Pets and Their People Blog

The term “balanced dog training” reflects a specific approach within the broader spectrum of dog training methodologies, aiming to strike a balance between reinforcement and correction techniques. However, “balanced” training has been a subject of debate and controversy. Critics argue that the use of aversive techniques can be harmful to a dog’s well-being and damage their trust in their owner or handler.

Core Principles of “Balanced” Dog Training

1. Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior – using treats, praise, toys, or playtime to reward desired behaviors, encouraging the dog to repeat them.
2. Corrections: “Balanced” training uses corrections to communicate to the dog that a behavior is undesirable. You’ll hear proponents say that corrections should interrupt the unwanted behavior without being harsh or abusive.

Types of Corrections

1. Verbal Corrections: Using a firm “No” or “Eh-eh” to interrupt unwanted behavior.
2. Physical Corrections:
   • Blocking or nudging the dog to stop a behavior (like jumping up).
   • Leash corrections (a sharp tug and release).
3. Environmental Corrections: Using tools like a squirt bottle with water or a can with coins (rattle can) to interrupt undesirable behavior, or a shock, vibrate, or beep of an electronic collar.
4. Social Corrections:
   • Withholding attention when the dog exhibits unwanted behavior.
   • Briefly ignoring the dog to show that a certain action is not acceptable.

Key Factors Contributing to “Balanced” Dog Training’s Popularity

“Balanced” dog training remains in the public eye despite empirical evidence favoring positive reinforcement without corrections. Force-free training involves a focus on rewarding desired behaviors, fosters a stronger bond between the dog and handler, encourages long-term behavior change, and avoids the potential negative consequences associated with aversive methods, such as increased fear, anxiety, and aggression. So, what’s going on here?

Tradition and familiarity: Some dog trainers and owners have used “balanced” training techniques for years. These methods have been passed down through generations and are deeply ingrained in the training culture. The familiarity with these techniques makes them comfortable (for the human) and trusted by some.

Perceived quick results: “Balanced” training methods aim to produce immediate, noticeable changes in behavior. Corrections sometimes stop unwanted behaviors quickly in the moment, which can be appealing to owners seeking quick fixes, especially with challenging behaviors.

Varied training narratives: Some trainers and owners believe that certain dogs or specific behavioral issues require a more confrontational approach that includes corrections. They argue that not all dogs respond to positive reinforcement alone, especially in cases of severe aggression or when the dog has a high prey drive.

Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of positive reinforcement: Not everyone is fully aware of the empirical research supporting positive reinforcement. There is also a misunderstanding of what positive reinforcement entails, with some believing it means never saying “no” to a dog or allowing bad behavior to continue unchecked.

Personal anecdotes: Many people share personal success stories of how “balanced” training appeared to work for their dogs. These anecdotal experiences can be very persuasive and lead others to adopt similar methods without exploring potential drawbacks of exposing pets to pain, force, fear, and intimidation in the name of training.

Media and influential figures: Some well-known dog trainers and television shows promote “balanced” training methods, which influences the public’s perception and acceptance of these techniques. High-profile endorsements can lend credibility to these methods despite conflicting scientific evidence.

Complexity of behavior change: Changing behavior, especially in cases of deeply rooted issues, can be complex and multifaceted. “Balanced” trainers argue that using a combination of opposing methods provides a broader approach to addressing all aspects of dog behavior.

Perceived handler control: Using aversive methods can give owners a sense of control and immediate influence over their dog’s behavior, which can be temporarily psychologically satisfying. This feeling of control can reinforce the use of such techniques.

Problems with “Balanced” Dog Training

While “balanced” training is still practiced, it’s important to highlight that force-free methods are backed by a substantial body of research demonstrating their effectiveness and benefits for the dog’s welfare. Though “balanced” dog training is marketed as a pragmatic approach, several serious issues can arise:

Fear and anxiety: Corrections, especially if they are harsh or physical, can create fear and anxiety in dogs. These emotions can lead to a breakdown in the trust and bond between the dog and owner. Dogs may learn to associate their owners with negative experiences, leading to fear-based suppression of behavior, rather than genuine skill learning.

Miscommunication: Dogs may not always understand why they are being corrected, especially if the correction is not immediately associated with the undesirable behavior. This human error can lead to confusion for dogs and a lack of understanding of what is expected of them.

Inconsistent results: Corrections need to be timely and consistent to be effective. Inconsistent corrections can lead to inconsistent behavior, where the dog is unsure of when and why they will be corrected. This inconsistency can hinder the learning process and the pet’s emotional well-being.

Potential for aggression: Some dogs may respond to corrections with aggression, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. This reaction can create a dangerous situation for both the dog and the owner.

Focus on punishment over reward: Relying heavily on corrections can shift the focus from rewarding desirable behavior to punishing undesirable behavior.

Impact on training environment: A training environment dominated by corrections can be stressful and negative for the dog. A positive, encouraging environment is generally more conducive to learning and can make training sessions more enjoyable for both the dog and handler.

Suppression vs. modification: Even IF corrections suppress undesirable behaviors temporarily, they do not address the underlying cause. When the underlying need being communicated by the dog’s behavior remains unmet, the undesirable behavior might resurface later or manifest in different, potentially even more problematic ways.

Owner stress and frustration: Constantly correcting a dog, rather than focusing on trust and confidence, can lead to long-term stress and frustration for the owner, which can further deteriorate the training relationship and reduce the effectiveness of the training efforts. (Notably, as handler frustration increases, severity and harshness of corrections are likely to increase too, further negatively impacting the bond and physical and emotional well-being of the pet.)

Force-Free Dog Training: An Alternative Approach

“Balanced” dog training comes with potential drawbacks, particularly the risk of unintended consequences such as fear and/or aggression due to using corrections, and the negative impact on the dog-owner relationship. I aim to share education on the benefits and implementation of positive reinforcement without corrections and shift the dog-loving public away from “balanced” methods towards more humane and scientifically validated training methods.

Force-free dog training avoids any form of punishment or correction, is arguably more effective in the long term, and also promotes a happier, more cooperative dog. This approach focuses on the welfare of your dog, rewarding desired behaviors to replace unwanted behaviors, reinforces trust, confidence, and consistent behavior, and relies on building a strong, positive relationship between you and your dog.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the best training method for your dog, ensuring their well-being and a harmonious relationship with you.

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About the Author

Kim Silver PCT-A, KPA CTP, CBATI-KSA, LFDM is the owner and head trainer at Building Bonds in Tucson, Arizona. Kim specializes in leash reactivity, aggression, and fearful dogs and loves teaching puppies and their people. You can reach her by visiting https://buildingbondstraining.com/