Why I Use Force and Fear Free Training Methods

As a behaviour consultant, one of the questions I get asked most often is why I choose force and fear free training methods.

For me, the answer comes down to both effectiveness and welfare. Like many areas of animal behaviour, dog training has evolved significantly over the years. As we learn more about how dogs think, learn and experience the world around them, our training methods should evolve too. Today, we have a growing body of research that allows us to make informed decisions about how we teach our dogs and support behavioural change.

Moving Beyond Dominance Theory

For many years, dog training advice was heavily influenced by dominance theory and early studies of captive wolves. This led to the belief that dogs were constantly trying to gain status within the household and that owners needed to establish themselves as the "alpha".

However, our understanding of wolf behaviour has changed considerably. David Mech, whose early work contributed to the popularity of the alpha wolf concept, later clarified that wild wolf packs function more like family groups than strict dominance hierarchies (Mech, 1999). In these family groups, cooperation is far more common than competition. It is also important to remember that dogs are not wolves.

While they share a common ancestor, thousands of years of domestication have resulted in significant differences in behaviour, social interactions and their relationship with humans.

When we view behaviour through the lens of communication rather than dominance, we often gain a much clearer understanding of what is actually happening. A dog pulling on lead, barking at visitors or growling over a resource is not necessarily trying to gain control. More often than not, they are responding to their environment, emotions or previous experiences.

How Dogs Learn

Dogs learn through consequences. Behaviours that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated, while behaviours that are not reinforced are less likely to continue. The discussion around training methods is not really about whether punishment can interrupt behaviour in the short term. In many cases it can. The more important question is whether it is necessary, whether it provides better outcomes than reward based training and what risks may come alongside its use.

This is where the research becomes particularly interesting.

What Does The Research Tell Us?

A number of studies have compared reward based training methods with more aversive approaches. Hiby, Rooney and Bradshaw (2004) found that owners who used positive reinforcement based methods reported higher levels of obedience and fewer problem behaviours than those who relied more heavily on punishment.

Similarly, Rooney and Cowan (2011) found associations between reward based training and improved command responses, while several studies have linked aversive methods to increased signs of stress, fear and anxiety. Beerda et al. (1998) identified behavioural and physiological indicators of stress in dogs exposed to aversive stimuli, and Arhant et al. (2010) found that the use of punishment based techniques was associated with increased reports of aggressive and excitable behaviour.

One study that many owners find particularly interesting is that by Herron, Reisner and Shofer (2009), which investigated confrontational training methods used by owners of dogs presenting with behaviour problems. The researchers found that a proportion of dogs responded aggressively when techniques such as hitting, alpha rolls, physical corrections and other confrontational methods were used.

A review of the available literature by Ziv (2017) concluded that there was little evidence to support the routine use of aversive training methods and highlighted concerns regarding their impact on welfare. The review suggested that trainers and owners should rely primarily on positive reinforcement methods wherever possible.

What About Training Equipment?

Training equipment is often a topic that generates strong opinions, particularly when discussing tools such as choke chains, prong collars and electronic collars.

Several studies have investigated the welfare implications of electronic collar use. Schilder and van der Borg (2004) found that dogs trained with shock collars displayed stress related behaviours, even when the collars were no longer being used. Research commissioned by DEFRA in 2013 compared electronic collar training with reward based training and found no significant advantage in training outcomes when electronic collars were used. The researchers concluded that reward based methods were at least as effective while presenting fewer welfare concerns.

A later study by China, Mills and Cooper (2020) also found that positive reinforcement training was more effective at addressing target behaviours and general obedience than electronic collar training, while posing fewer risks to dog welfare and the dog owner relationship.

These findings are particularly important because they suggest that the discussion should not focus solely on whether a tool can stop a behaviour. Instead, we should consider whether the same outcome can be achieved using methods that carry fewer risks.

Looking Beyond The Behaviour

One of the most important things we know about behaviour is that it does not happen in isolation. Behaviour is often influenced by emotion, learning history, environment and individual experiences.

If a dog stops barking, growling or reacting, it can be tempting to assume the problem has been resolved. However, behaviour change does not always mean emotional change. In some cases, the behaviour may have been suppressed while the underlying emotion remains unchanged.

This is particularly important when working with fear, anxiety or frustration based behaviours. Lasting change is often achieved by addressing the cause of the behaviour rather than simply focusing on the outward signs.

Why I Choose Force and Fear Free Methods

The current body of evidence suggests that reward based training is highly effective, supports welfare and helps maintain a positive relationship between dogs and their owners. At the same time, research has identified potential risks associated with punishment based and aversive training techniques, particularly when used to address behavioural concerns.

After working with dogs and their families for many years, this aligns closely with what I see in practice. My goal is not simply to stop unwanted behaviour. It is to understand why that behaviour is occurring, help owners better understand their dogs and create lasting change that improves quality of life for both.

For that reason, force and fear free methods form the foundation of all the work I do.

Kathy x

References

Arhant, C., Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A. and Troxler, J. (2010) 'Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123(3-4), pp. 131-142.

Beerda, B., Schilder, M.B.H., van Hooff, J.A.R.A.M., de Vries, H.W. and Mol, J.A. (1998) 'Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 58(3-4), pp. 365-381.

China, L., Mills, D.S. and Cooper, J.J. (2020) 'Efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars versus a focus on positive reinforcement', Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, Article 508.

Herron, M.E., Reisner, I.R. and Shofer, F.S. (2009) 'Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviours', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1-2), pp. 47-54.

Hiby, E.F., Rooney, N.J. and Bradshaw, J.W.S. (2004) 'Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare', Animal Welfare, 13(1), pp. 63-69.

Mech, L.D. (1999) 'Alpha status, dominance and division of labour in wolf packs', Canadian Journal of Zoology, 77(8), pp. 1196-1203.

Rooney, N.J. and Cowan, S. (2011) 'Training methods and owner-dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3-4), pp. 169-177.

Schilder, M.B.H. and van der Borg, J.A.M. (2004) 'Training dogs with the help of the shock collar: Short and long term behavioural effects', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 85(3-4), pp. 319-334.

Ziv, G. (2017) 'The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs: A review', Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, pp. 50-60.