The Dangerous Side of “Dog Training”

Dog training as a profession has evolved significantly over the years. Scientific research and a deeper understanding of canine behaviour have transformed how we train and live with our dogs. There has been a major shift away from compulsion-based obedience training towards positive reinforcement training, focused on welfare, safety, and long-term behavioural success.

However, the industry remains largely unregulated. This means that individuals with little to no formal education can offer dog training and behavioural advice—even in complex cases. As a result, there is now a sometimes blurry divide within the profession:

• Those advocating for science-based, welfare-led methods, and

• Those continuing to promote punishment-based training, including outdated ideas such as “dominance” and “alpha theory”—concepts that have long been scientifically disproven.

The Problem with Conflicting Dog Training Advice

For dog guardians seeking help, this creates a minefield of conflicting information, particularly online. Outdated and potentially harmful advice often gains significant traction on social media and television. Well-meaning dog owners can end up paying so-called “professionals” who promise quick fixes using harsh methods or aversive equipment.

When a “professional” gives advice, it’s natural to trust that it is safe and effective. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. This is why continued efforts to regulate the dog training and behaviour industry are so important—for the safety and wellbeing of both dogs and their guardians.

“There’s More Than One Way to Train a Dog” — Is That True?

You may hear the phrase, “there’s more than one way to train a dog.”

This is only true if all methods used are safe, ethical, and welfare friendly. Training should never rely on fear, pain, or intimidation. Methods that do so can negatively impact a dog’s mental health and long-term wellbeing.

This is never acceptable.

Why Punishment-Based Training Can Be Harmful

So-called “traditional”, “balanced”, or purely obedience-based training methods may appear effective in the short term. However, what is often happening is behavioural suppression—not true learning.

Dogs may stop displaying a behaviour due to:

• Fear

• Stress

• Avoidance

  
  

This can lead to a state known as “shutdown”, where the dog appears calm but is experiencing significant internal stress. Because the unwanted behaviour stops quickly, this can reinforce the use of these methods for the guardian. However, quick fixes rarely last.

Over time, unresolved stress can lead to:

• Increased anxiety

• Escalation of behaviours

• New behavioural issues emerging

See here for more information on dog body language signals to better read your dog's signs of stress

Effective behaviour work should never mask a problem. Instead, it should aim to:

• Understand why the behaviour is occurring

• Support the dog in coping and learning alternative responses

The Role of Pain and Medical Issues in Behaviour

A critical and often overlooked factor is underlying pain or medical conditions.

Research suggests that a significant proportion of behavioural cases—often estimated between 70–80%—have a medical or pain-related component.

This is why behaviour advice should always involve veterinary input or referral. Training alone cannot resolve behaviour issues rooted in pain or illness.

Aversive Dog Training Equipment: Risks and Welfare Concerns

Some training tools are designed to reduce behaviour through discomfort or pain. These include:

• Prong collars

• Choke chains

• Shock collars (including vibration-based collars)

• Slip leads when used aversively

  
  

While any equipment can be misused, the above tools are specifically designed to apply aversive pressure or punishment.

Potential risks include:

• Physical injury (e.g. neck or spinal damage)

• Increased fear and anxiety

• Aggression escalation

• Breakdown of trust between dog and guardian

For more information on this see our blog "But it only vibrates"

Understanding Punishment and Reinforcement in Dog Training

Scientifically, punishment is defined as any consequence that reduces a behaviour.

There are two types:

• Positive punishment: adding something unpleasant (e.g. leash correction)

• Negative punishment: removing something desirable (e.g. attention)

  
  

There are also two types of reinforcement:

• Positive reinforcement: adding something desirable to increase behaviour (e.g. treats, play, praise)

• Negative reinforcement: removing something unpleasant to increase behaviour

  
  

While all four quadrants can occur naturally in everyday life, when intentionally training a dog, positive reinforcement should be the primary method used.

Extensive research shows that punishment is not necessary for effective dog training and carries significant welfare risks.

Why Positive Reinforcement Works Best

Training using positive reinforcement:

• Builds trust and confidence

• Strengthens the human–dog relationship

• Encourages lasting behavioural change

• Supports emotional wellbeing

  
  

Behaviour change takes time. Just like humans, dogs need:

• Patience

• Consistency

• Support

  
  

Quick fixes are rarely sustainable—and often come at a cost.

Choosing the Right Dog Trainer or Behaviourist

If you’re looking for professional support, it’s important to choose someone who is qualified, experienced, and ethical.

Dog Trainers vs Behaviourists

• Dog trainers: teach new skills (e.g. recall, loose-lead walking, tricks)

• Behaviourists: address behavioural issues (e.g. aggression, reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, separation-related problems)

For behaviour concerns, always seek a qualified behaviourist, ideally working alongside a veterinarian.

See here for more information on the difference between trainers and behaviourists.

Trusted Organisations

Look for professionals registered with reputable organisations such as:

• Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

• Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

• Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)

• Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)

• NVGH Gedragstherapeuten voor honden (NGVH)

Final Thoughts

At the heart of all training and behaviour work should be one simple goal:

"To help your dog feel safe, secure, and happy in the life they share with you".