Heather MacDonald. Dalhousie: BSc. Animal Sciences. REGD/Insured/Experienced/Professional. Est.2007 Small Group Sizes. Between Four and Seven Dogs Per Group.
02/22/2025
So true
The Problem With Human Need For Instant Gratification vs Dog Training (Why Aversive Methods Persist).
🧠The human brain is wired to seek quick fixes, often favoring immediate results over long-term solutions, even when those promises are unrealistic. This tendency stems from our preference for instant gratification, a behavior well-documented in behavioral economics and psychology (Mischel et al., 1972). For instance, many fall victim to fad diet plans promising rapid weight loss, magic wrinkle-removing creams claiming to erase years of aging overnight, or schemes guaranteeing to quadruple money in a week with zero risk.
⚠️These 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙨 (that’s exactly what they are) prey on our desire for fast outcomes, exploiting the brain’s aversion to delayed rewards and effortful solutions. Research on decision-making shows that individuals are more likely to opt for immediate rewards in moments of stress or uncertainty, which clouds judgment and leads to irrational choices (Loewenstein & Elster, 1992).
‼️Recognizing this cognitive bias is crucial to making more informed, rational decisions and avoiding common traps.
❎In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all accustomed to instant results—whether it’s next-day shipping or streaming a show in seconds. Unfortunately, this desire for immediate outcomes often spills over into dog training, leading many to turn to aversive tools like prong, shock, or choke collars. While these methods may provide quick behavioral changes, they come at a high cost to the dog’s well-being and the human-animal bond.
🦮A dog pulling on the lead or barking incessantly can be frustrating. Aversive methods often appear effective because they cause discomfort or fear that interrupts the behaviour right away. For someone seeking immediate relief, the “problem” seems solved, reinforcing their belief that the method is justified.
📖The psychology behind is the human mindset rooted in our natural bias for immediate gratification. Research shows that people often prioritize short-term outcomes over long-term benefits, especially in high-stress situations (Loewenstein & Thaler, 1989). Our brains are wired to seek immediate rewards, even if they come at a cost to future well-being. When dog owners are stressed or overwhelmed by unwanted behaviors, they may be more inclined to choose aversive methods for their perceived quick-fix solutions.
🔬Behavioural science highlights how humans may develop a “punishment reinforcement loop” in which the relief from stopping an unwanted behavior becomes reinforcing (Skinner, 1971). This loop can make it difficult to move away from aversive methods once they are perceived to “work,” even if they cause long-term damage to the dog.
🤨What about justifying the use of aversive tools?
Many justify aversive methods by claiming that they “work” because they suppress unwanted behaviours. However, research indicates that while these methods may temporarily stop the behaviour, they can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and aggression in dogs (Ziv, 2017). There’s a significant difference between a dog who stops pulling because of fear and one who walks calmly because they understand what’s expected. The latter builds trust and confidence, while the former creates stress and potentially worsens behavioural issues.
❓What is the long-term solution?
✅Education, education, education of the human end of the lead.
✅ Changing mindsets one dog person at a time.
✅Shifting the perspective.
When we’re tempted to use aversive methods, it’s helpful to pause and reflect: Are we prioritizing our need for immediate control over our dog’s long-term well-being? By shifting our mindset to focus on the bigger picture, we can create a healthier, happier relationship with our dogs—one built on understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
❇️In dog training, as in life, the best outcomes often come when we’re willing to invest the time and patience necessary for meaningful, lasting change.
References:
• Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness, and interaction with behavior and welfare. Animal Welfare, 13(1), 63-69.
• Loewenstein, G., & Thaler, R. H. (1989). Anomalies in intertemporal choice: Evidence and an interpretation. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 104(2), 573-597.
• Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs: A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60.
