There is nothing “Balanced” about harming your dog. Listen to what the experts have to say below!
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Hierarchy of Behavior Change
As a member of the IAABC and being an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, Angela follows the Hierarchy of Behavior Change to address behavior problems with client dogs. The Hierarchy of Behavior Change is competency-based, meaning it requires much knowledge and skill to change behavior prior to jumping to aversive methods. Utilizing the Hierarchy ensures the welfare of your dog and minimizes stress.
Stop being an “Alpha” or “Pack Leader”
In the 1970s Dr David Mech published a study on unrelated wolf packs which concluded that the wolves within the pack formed a hierarchy.
Popular TV trainers and pseudo professionals have taken this information and ran with it. Beware of trainers who rely on "Leadership" or "Being an Alpha".
Dr David Mech has since retracted his conclusion, stating that wolf packs are lead by breeding males and females. He admits that the science was wrong at the time.
Also: Your dog knows they are a dog and you are a human. Neither of you are wolves.
Check out David Mech explaining his mistake and the correct way of viewing wolf packs
The Fallout of Punishment
The fallout of using Positive Punishment (Shock Collars, E-Collars mimicking “TENS” units, Prong Collars, Choke Chains, Spray Bottles, “Bonkers”, Yelling, Hitting the dog) and Negative Reinforcement (Removing aversive after dog elicits desired behavior- ex: Holding down stim on E-collar until dog lays down) has been studied and the science shows that reward-based methods for training animals are the most effective.
Some potential outcomes of using punishment or aversive-based methods are:
Injury to the dog
Decreased trust in handler/guardian
Suppression of true behavior
Redirection onto handler/guardian
Dog associates punisher with what they are orienting towards (Associative learning)
Learned Helplessness
The American Society of Veterinary Behaviorists published their position statement on training methods in 2021 which stated they only recommend reward-based training methods. Click here to view their position statement.
For more studies on the negative impacts of aversive-based dog training: