Companion Animals

Companion Dog Positive Reinforcement Training Principles

Reward-based training is both more effective and less harmful to dog welfare than punishment-based methods.

Key Facts

Evidence consistently shows positive reinforcement produces faster, more durable learning
Punishment-based training increases fear, aggression, and stress in dogs
The use of electric shock collars is banned in Wales and Scotland
Dogs trained with positive methods show lower cortisol and more relaxed body posture

Welfare Considerations

Dogs subjected to aversive training methods — shock collars, choke chains, alpha rolls — experience fear and pain that constitutes genuine welfare harm. Beyond the individual harm, punishment-based training damages the human-dog relationship, increases anxiety, and often increases the very behaviours it aims to suppress. There is no welfare or efficacy justification for aversive training when positive alternatives achieve better outcomes.

What You Can Do

Seek only certified reward-based trainers who do not use aversive methods
Never use electric shock collars or prong collars
Support campaigns to ban aversive training equipment
Share evidence-based positive training information in your dog-owning community