Humane Training Methods for Dogs 

Position

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) supports the use of humane training methods that are built on current scientific knowledge
of learning theory.  Reward-based methods are highly favoured.  Methods causing fear, distress, pain or anxiety are unacceptable."

Background

Recent years have seen a shift towards reward-based methods, such as clicker training and the use of food, toys and praise as motivators.  Animal behaviourists conclude that training techniques that employ punishment rather than rewards-based methods do not improve dog obedience and actually increase problematic dog behaviours (1).

Confrontational methods of training such as the use of physical force, rolling dogs, growling, or staring dogs down may increase the likelihood of aggressive responses in dogs (2).

The use of shock collars is associated with short-term and long-term negative consequences including fear and anxiety (3).  

Training methods utilizing pain, fear, distress or anxiety, including violent use of choke collars and shock collars are to be condemned.  The use of shock collars for invisible fencing systems can be acceptable if the dog is properly trained and monitored to ensure there are no negative effects on the dog.  Some dogs become very agitated from the shock and may even be afraid to enter the yard. Owners should also be mindful that invisible fencing does not keep other
animals out.

References

1. Hiby EF, Rooney NJ, and JWS Bradshaw.  Dog training methods: their usefulness, effectiveness, and interaction with behaviour and welfare.
Animal Welfare 2004: 13: 63-69.

2. Herron ME, Shofer FS, and IR Reisner. Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in
client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviours.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009: 117: 47-54.

3. Schilder MBH and JAM van der Borg.  Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects.  Applied Animal
Behaviour Science 2004: 85: 319- 334.

Resources

1. Tucker MT, ed. Professional Standards for Dog Trainers: Effective, Humane Principles. 2001. Delta Society. Renton, Washington, USA

2.  Miller P. The Power of positive Dog Training. Hungry Minds, Indianapolis, Indiana,USA. 2001.

3. Overall K. Clinical behavioural medicine for small animals. Mosby-YearBook Inc., Missouri, USA 1997.

(Revised November 2009)