I am a researcher!! and as such, I often like to try and convince people with logic and scientific evidence. While this is of course a legitimate method of arguing, it is not always the BEST method, at least not for some individuals. Indeed, we humans are emotional beings and our emotions, many times, guide our actions. Whether this is good or bad is for other scholars to decide as this is not my field of study. However, it is generally still the case.
So how does this relate to dog training?
Aversive training methods - those methods based on compulsion and fear - are, unfortunately, still prevalent. These methods are in use despite the strong case against them that has been provided by both scientists and practitioners. Indeed, in a recent (and excellent) blog post, Zazie Todd, PhD explains what positive punishment is (hint: positive does not mean good!). She discusses the problems with the concept of dominance, the painful outcome of using prong collars, etc. Other trainers who rely on force-free methods publish articles on the negative side-effects of aversive training methods as well. in addition, there is scientific evidence that shows that we should avoid hurting or frightening our dogs in order to teach them.
I have recently (2017) published a review paper titled: "The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs - A Review" . The review describes 17 studies that compared training methods and finds that aversive methods are not more effective than force-free methods and that aversive training methods can harm dogs' welfare.
Lastly, if you study this issue for yourself you will find that there is no valid, logical, or scientific reason to use compulsion and aversion in dog training. Yet, for many reasons (that are outside the scope of this post), compulsion and aversion still exist in methods and protocols in dog training.
But perhaps we can help more individuals to get on the force-free training wagon by reaching their heart and not just their brain.
In the picture is my 12.5 years old Aussie. I got her when she was 2 months old and we are inseparable ever since. Her name is Sheena and unfortunately she has cancer. As i'm writing this, I have tears in my eyes. I don't know how long we have left but I know this: I love her to death. I also know that many dog owners feel exactly the same way about their own dogs. If you feel so much love for your dog, why would you want to hurt him/her, why would you want to frighten him/her? Once you realize that there is no need to frighten or hurt in order to teach (dogs, humans, or any other animal for that matter) why would you choose to do so?
Sheena never felt a choke chain, a prong collar, or an electronic collar around her neck. She was taught using reward-based methods and reached a very high level of understanding. If you want to learn about how to use reward-based methods, you can find several videos of Sheena and I when we were still young here. Many more resources are available online.
I am grateful for each hour and each day I still have with Sheena. I know that you also love your dog dearly. Don't hurt him/her. Don't believe any dog trainer who tells you that there are no other ways to train. Don't be afraid to tell a dog trainer to leave your dog alone if you see that your dog is frightened or hurt. Ask him/her to go and find another trainer.
It's time to fill Sheena's Kong again. How she loves this Kong.
Enjoy your life with your dog.
