Studies exploring the efficacy of aversive tools in dog training
Studies exploring the efficacy of aversive tools in dog training
Brie Blakeman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
─Noble Woof Dog Training
Discloser of Bias: Brie Blakeman and all trainers of Noble Woof Dog Training do not use or recommend aversives. Through experience and research we do not believe these tools offer an appropriate, effective, or humane way to modify behavior. That being said we do allow room for all clients to come to their own conclusions on this topic. We will not teach clients how to use aversive tools to modify behavior but if I client comes to us actively using such tools we will happily help them transition away from them on a timeline that feels safe and comfortable for everyone.
We will never guilt, shame, or punish clients who come to us using aversive tools. Noble Woof is a safe place for all learners, including human learners, to grow and learn at their own pace.
This database of information was collected to give folks easy access to studies that are commonly cited as arguments against the use of aversive tools such as prong collars and shock collars (ecollars). We have compiled this information so that you can make your own informed decisions.
Peer reviewed studies weighing the pros and cons of aversive tools in dog training
Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare (CLICK TO READ)
Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontation training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors (CLICK TO READ)
New study finds popular "Alpha Dog" training techniques can cause more harm than good (CLICK TO READ)
Efficacy of Dog Training With and Without Remote Electronic Collars vs. a Focus on Positive Reinforcement (CLICK TO READ)
Studies show treats work better than Electronic Collars (CLICK TO READ)
Clinical signs caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs in everyday life situations (CLICK TO READ)
Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioral effects (CLICK TO READ)
YouTube Videos
Learned Helplessness Explained
Anytime a trainer promotes quick behavior change be wary of the well studied phenomenon of learned helplessness.
Dogs in a “shut down” state- aka learned helplessness
Psychologists discuss the harm of Cesar Millan’s Dominance Theory
This information here is good, though we do not appreciate or support the snarky comment at the beginning of the video and find the approach of belittling others for not knowing, very harmful and unnecessary.
Dominance as a scientific principle- Explained
Dominance is a naturally occurring behavior that is heavily misunderstood and misidentified. This video does a pretty good job of pointing out what dominance actually is.
Dr. Sophia Yin Talks About Dominance Theory
Why We use positive reinforcement, team centered training
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