Companion Animals

Positive Reinforcement Training and Dog Welfare

The training method used with dogs has profound welfare implications, with evidence-based positive reinforcement approaches producing better welfare and learning outcomes than aversive methods.

Key Facts

Positive reinforcement training uses food, play, or praise to reward desired behaviours
Aversive training using punishment increases fear and anxiety in dogs
Electronic shock collar use is banned or restricted in several countries on welfare grounds
Dogs trained with positive methods show lower cortisol and more optimistic cognitive bias
Training is most effective during sensitive periods but dogs can learn at any age

Welfare Considerations

Dogs trained using aversive methods including choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars experience fear and pain during training, with negative emotional consequences that persist beyond the training context. Positive reinforcement training achieves equivalent or better behavioural results while producing dogs with better welfare indicators. The relationship between owner and dog is also improved by positive methods, benefiting both.

What You Can Do

Choose trainers who use only positive reinforcement methods and avoid those using punishment
Look for APDT or ABTC registered trainers who follow evidence-based standards
Avoid shock collars, choke chains, and other aversive equipment
Attend puppy classes based on positive reinforcement before problem behaviours develop
Learn about clicker training as an effective positive reinforcement tool for any age dog