There are many different ways to change a dog’s behavior, but the common thread is that all effective methods require a motivator. These motivators can range from treats and praise to avoiding punishment or even the fear of being shocked with a shock collar. Skilled trainers can achieve desired behaviors using any of these methods. So, if we’re all aiming for the same outcome, does the method really matter?
The answer is a resounding yes. Over the course of my 30 years of dog training experience, I’ve used all these methods successfully. But there’s good reason behind why I now use postitive reinforcement exclusively. Extensive research by major universities and veterinary schools shows that using punishment, or even the fear of punishment, can have a very dark side. Harsh training methods, using tools such as choke chains, shock collars, or physical punishment, can cause physical harm to your dog and lead to emotional trauma. These methods often result in fear-based responses, which can lead to defensive aggression or anxiety.
Both the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) and the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB) have come out strongly in opposition to the use of punishment in training. The position of the AVSAB, published in 2021, is “Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. Aversive training methods have a damaging effect on both animal welfare and the human-animal bond. There is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based methods in any context. AVSAB therefore advises that aversive methods should not be used in animal training or for the treatment of behavior disorders.”
Positive reinforcement training places your dog’s safety and well-being as the top priority. By focusing on rewards, you eliminate the risks associated with punishment-based training, fostering a healthy, happy relationship with your dog. At our training center, we often see dogs with behavior issues directly resulting from harsh training methods, especially shock collars (sometimes euphemistically called e-collars). In some cases the dogs were sent away for “board and train,” with their owners not fully understanding that a shock collar would be used on their dog.
The issues caused by harsh training run deep and are not easily fixed. For example, dogs punished for growling often develop more serious biting issues. Most dogs growl out of fear, and punishment only adds to that fear. While the dog may stop growling (out of fear of punishment), they become more likely to bite without warning. A better approach involves dealing with the root cause of the problem by reducing the dog’s fear through counterconditioning and desensitization.
Numerous research studies support this position. Dogs trained with reward-based methods are generally more eager and happy to work, while those trained with punishment often show signs of emotional withdrawal. Many pet owners are relieved to learn that effective training doesn’t require harshness. Using rewards and managing the dog’s environment to prevent unwanted behaviors aligns better with how most of us want to treat our dogs. It’s also highly effective.
People often assume that all professional dog trainers use similar techniques. However, despite the known downsides of harsh methods, many trainers continue to use them for quick results, risking the dog’s long-term emotional well-being. When choosing a dog trainer, be sure to understand their methodology and select one who will treat your furry family member with the respect and care they deserve.