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What is Dog Friendly Training?

There is a great debate as to what constitutes dog (or animal) friendly. But to us it is simple! On this page you will find not only what dog friendly living is, but why we are so passionate about it . You will also find some great resources in the side bar that will help you live dog friendly in your every day life as well.

Dog Friendly Training has two core points:

1. Utilizes tools and techniques that do not cause pain or fear. This includes choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars. This isn't simply because we don't want to hurt our dogs, but because of the fearful or even aggressive behavior that these tools can create.

2. Training that is effective, because if the training doesn't work, the relationship between dog and family fails.

In order for training to be considered dog friendly it must achieve both. At Trainers Academy, LLC we utilize training methods based on Positive Reinforcement - a scientifically proven method to change behavior, as long as it is accurately applied.

Now, let's get real. We want to address some "rumors" regarding various training methods.

"I tried positive reinforcement methods, but they didn't work for my dog. Besides there is no one way to train all dogs, right?"
Then they weren't applied appropriately. Positive reinforcement is based on the laws of learning, and works with every living creature. Of course there are some variables (for instance reinforcers will vary in dogs, just as they would in people). Find a trainer that is well-versed in applying training methods (see our articles on How to Find a Good Trainer). 

"Correctional Collars don't hurt... it's the equivalent of tapping the dog on the shoulder to get his attention."
Anyone who believes this does not truly understand how dogs learn. In order for punishment to work in training, it has to be, well, punishing enough! So, if your dog wants to chase a cat, do you think a tap on the shoulder would stop him? Look at it from his perspective... if you saw a $100 bill on the ground and someone tapped you on the shoulder to stop you from taking it, would it really stop you?

"You can train more quickly with punishment."

Some force-based trainers promise "quick" results, but the commonly seen "fallout" from this type of training (like an increase in the unwanted behavior, and unpleasant learned associations), require a LOT more time and work to modify once developed.  Positive reinforcement training promises results that are just as quick and is great fun for both dog and human!

"So you're saying that using these tools won't work?"
We've seen it on countless websites and e-mail lists. Trainers that use these methods jump to their defense because they assume positive reinforcement trainers don't believe that they work. Not so. Anyone who studies and understands the science of learning knows that it can work if applied properly. However, there is just too much risk of side effects caused by the pain, fear and stress caused by these tools.

"How do you know these tools cause stress?"
Don't take our word for it. Here are links to other articles addressing this topic:

Do Shock Collars Cause Damage by Karen Overall, DVM

The dangers of choke, pinch (prong), and shock collars by Jim Martyka

No Shock Colars - Train with your brain, not pain by Don Hanson, BFRP, CDBC, CPDT

Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects by Matthijs B.H. Shilder and Joanne A.M. van der Borg