The Truth About Aversive Dog Training: Why Quick Fixes Come at a High Cost

Dog training should be about building trust, communication, and a lifelong bond with your dog. However, many trainers still use aversive methods, promising quick results through force, intimidation, and punishment. While these techniques may appear to work in the short term, they come at a severe cost to a dog's mental and physical well-being. In this article, we will explore what aversive trainers claim, why their promises are misleading, the tools they use, and the long-term damage inflicted on dogs trained this way.

Why quick fix dog training comes at a high cost

What Aversive Trainers Claim – And Why It’s False

Aversive trainers often use persuasive language to sell their methods, making them sound logical and effective. Here are some common claims they make and why they are untrue:

1. "Dogs need corrections to learn right from wrong."

The Truth: Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, not punishment. Science shows that rewarding desired behaviours leads to long-term learning, while punishment creates fear and confusion.

2. "Balanced training is the best of both worlds."

The Truth: Balanced training uses rewards but also relies on punishment. The presence of punishment undermines trust and can make dogs afraid to try new behaviours for fear of being corrected.

3. "Aversive tools mimic how dogs naturally correct each other."

The Truth: Dogs do not use shock, prongs, or physical force in their natural interactions. They communicate through body language and vocalisations, not through painful punishments.

4. "It works quickly, so it must be the best method."

The Truth: Quick fixes do not mean lasting results. Aversive techniques suppress behaviour rather than teaching alternative, appropriate responses. Over time, suppressed behaviour can resurface unpredictably, often in more extreme ways.

Why Aversive Training Appears to Work Quickly

Aversive methods often yield immediate compliance because dogs are scared of the consequences of disobedience. However, this does not mean they have learned appropriate behaviour – they have merely learned to avoid punishment.

How Aversive Training "Works":

Dogs stop displaying unwanted behaviour out of fear, not understanding.
The trainer or owner gains an illusion of control because the dog appears obedient.
Dogs shut down, become overly submissive, or cease offering natural behaviours.

What Happens in the End:

The dog may develop increased anxiety or stress-related behaviours.
Fear-based suppression can lead to aggression or unpredictable reactions.
The bond between dog and owner deteriorates, as the dog associates them with fear rather than safety.

The Tools of Aversive Trainers – and Why They Are Harmful

Aversive trainers rely on tools designed to cause discomfort, pain, or fear. These include:

1. Shock Collars (E-Collars)

Deliver electric shocks to punish behaviour.
Cause physical pain, stress, and increased fear-based aggression.
Can create a fearful association with people, places, or other animals.

2. Prong Collars

Have metal prongs that dig into a dog’s neck when pulled.
Cause pain, throat injuries, and increased stress.
Can lead to negative associations with walks and social interactions.

3. Choke Chains

Tighten around the dog's neck, causing choking or strangulation.
Risk severe injury, including collapsed tracheas and nerve damage.
Teach dogs to fear the leash and the person holding it.

4. Physical Punishment

Includes hitting, alpha rolls, and harsh leash corrections.
Damages trust, leading to fear-based aggression or complete shutdown.
Can create long-term trauma and behavioural disorders.

The Long-Term Damage of Aversive Training

While aversive training may seem effective in the short term, the long-term consequences are often severe and irreversible.

Mental and Emotional Damage:

Increased anxiety and stress.
Learned helplessness – the dog stops trying to learn or interact.
Fear aggression – the dog lashes out to avoid further pain.

Physical Health Issues:

Chronic stress leading to weakened immune function and illness.
Injuries from collars and harsh corrections.
Elevated cortisol levels, affecting overall well-being.

Behavioural Fallout:

Suppressed behaviour leading to unpredictable outbursts.
Damaged relationship between dog and owner.
Increased likelihood of reactivity, aggression, and avoidance behaviours.

Choosing Science, Not Fear

The best way to train a dog is through positive reinforcement, which builds trust and confidence. Science-backed training focuses on rewarding desired behaviours, setting dogs up for success rather than punishing mistakes.

If you are seeking training, choose a professional who prioritises humane, force-free methods. A well-trained dog is not one that obeys out of fear, but one that trusts and enjoys working with their owner.

By rejecting aversive training and embracing positive reinforcement, we can create a future where dogs feel safe, loved, and free to learn without fear of punishment.

Train with kindness. Choose positive reinforcement.