As our knowledge about dogs evolves, recommendations to use reward-based methods for training have grown stronger. Modern animal welfare models emphasize the need to provide positive experiences for your dog, reflecting a broad cultural shift and viewing dogs as family members, which deeply influences how we approach their training and care. A fundamental aspect of modern training methods is focusing on the dog’s needs and its ability to integrate into the human world. Training should not be just a series of commands, but a communication process that considers the animal's comfort in various situations, from veterinary visits to meeting other dogs. Understanding the needs for play, sniffing, and companionship significantly reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems. Related articles recommended: «When elephants get sad, what do they think?» and «The chemistry of your cat’s brain is closely linked to yours». These texts explore the complexity of animals’ emotional lives, highlighting the importance of an empathetic approach in relationships with domestic species, similar to that recommended for dogs. [1]
Debates on dog training methods seem to continue for a long time, but remain essential due to the benefits for the dog’s health and behavior when using reward-based methods, such as play, and the risks associated with using aversive methods. The list of reasons supporting reward-based training has expanded significantly over time, reflecting also changes in cultural attitudes toward pets. At the same time, it is crucial to distinguish between unpleasant behaviors and signs of medical conditions. Some sudden changes in the dog’s attitude, such as inexplicable fear of noises or refusal to move, can indicate pain or other health issues requiring immediate veterinary intervention, not correction through training. Ignoring physical causes and applying punitive methods can exacerbate the animal’s suffering. Exploring the mental universe of cats and elephants shows that the capacity to feel and attach is not exclusively human. Understanding these biological connections encourages us to adopt more responsible attitudes toward pets, providing them with stimulating and friendly environments. [1]
Reward-based training methods are effective and scientifically proven. Studies show that dogs trained through rewards are more obedient than those trained through aversive methods, such as leash jerks, prong collars, or electric shocks. The use of aversive methods can induce stress, which makes learning more difficult and may worsen existing behavioral problems, creating a vicious cycle that is costly and difficult to manage. Collaboration between trainers and veterinarians becomes an essential standard in canine behavior management. When a dog shows signs of severe anxiety or aggressive reactions, the team consisting of the behavior specialist and the veterinarian can assess whether psychoactive medications or other medical interventions are needed alongside behavioral therapies, ensuring that the animal's suffering is minimized. Professional organizations worldwide, including the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and others, have updated their positions to clearly highlight the superiority of reward-based methods. These directives are not optional recommendations, but solid scientific bases for preventing behavioral problems and promoting animal welfare. The use of reward-based methods is undoubtedly the most effective and humane way of canine education. [1]
Positive training is not only a correction method but also a cognitive enrichment activity. Dogs that learn to obtain rewards through effort exhibit what researchers call the “Eureka effect,” experiencing satisfaction and happiness upon solving tasks. These sessions not only improve behavior but also strengthen the partnership between owner and animal, increasing the dog’s motivation and learning abilities for future interactions. The profound cultural shift in perceiving dogs as family members radically changes treatment standards. The use of aversive methods, such as prong collars or electric shocks, is no longer accepted even as a last resort, being considered unethical and cruel. Modern owners increasingly express dissatisfaction with outdated practices, requesting gentle and effective methods that respect the animal’s dignity. Recent studies, such as the one conducted by Casey, Naj-Oleari, Campbell and others (2021), published in Scientific Reports, show that owners who use two or more aversive training methods have dogs that display higher levels of pessimism and stress. This direct link between training brutality and the animal’s mental health strengthens the argument for changing the educational paradigm. [1]
Professional animal behavior societies unanimously recommend reward-based methods, severely criticizing the use of physical or psychological punishments. Recent research confirms that aversive methods can contribute to the emergence of pessimistic traits in the dog’s character and can damage the emotional bond with the owner. Canine behavior specialist, Dr. Zazie Todd, recommends that any owner using aversive methods switch immediately to positive methods and seek help from a certified trainer or veterinarian if behavioral difficulties arise. The transition to positive training is supported by numerous international professional organizations. Professionals in the field are encouraged to continuously update their skills and refuse methods that may affect the dog’s mental health. By adopting these high standards, the community of owners and specialists contributes to forming a generation of dogs that are more balanced, more sociable, and less stressed. Bibliographic references include the significant works of Zazie Todd, especially the book “Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog” (2024). This publication offers a detailed, research-based guide for understanding and managing anxiety and reactivity in dogs, highlighting the crucial role of empathy and positive methods in healing behavioral trauma. [1]
In conclusion, the modern humane and scientific approach dictates that dog training should be based on rewards, not on fear or pain. This process not only improves the animal’s upbringing but also promotes its mental and emotional well-being, transforming the human-dog relationship into one based on trust and cooperation, which is essential for peaceful coexistence. Research by Vieira de Castro, Barrett, de Sousa and Olsson (2019), published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, compares the impact of “the carrot and the stick” on the attachment between dog and owner. The results indicate that reward-based methods (the carrot) create deeper and more enduring emotional bonds, while aversive methods (the stick) weaken trust and closeness. [1]
For owners who wish to apply these principles, available resources include guidelines developed by organizations such as AVSAB and ASPCA, which emphasize the importance of avoiding physical force. Additionally, specialized literature and dedicated books, such as those by author Zazie Todd, offer practical details for transitioning to positive training, guaranteeing that your dog will be happier, more balanced, and better integrated into society. The general analysis of the effects of aversive methods, led by G. Ziv (2017) and published in Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, reveals a number of negative consequences, including increased aggression and fear. Systematic reviews confirm that there is no evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of physical or psychological punishments in canine training. [1]
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