Which training method do you use?

The only thing two dog trainers can agree on is that the third one is doing it wrong. I'm kidding, of course, but dog trainers are often bitterly divided by their training techniques and philosophies. The most divisive rhetoric is usually focused on whether to use corrections in training.

Early training methods created for military working dogs during World War I used painful punishment to force dogs to obey commands. This method, called compulsion training, was adopted by pet dog trainers in the years that followed. Thankfully, in the 1980s, dog trainers discovered that using positive reinforcement rather than punishment to teach new behaviors was not only kinder but more effective. This shift in approach to motivation was a game-changer that has helped dogs and their owners enjoy happier, healthier relationships ever since.

While most pet dog trainers in the United States have abandoned the old-school compulsion methods, a few still rely heavily on corrections. At the opposite end of the spectrum are positive-only trainers. These trainers adamantly oppose using any corrections; some even refuse to say "No" to a dog.

Somewhere between these two extremes is an approach called balanced training. The term balanced refers to the use of all four quadrants of operant conditioning: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. A balanced trainer uses each quadrant prudently (not equally) and seeks an effective combination sensitive to the dog's well-being.

Unfortunately, some positive-only trainers seek to demonize those who believe appropriate corrections have a place in dog training. The cannon fire goes both ways, as balanced trainers are often disrespectful and dismissive of positive-only training. Thankfully, this ideological tribalism is waning as trainers on both sides have begun to realize that just because two people disagree doesn't necessarily mean one of them is wrong. I urge the typical dog owner to avoid getting lost in this argument. Instead, find a reputable trainer based on recommendations and take a commonsense approach to determine what is best for your dog.

If a trainer's methods seem unfair or heavy-handed, they probably are (the label "balanced" is sometimes used as a euphemism for compulsion training). Similarly, if you hire a trainer and do not see results after several weeks of diligent practice, they may be limiting your progress with an unwavering dedication to a positive-only philosophy. These trainers, in their blind devotion to avoiding any stress on the dog, lose sight of the overarching goal of developing a resilient, well-mannered dog that can safely navigate the world.

All good dog trainers use positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors. The differences lie in how they handle what follows. Anyone can use a treat to teach a dog to come when called, but ensuring they will listen when it matters is crucial; I need my dog to come when called even when they are chasing a squirrel into moving traffic. Achieving that level of reliability does not necessarily require corrections, but it takes more than just positive reinforcement.

Focusing exclusively on corrections when choosing a training method ignores the more impactful difference between them: leadership. Dogs want to follow a confident leader and thrive when given clear direction, consistent expectations, and fair accountability. For some dogs, this can be accomplished using positive-only training methods. However, any approach to training that fails to provide the dog with the leadership they crave in favor of attempting to eliminate stress is misguided and ultimately detrimental to the relationship between the dog and their owner.

Corrections are safe, healthy, and effective when applied appropriately. While, by definition, that belief makes me a balanced trainer, I consider myself a relationship-based trainer because I focus on nurturing healthy relationships between dogs and their owners. I teach my clients how to create a communication system, build confidence, and earn trust so they can effectively encourage their dogs to behave appropriately. While I accomplish this mainly using positive reinforcement, the process may include corrections. Regardless of your chosen training method, if you are clear, consistent, and fair, your dog will be happy and well-behaved.