
29/05/2025
The fear free approach to training guides you and your pup to build on the bond between you, in a healthy, sustainable way, rather than using aversive techniques.
While both may end up with the same “visible” result, the fear free approach builds genuine behaviours that your pup enjoys doing, which slowly turn into habits. It means supporting them through something they might find fearful or bothersome, and reassuring them that they are able to behave in an appropriate way.
Fear free means recall is successful because they have associated recalling to you with joy and comfort, not because they will be punished if they do not. It’s the difference between a pup not barking because they have realised the stranger entering the house will not bother them, versus the fear of punishment.
It is the difference between a pup knowing they can communicate with you, (through vocalising, moving away, or growling) when they are uncomfortable because they know you will listen versus a pup deciding to shut down due to previous punishments and then escalating into more serious behaviours such as biting without warning.
The fear free approach cares for your pup’s mental health and wellbeing.
At The Vet Equation, we support fear free training and handling, and we partner with organisations that support these values, such as
What fear free training methods have you used with your pup? Share your comments below 👇