What’s it all mean? Positive reinforcement dog training methods, force-free, fear-free, welfare-centered, agency and choice-based methods, consent-based methods, the list goes on. While these might appear to be the same or even different approaches, in some cases, each is used singularly, and in other cases, trainers will use all or a combination of these in their training, what do these all have in common?
At the heart of the matter is the pup in front of you and approaching training from their (the learner's) perspective rather than the human’s. It seems simple enough, but often it’s harder to implement than you’d think.
From the very language we use obedience vs skills, command vs cues, leader vs teacher, etc. It is clear that often our relationship and our training focuses more on compliance than cooperation, more on what we require our pups to do rather than what they are capable of offering as equal beings in their own right. So how can we approach training differently to forge stronger, more cooperative bonds that prioritize our pups as singular beings trying to navigate a very, very bizarre world?
Agency in dog training centers around respecting an individual's autonomy as it moves throughout this world. We control nearly every aspect of our pups' lives already from when they get up, to when they eat and play, to when they exercise and socialize and how that’s done. Increasing agency in dog training not only helps your dog better navigate their human world but helps build confidence and resiliency and strengthens the human-animal bond.
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Dog training is an unregulated field, which means anyone can claim to be an expert without needing formal education or a solid understanding of animal behavior and how to change it. Our philosophy is to do no harm. This means a commitment to practicing within a framework that prioritizes the welfare of our learners, both dog and human. It also means that we use the most humane, evidence-based positive reinforcement dog training methods across our training programs.
We do not use:
Physical corrections or punishments
Aversive equipment including choke chains, prong collars, or e-collars
Methods based on intimidation or behavior suppression
Methods that have the potential to cause pain or mental or physical harm
We do follow the most humane and effective practices based on the latest scientific understanding of animal behavior and welfare.
Force-free dog training philosophy
Utilize positive reinforcement dog training methods and welfare-based approaches
Minimize stress and frustration
Build confidence and resiliency
The leading dog behavior, welfare, and advocacy organizations have all come out clearly in favor of reward-based training, urging dog owners to choose educated trainers who use this modern, science-based approach grounded in the force-free dog training philosophy.
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
American Veterinary Medical Association
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.
