Training methods have profound welfare implications for dogs. Understanding the evidence behind positive reinforcement training helps owners make choices that support both behavior and wellbeing.
Training method choice has immediate and lasting welfare implications for dogs. Dogs trained using punishment, fear, and pain - shock collars, prong collars, physical correction, alpha rolls - live with higher chronic stress, show more anxiety and fear-related behaviors, and have damaged trust relationships with their owners. The training context, which could be an enriching, confidence-building, relationship-strengthening activity, becomes instead a source of fear and uncertainty. The evidence that positive reinforcement training is at least as effective as aversive methods for the vast majority of behaviors makes the continued use of aversive methods a welfare choice, not a necessity. Dog training is one area where improved owner knowledge could reduce widespread, preventable suffering.