I recently had a conversation with a fellow dog trainer who expressed the belief that “only using force-free dog training methods does not exist.” This perspective left me feeling puzzled, especially when they posed a thought-provoking question: “What do you do if your dog is in danger? Do you continue using force-free methods?” It made me reflect deeply on the complexities of dog training and how it often intersects with situations beyond our control.

When we teach our furry friends to follow cues, we often rely on a method called operant conditioning, which is fundamentally about using rewards and, sometimes, punishments. Yet, it’s crucial to recognise that not all forms of punishment have to be harsh or physical. For instance, withholding a treat or food reward can serve as a type of punishment, too, but it doesn’t necessarily involve inflicting pain or discomfort.

Dogs are always learning, not just during formal training sessions but throughout their entire lives. From the moment they’re born, they begin to understand their world, including what feels safe and what doesn’t, and they stop learning the day they pass away. While our training efforts play a vital role in shaping their behaviours, they represent only a small part of what dogs experience in their lifetimes.

Sadly, they may encounter distressing situations, like conflicts with other dogs, experiencing mistreatment, or facing dangerous accidents. These events are, undoubtedly, learning opportunities that can teach them valuable lessons. Still, it’s essential to remember that in these scenarios, their trainers or owners are often not the ones causing the distress.

If dogs can learn from such unpleasant experiences, you might wonder why we shouldn’t incorporate similar techniques in training. The truth is that the answer is both intricate and straightforward. At its heart, it comes down to the loving bond we share with our pets and the ethics of how we treat them.

In recent years, our understanding of dogs has undergone a dramatic evolution. We’ve come to realise that punitive training methods often lead to fear and can disrupt the beautiful connection we’ve with our pets. Dogs are emotional beings; they can experience a range of emotions, including fear, joy, sadness, and more, just like humans do. When dogs are stressed or scared, it can hinder their ability to learn, making training a challenging experience for both of us.

Historically, there was a belief that all dogs of the same breed behaved in similar ways, as if they were all programmed. I will admit that, because most dogs were initially bred to perform a specific function to assist humans, breed traits such as herding sheep, hunting vermin, or retrieving objects with a soft mouth can be expected in dogs of the same breed. However, that is also where the similarities end. Some dogs of the same breed may be introverted, while others may be extroverted. Some might be very confident in everything they do, while others might be quite timid, so just like humans, no two dogs are the same. Today, we celebrate the uniqueness of each dog, recognising their individual personalities.

Even more importantly, we’ve discovered more compassionate and effective ways to train dogs. When we train, we have control over our techniques and the environment, whereas many negative experiences dogs face—like accidents or fights—are beyond our influence. It simply isn’t fair to compare the two types of learning. Comparing a stranger kicking a dog to you training your dog is like comparing a person getting involved in a bar fight to a person studying medicine at university; there is simply no comparison whatsoever.

So why should we steer clear of harsh training methods? Because we now know better. Embracing positive training techniques not only strengthens the bond we share with our dogs but also makes them more eager, but more importantly, able to learn, which can foster a more joyful experience for both dogs and owners.

Ultimately, when we welcome a dog into our lives, they have no choice in their circumstances. Their world revolves around us. Let’s strive to make their time with us as happy and fulfilling as possible. They are with us for such a short time, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they are happy, their needs are met, but more importantly, that they are free from outdated and punitive training methods. Together, we can create a positive environment that benefits our beloved companions.