My Dog Training Philosophy: Science, Compassion, and Lasting Behavior Change

My dog-training philosophy is rooted in science, compassion, and respect for the dog as a learner. I use a science-based approach grounded in positive reinforcement, focusing not just on stopping unwanted behavior, but on understanding its cause and teaching a better alternative behavior.

Training, to me, is not about control. It’s about communication.

Rather than punishing a dog for what I don’t want, I aim to understand why the behavior is occurring, adjust the environment where needed, and reinforce behaviors that are more appropriate, functional, and sustainable. This approach leads to long-term reliability, stronger relationships, and improved welfare.

The Science Behind Positive Reinforcement

Modern dog training is built on principles of learning theory, particularly operant conditioning. Operant conditioning explains how behavior is influenced by consequences. When a behavior is followed by something the animal finds rewarding, that behavior becomes more likely to occur again. Hence the saying, rewarded behavior gets repeated.

Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable (food, play, praise, access to preferred activities) immediately after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior in the future.

This is not guesswork or cookie pushing. It is well-established behavioral science that applies across species.

Research Comparing Training Methods

A growing body of research shows that reward-based training methods are associated with better welfare outcomes than aversive or punishment-based techniques.

Studies have found that dogs trained with aversive methods (including leash corrections, shock collars, prong collars, and physical punishment) display:

• Increased stress behaviors

• Elevated cortisol levels

• More anxiety and fear responses

• Reduced optimism in cognitive bias testing

In contrast, dogs trained with reward-based methods show fewer stress indicators and more positive engagement during training (Ziv; Vieira de Castro et al.).

Importantly, research has not demonstrated that punishment-based training produces superior long-term reliability. What it does demonstrate is an increased risk to welfare.

Professional Veterinary and Behavior Organization Positions

This isn’t just a topic of debate in the dog training community either, major veterinary and animal behavior organizations support reward-based training too.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) states in its position statement on humane dog training that punishment-based methods can increase fear, anxiety, and aggression, and that reward-based methods should be used for training and behavior modification.

AVSAB emphasizes that aversive techniques are not necessary for effective training and may carry significant risks.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports humane training practices and recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement in promoting animal welfare. The AVMA has expressed concern about the use of aversive tools such as shock collars and emphasizes that training methods should prioritize the physical and emotional wellbeing of the animal.

Both organizations align with the broader scientific consensus: training should enhance welfare, not compromise it.

Understanding the Function of Behavior

One of the core principles of my philosophy is this: behavior happens for a reason.

Dogs repeat behaviors that work for them. Whether the function is attention, access, escape, sensory stimulation, or reinforcement from the environment, every behavior serves a purpose.

Instead of asking:
“How do I stop this?”

I ask:

• What is reinforcing this behavior?

• What need is being met?

• What alternative behavior could meet that need more appropriately?

When we identify the function of the behavior, we can teach a replacement behavior that achieves the same outcome in a way that works for both dog and human.

Punishment may suppress behavior temporarily. Teaching an alternative builds skills.

Zoos and Aquariums: Positive Reinforcement Across Species

If positive reinforcement were “soft” or ineffective, it would not be the standard in zoological institutions managing lions, elephants, dolphins, and great apes.

Modern zoos and aquariums rely heavily on reward-based training for cooperative care and husbandry.

For example:

• At the Bronx Zoo, animals are trained using positive reinforcement to voluntarily participate in medical procedures.

• At Zoo Atlanta, gorillas are trained to present body parts for ultrasounds and injections without force or restraint.

• The Animal Behavior Management Alliance promotes best practices in operant conditioning and positive reinforcement across zoos, aquariums, and animal care facilities.

These animals are not compliant because they fear punishment. They participate because training is structured around reinforcement, choice, and trust.

The same learning principles that allow a 400-pound gorilla to voluntarily present an arm for a blood draw are the principles that help a family dog learn to walk politely on leash.

Learning science is universal.

Why I Choose This Approach

My goal is not simply obedience. It is:

• Clarity

• Confidence

• Emotional stability

• Strong human-animal relationships

• Long-term reliability

When dogs feel safe and understood, learning accelerates. When we reinforce behaviors we want, rather than focusing on punishing those we don’t, we create learners who are engaged and eager.

Training should empower the dog, not intimidate them.

Conclusion

• Science supports positive reinforcement.

• Veterinary behavior organizations endorse it.

• Zoos and aquariums rely on it for some of the most complex animal management tasks in the world.

• Most importantly, it strengthens the bond between humans and dogs.

• By understanding the function of behavior and teaching meaningful alternatives, we don’t just change what a dog does — we improve how they feel while doing it.

That is the foundation of my training philosophy.

References

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training. AVSAB, 2021, www.avsab.org/resources/position-statements/.

American Veterinary Medical Association. Humane Training of Dogs. AVMA, www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/humane-training-dogs.

Vieira de Castro, Ana C., et al. “Does Training Method Matter? Evidence for the Negative Impact of Aversive-Based Methods on Companion Dog Welfare.” PLOS ONE, vol. 14, no. 1, 2019, e0210347.

Ziv, Gal. “The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs—A Review.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, vol. 19, 2017, pp. 50–60.

Animal Behavior Management Alliance. Position Statements. ABMA, www.theabma.org/position-statements.

Zoo Atlanta. “Positive Reinforcement Training with Gorillas.” Zoo Atlanta, www.zooatlanta.org.

Bronx Zoo. “Animal Training and Enrichment.” Wildlife Conservation Society, bronxzoo.com.