03/09/2024
So… I’ve really been listening to the constructive criticism directed towards us and want to offer some thoughts.
I’ve noticed some common questions and concerns about our approach to advocating for change in the dog training industry, and I want to address them openly.
Our goal continues to be highlighting the need for our industry to evolve and improve in ways that benefit not only dogs but also the people who love them. The dog training field has stagnated in some areas, and it’s time we all come together to push for progress.
One concern I often hear is that we’re oversimplifying things by pushing for positive reinforcement and science-backed methods without using pain or fear. I completely understand where this question comes from, and I’m glad people are asking it. To clarify, we’re not saying there’s only one way to train a dog or that positive reinforcement looks the same in every scenario. There are countless ways to train a dog effectively without resorting to pain or fear, and it’s about finding the right approach for each dog within a framework that prioritizes humane methods.
Let’s take the case of the high-drive dog. Some think that for these dogs, tools like choke, prong or shock collars are necessary to maintain control. But any positive reinforcement trainer will tell you that these are often the most amazing dogs to work with precisely because they are so easy to motivate. They have the drive, the focus, and the enthusiasm, which makes them perfect candidates for training with positive reinforcement. By tapping into what they love, whether it’s a favorite toy, treat, or activity, we can shape their behaviors in ways that are not only effective but also mega enjoyable for them.
But what about aggressive dogs? This is another area where I see a lot of confusion. When faced with aggression, some still turn to aversive methods, thinking they are needed to control the situation. And often, they may be if a dog is over threshold since the safety of the dog and everyone around is a priority. But remember that’s an emergency management situation (we are not training or attempting to modify behavior in these instances)
Research overwhelmingly shows that aversive techniques, like shock collars or harsh physical corrections, are strongly correlated with increased aggression and anxiety over time. These methods may suppress the outward signs temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying causes. That’s why we advocate for approaches that get to the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms.
I’ve also heard concerns that our stance has polarized the community. Perhaps. I want to say that polarization isn’t inherently negative, it can be a driving force for positive change when grounded in a clear and ethical motivation. Think about well-known examples like the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of slavery. These were deeply polarizing issues that led to necessary and meaningful progress.
Now, I’m not equating the evolution of dog training with these significant historical movements, but I mention them to illustrate that polarization can have a purpose when it’s about advancing ethical standards and practices.
It’s not about creating division for its own sake; it’s about helping both professionals and the public understand what’s considered acceptable and effective based on the latest in animal behavior science. This benefits everyone by ensuring that dogs aren’t facing additional behavioral problems because they’ve been trained in a way that suppresses rather than resolves issues.
Lastly, we need to talk about accessibility and support within our community. Some have pointed out that moving away from aversive methods can be challenging because finding a qualified behaviorist or using modern approaches might seem costly or difficult. I get that, and it’s a valid concern. That’s why we’re pushing for better support for those who are committed to modern, humane practices. This means creating more opportunities for education, mentorship, and resources, so trainers have a clear pathway to becoming well-versed in approaches that align with current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by AVSAB in their position statement on humane dog training.
Advocating for change in dog training isn’t just about methods; it’s about the well-being of dogs and the safety of the public. Positive reinforcement and humane training methodologies offer a comprehensive approach that meets a dog’s full spectrum of needs, without resorting to pain or fear. We’re here to keep pushing for more integrity in this field, ensuring that our profession evolves into a respected, science-based practice that truly serves everyone involved.
Dog training science resources collected in one place (thank you ) https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on humane dog training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
Fallout from the Use of Aversives reference list (thank you Eileen Anderson )
https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement/
