in the end and if it is strong enough it will either continue in the obedience line (if that is your bag) or maybe into agility, Canicross or just good pet ownership.
OMG – I am shocked and saddened at what I am reading here. I praise WDJ and Laurie for having the courage to come out with such a beautiful and timely article. Keep going.
I think that inclusivity falls under the category of successful nonviolent training. If we can make the activity of training and showing dogs more inclusive, not only will that benefit the people involved – we will reach more dogs! This is very much relevant to dog training.
Great article Laurie! I appreciated reading about your personal experience as well as a little of the history of Black Americans and dogs. You also give such fantastic and EASY concrete ideas to make the dog training community more welcoming, everyone can learn something from this! I’m so glad you had those women to embrace and mentor you in the dog world when you were young!
I think this was a lovely article. Thank you so much for writing it and putting in the effort and time to share your story.