Why Aversive Methods Might Not Be the Best Choice

 

The Science Behind Dog Training: Why Aversive Methods Might Not Be the Best Choice

If you’ve ever dived into the world of dog training, you’ve probably come across a heated debate: should we use aversive methods like shock collars and prong collars, or should we stick to positive reinforcement? Everyone seems to have an opinion, but what does the science actually say?

This isn’t about pointing fingers at trainers who use different methods—after all, everyone wants what’s best for their dog. Instead, let’s take a look at what research tells us about stress, learning, and how our training choices can impact a dog’s well-being.

What Happens in a Dog’s Body During Training?

One of the most talked-about topics in dog training studies is cortisol, the hormone released when an animal (or human) experiences stress. Cortisol itself isn’t bad—in fact, it’s essential for survival. But when levels stay high for extended periods, it can have some negative effects on learning, behavior, and overall well-being.

A 2020 study by Vieira de Castro et al. looked at cortisol levels in dogs trained using aversive methods versus those trained with positive reinforcement. The results? Dogs in the aversive group had higher cortisol levels and exhibited more stress-related behaviors, such as yawning, lip licking, and avoiding eye contact. These signs suggest that the dogs were experiencing anxiety and discomfort, even outside of training sessions (Vieira de Castro et al., 2020).

Does Stress Impact Learning?

We all know that learning new things is harder when we’re stressed. The same applies to dogs. A study by Cooper et al. (2014) compared the effectiveness of shock collar training with reward-based training and found that there was no added benefit to using the shock collar. In other words, the dogs didn’t learn any faster or perform better, but they did show more signs of stress (Cooper et al., 2014).

Another study by Schilder & van der Borg (2004) found that dogs trained with shock collars not only showed stress signals during training but continued to display these behaviors even when they weren’t being trained. This suggests that aversive training may have lingering psychological effects on dogs (Schilder & van der Borg, 2004).

Does Aversive Training Affect a Dog’s Outlook on Life?

A fascinating study by Casey et al. (2021) examined whether dogs trained with aversive methods had a more pessimistic mindset. The researchers used a cognitive bias test (essentially a way to measure optimism in animals) and found that dogs exposed to two or more aversive training methods were more likely to anticipate negative outcomes. In short, they became more pessimistic about life (Casey et al., 2021).

While this might not seem like a big deal, think about how this could impact everyday life. A dog that expects negative consequences may be more anxious, hesitant to try new things, or even more prone to fear-based aggression.

What About Working Dogs? Do Aversive Methods Work Better for Them?

Some argue that aversive methods might be necessary for working dogs, such as police or military K9s. But even in high-performance environments, research suggests that reward-based training is more effective. A 2021 study by Vieira de Castro et al. found that dogs trained with rewards learned more efficiently and were more engaged with their handlers compared to those trained with mixed methods (a combination of rewards and corrections) (Vieira de Castro et al., 2021).

So, What’s the Takeaway?

The research is pretty clear:

Aversive training methods increase stress and anxiety in dogs.

They don’t necessarily make training more effective.

They may lead to long-term emotional effects, including pessimism and fear-based behaviors.

Positive reinforcement not only reduces stress but improves learning and strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners.

This isn’t about vilifying trainers who use different techniques—it’s about making informed decisions based on what science tells us. Every dog deserves training that helps them learn in a way that keeps them happy, confident, and stress-free. And as research continues to evolve, it’s worth keeping an open mind and adapting our methods to what’s truly best for our furry friends.

Would love to hear your thoughts—what training methods have worked best for your dog? Drop a comment below!

By Sean Harris



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