Dog Trainers Switch Methods Due to Empathy and Education

The scientific evidence on dog training methods shows that the use of aversives (such as prong and shock collars or tugs on the leash) has risks for dog welfare and for the dog-human relationship. But dog training is not regulated, and some trainers still use these outdated methods.

New research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science sheds light on the differing viewpoints of American reward-based and aversive trainers. The results show that while both types of dog trainer say they take good dog welfare into account, reward-based trainers put much more emphasis on a formal education. Perhaps unsurprisingly, aversive trainers put more emphasis on their experience, and claim—despite the evidence of the risks, the position statements from veterinary and animal welfare organizations, and the abilities of their reward-based colleagues—that sometimes they need to use aversive methods.

Jamie DeLeeuw, Ph.D., of Community Research Plus and first author of the study, told me in an email,

“What we would most want ordinary dog guardians to take away is that training is not just about stopping behavior—it is about understanding what dogs are communicating and supporting the relationship they have with the people who care for them.

“One of the most heartening things we found was that, even in a polarized field, the certification-affiliated trainers we interviewed shared important common ground around canine welfare, owner education, and the value of positive reinforcement. At the same time, owners are often trying to make decisions in a confusing and largely unregulated field, where trainers may make very different claims about what is humane or effective.

“For dog guardians, I think the key is to be wary of quick fixes and to look for a trainer who can clearly explain their approach, prioritize the dog’s emotional and physical well-being, and help them understand the emotions and needs behind the behavior. Behaviors that look like “defiance” are often rooted in fear, frustration, anxiety, confusion, or a mismatch between the dog’s needs and environment. A good trainer should help both the dog and the guardian learn—not simply suppress behavior.”

How Was the Study Done?

The study involved detailed interviews with 35 dog trainers in the U.S. The trainers were found via the directories of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). At the time of data collection, IAABC and CCPDT followed a joint ethical approach called LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) that prioritizes positive reinforcement but allows for the use of aversives. (It’s worth noting that the IAABC subsequently updated its position and now its members must use reward-based methods). The IACP’s position statement on dog training methods cites LIMA as justifying the use of aversives.

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While it may be confusing that all three organizations either support or supported LIMA, the dog trainers in the study could be easily divided into two camps: those who sometimes use aversive methods (some might call them “balanced” trainers), and those who never do (reward-based trainers). Interestingly, the group of trainers who never use aversive methods were selected because they had used them in the past; in other words they are “crossover” trainers who have switched to reward-based methods. All of the trainers completed a short survey and then took part in an interview that asked about their perspectives on dog training. The transcripts were analyzed to identify the most important themes.

What Do the Results Tell Us?

Dog training is a divided industry, but both the aversive and reward-based trainers raised concerns about lack of regulation. The trainers who used aversives said that they mostly used positive reinforcement, and only sometimes felt they needed to use aversives. Both groups of trainers expressed concerns about dog guardians having unrealistic expectations and not understanding canine body language or what dogs need.

Trainers in both groups said they were concerned about dogs’ emotional well-being, but there were differences in whether they felt it was okay for dogs to be stressed in training, and on the effectiveness and ethics of using aversive methods. Reward-based trainers gave much more positive ratings for the effectiveness of classical conditioning (often used to help fearful dogs), and much lower ratings for the effectiveness of positive punishment (used by aversive trainers to suppress behavior) than the aversive trainers did.

One interesting finding is on views about education, where trainers who use aversives are prioritizing experience over education. The success of their colleagues who have crossed over to become reward-based trainers shows the value of a formal education in dog training. While the aversive trainers said they had moved on from dominance approaches to training, they also disputed much of the scientific research on training methods.

Meanwhile, the crossover trainers said their switch to reward-based methods came about as they developed more empathic feelings towards dogs and had more exposure to the use of positive reinforcement. For some it was a gradual change, while others had a specific “aha” moment that led them to stop using aversives.

Discussions about the importance of education have occurred in many different fields over the years as part of moves towards professionalization. There are some interesting comparisons with an earlier study in Canada (Cavalli & Fenwick, 2025), which found that most Canadian dog trainers use reward-based methods, but that around a third are self-taught and many share concerns about lack of regulation.

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The lack of regulation in the dog training industry makes it confusing for dog guardians. If you’re looking for a dog trainer, check that they will use reward-based methods to train your dog; membership of an organization such as the Pet Professional Guild, International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, or the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers is one thing to look for. As well, the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behaviour has a helpful position statement on how to choose a dog trainer that lists red and green flags.