Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training is the most evidence-supported approach for dog training and behaviour management. It improves welfare and strengthens the human-dog bond.

Key Facts

Studies consistently show dogs trained with positive reinforcement show less stress and anxiety
Aversive training methods including prong and shock collars cause measurable welfare harm
Force-free training produces equivalent or superior learning outcomes to punishment-based methods
The human-dog bond is strengthened by cooperative, positive training interactions
Accredited positive reinforcement trainers use reward-based methods validated by learning science

Welfare Considerations

Training method selection is a welfare decision. The robust evidence base for positive reinforcement supports its use as the standard approach, while aversive methods cause documented welfare harm that is incompatible with ethical dog ownership.

What You Can Do

Choose a trainer accredited by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or equivalent body
Use positive reinforcement exclusively and avoid shock, prong or slip lead corrections
Advocate for regulation of dog training to ban harmful aversive methods