Training Methods & Ethics

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We see a lot of controversy and mud flinging online regarding the best ways to train a dog, I just thought I'd lay out our stance on the topic in a blog-style post.



The divide comes from Balanced Dog Trainers (Slip leads and prong collars) vs Positive Reinforcement Only Dog Trainers (Hotdogs and praise)

The first point to make clear is that we use Balanced Training methods to train our dogs, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with positive only training for the most part (I personally know some absolutely amazing positive only trainers) - my issue lies with the spread of misinformation and delusion regarding the use and necessity of Balanced Methods for certain dogs.

Something I see endlessly from Positive Only Trainers is that their method is the only correct way to train a dog, and anything out-with that is barbaric and cruel - but the problem is that 90% of the cases you see from these trainers posting are people holding up puppy class certificates or educational group sessions - you will never see them post a case about the out of control 60kg dog with bite history or the terrified and confused German Shepherd who wants to maul everything it sees for reasons it cant understand, because more often than not they wont even take on the case in the first place.

You will see these types of people criticise and belittle Balanced Trainers and tell you how cruel and unnecessary it is and how amazing Positive Only is but in the same breath post that if your dog isn't comfortable with other dogs not to come to the group sessions. This is because they know fine well that if a reactive dog attends there is no amount of hot dogs and praise in the world that is going to calm that dog around other dogs.

You will be told their methods are backed by science and please believe me when I say I've studied the evidence they hang their hat on extensively and the argument being made is flimsy at best and often doesn't even directly relate to the issues at hand. (For example most of the studies relate to puppies and working line police dogs like the Belgian Maliniois, things like reactivity and existing severe behavioural issues isn’t factored)

The bottom line is that dogs need a leader who loves them, not a mummy or daddy who babies them, dogs need structure, security and discipline - they need to know right and wrong no different than a child does, its not a question of punishment and cruelty but a question of costs vs benefits and I'll lay out an analogy;

Our dogs are terrified of vets, vets will often use aversive practices (including slip leads), our dogs will be terrified, held down and sedated so that the vet can carry out necessary procedures - we all accept this fact (including Positive Only Trainers) because we all understand the short term cost of the fear and anxiety of the dog going to the vet is going to benefit and often save their long term life.

Aversion, telling your dog no and that certain behaviours aren't acceptable is an absolute necessity for certain dogs - especially ones with complex and severe cases of reactivity and aggression. I have seen trembling wrecks of dogs, severely aggressive dogs big and small completely have their lives turned around and grow into wonderful and confident companions through slip leads and prong collars, I've seen owners who love their dog no different than a child completely at their wits end through fear of their dog attacking someone elses and being taken away and destroyed - its not about punishment or scaring them into submission, its about setting boundaries, showing our dogs that we're their leader and that we have their back.

Positive Only is fine, and even great for certain dogs, but to say that it is the only way is delusional, foolish and dangerous,

And to finish this off I'll repeat - dogs need a confident leader who loves them, not a mummy and daddy who lets them run riot and just prays they'll take treats to stop misbehaving.