Why Do Extreme Trainers Get More Attention?

The Psychology Behind Dramatic Dog Training

If you’ve spent any time on social media or watching dog training content, you’ve probably noticed something: the most extreme trainers often have the biggest followings. The trainers who use harsh corrections, dramatic confrontations, and bold, “no-nonsense” attitudes tend to go viral far more often than trainers who take a slow, science-based approach.

Why? Why do trainers who rely on aversive methods—sometimes even forceful or confrontational techniques—draw in such massive audiences, while ethical, positive reinforcement trainers often struggle to gain traction?

Let’s dive into the psychology behind why people are drawn to these dramatic trainers and how entertainment value often overshadows what’s best for dogs.

1. The Appeal of Fast Results

One of the biggest reasons extreme trainers gain a following is the illusion of instant success. On social media and TV, you see a lunging, barking, unruly dog one moment—and then, after a firm correction, they suddenly “submit” and behave perfectly.

The reality? That’s not real learning. Studies in animal behavior (Ziv, 2017) show that suppressing behavior through force or intimidation doesn’t mean the dog has learned what to do instead (Ziv, 2017). But to the average viewer, it looks like magic. Fast transformations are satisfying to watch, and that instant gratification keeps people engaged—even if the method itself is harmful.

2. Drama Is Entertaining—Science Is Slow

Let’s be honest: scientific, ethical training isn’t always thrilling to watch. Real behavior change takes time, repetition, and patience—things that don’t make for exciting viral content. Watching a trainer reward small steps toward improvement doesn’t have the same shock factor as a trainer forcing a dog into submission.

Social media algorithms prioritize high engagement content—which often means videos that spark strong emotions (Pariser, 2011) (Pariser, 2011). When a video shows a trainer forcefully “fixing” a dog in seconds, viewers react strongly—whether it’s admiration or outrage. Either way, the post gets boosted in visibility, drawing in more views and followers.

3. The “Tough Guy” Persona

Many of these trainers adopt a “no BS” attitude—framing themselves as the “real” experts who cut through the fluff and “tell it like it is.” This plays into a common cognitive bias: people equate confidence with competence (Swann & Gill, 1997) (Swann & Gill, 1997).

Trainers who use direct, forceful language (“Dogs need a strong leader!” or “I fix dogs, not baby them!”) sound authoritative, even when their methods contradict modern behavioral science. Meanwhile, trainers who explain learning theory in a calm, nuanced way can come across as “soft” or overly academic to the average viewer.

4. The Human Fascination with Dominance and Control

There’s a reason why action movies are more popular than slow-burn documentaries: humans are drawn to displays of power. Research on social dominance theory (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999) suggests that many people are psychologically wired to admire authority figures who take control (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999).

In dog training, this translates into the belief that a “strong” leader must dominate their dog to earn respect. Even though modern research disproves dominance-based theories in dog behavior (Bradshaw, 2009) (Bradshaw, 2009), the idea remains deeply ingrained in many people’s minds—largely because it feels right to those who value clear hierarchies and control.

5. Fear-Based Marketing Works

Another tactic often used by extreme trainers is fear-based messaging: “If you don’t train your dog this way, you’ll lose control,” or “Positive-only training is ruining dogs!”

Fear-based marketing is effective because humans have a negativity bias—we pay more attention to threats than to neutral or positive information (Baumeister et al., 2001) (Baumeister et al., 2001). When an extreme trainer warns that a lack of discipline will lead to disaster, it creates urgency. This makes people more likely to follow them and share their content, even if the claims aren’t backed by science.

6. Social Proof and Bandwagon Effect

The more followers a trainer has, the more “credible” they seem. This is known as social proof—the psychological phenomenon where people assume that if many others believe something, it must be true (Cialdini, 1984) (Cialdini, 1984).

Extreme trainers build cult-like followings, where their audience fiercely defends them against critics. The larger the group, the harder it is for individuals to question the methods being used. This is why, even when science debunks aversive training techniques, these trainers remain popular: their followers believe in them because so many others do, too.

How to Shift the Focus Toward Ethical Training

So, if extreme trainers have all the attention, how can ethical, evidence-based training gain more traction?

Make science engaging – More force-free trainers are using social media effectively, showing fun, reward-based training in action.

Call out misinformation—strategically – Instead of attacking extreme trainers (which only fuels their engagement), focus on educating followers with better alternatives.

Highlight real success stories – Share stories of dogs who thrived with ethical training to counteract the myth that only harsh methods work.

Encourage critical thinking – Teach dog owners to question why certain methods work and whether they lead to long-term success.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Mistake Drama for Expertise

It’s easy to get swept up in dramatic, fast-paced dog training videos, but the reality is: dog behavior isn’t entertainment—it’s science. The most popular trainers aren’t always the most knowledgeable; they’re often just the best at grabbing attention.

If we want to shift the industry toward humane, evidence-based training, we need to make ethical methods just as engaging, accessible, and widespread as the dramatic ones. Because at the end of the day, training isn’t about looking tough—it’s about building trust.

What do you think? Have you noticed the pull of extreme trainers online? Let’s discuss!