12/11/2025
A problem I am familiar with in the working dog world: trainers—especially women—who choose positive training methods are often met with criticism or even outright bullying from those who believe only in harsher, hands-on approaches. This isn’t just unproductive; it’s disrespectful to the diversity of training styles that make our community strong.
Here’s the reality: training should be about the dog and what brings out the best in them, not about proving how “tough” or “dominant” we are as handlers. Positive doesn’t mean permissive. For many trainers, using reinforcement-based methods means skillfully guiding their dogs to be confident, engaged, and eager to work—without necessarily making them robotic or suppressing their natural character.
Experienced positive reinforcement trainers know that balance matters. Most stay away from labels like “force-free” because they understand that, especially with working dogs, a completely force-free approach is usually unrealistic. Working dogs need clear boundaries and structure, and a 100% force-free approach can often backfire, creating confusion or even safety risks for both the dog and handler. Good positive trainers recognize there are situations where firm guidance or correction is necessary; they just prefer to use it judiciously and only when it truly benefits the dog’s understanding.
Yes, there are times and places where punishment may have a role, especially for behaviors that need a firm boundary. But if a handler chooses not to use punishment, recognizing there are other ways to handle the issue effectively, that choice deserves respect, not judgment. Positive trainers understand that discipline and structure are key, and they are often just as committed to shaping a reliable dog. Reinforcement-based methods can produce strong, skilled, and dependable dogs without having to lean on punishment as the first or only answer.
When we allow a dog’s personality to shine, we’re creating partnerships that are both powerful and joyful. A positive approach doesn’t make a dog or trainer inferior; often, it requires an open mind, patience, and skill to use methods that guide rather than force, that correct without breaking spirit.
Instead of judging, let’s stay open-minded and remember that each handler and each dog is different. There are many ways to create successful, balanced working dogs. Supporting each other’s paths, learning from different approaches, and staying respectful is how we build a better training community.
So let’s keep egos in check and focus where it matters: building strong bonds and bringing out the best in our dogs.
