See Spot Sit

16/04/2025

No. Aversive Methods Aren’t Faster. They’re Just Faster at Causing More Problems.

Real breakthroughs in dog training happen in small, quiet moments. Every subtle shift like a dog choosing to look calmly at their guardian instead of reacting, or a brief pause before engaging impulsively, reflects genuine emotional and neurological growth.

Don’t think of these as just minor victories. They are critical milestones in growing a dog’s emotional resilience and building lasting behavioral transformation.

Modern, ethical dog training recognizes that true progress isn’t measured by quick suppression but by the dog’s growing ability to make better choices independently.

While harsh corrections might seem to deliver rapid results to the untrained eye, they actually slow progress by adding stress, confusion, or even aggressive responses.

Real efficiency lies in teaching dogs the skills and emotional coping mechanisms they need to confidently navigate their world.

Science consistently supports gentle, incremental training. We are learning that approaches rooted in patience and emotional safety (keeping dogs comfortably below their threshold) allow the brain to form new, healthier associations.

It involves a complex release of neurochemicals, including dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, which foster calm, trust, and social bonding. And Dogs experiencing this supportive training environment exhibit lower stress, improved problem-solving abilities, and quicker recovery from setbacks.

Just as healthy eating and regular exercise deliver steady progress, “balanced” dog training methods (methods that include pain, fear, or intimidation, compromise emotional health and conflict with modern, ethical approaches) are the fad diets of behavior: flashy promises that undermine lasting results.

Modern, evidence based incremental training methods effectively address common behavior challenges, including leash reactivity, fearfulness, impulse control, and aggressive responses.

Each step, however small, actively reshapes a dog’s emotional landscape, methodically replacing fear or frustration with curiosity and trust.

Rather than merely teaching avoidance, these methods build genuine confidence, enabling dogs to handle stress more successfully in future situations.

Importantly, although these incremental steps are subtle, they are not slow. They’re foundational.

Addressing emotional states directly prevents the cascade of secondary issues, like anxiety or aggression, that’s often caused by suppressive tactics.

Neuro-affirming methods nurture the dog’s ability to make thoughtful decisions, resulting in dependable behaviors.

Ultimately, training rooted in emotional understanding and ethical practices does more than change behavior, it changes lives of people and their dogs.

Sources below and more at zakgeorge.com 👈

“Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare” doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225023

“Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2008.12.011

“Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2011.03.007

“Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2013.11.004

“The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.02.004

“The use of punishment and negative reinforcement in dog training”
Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Policy Statement (2012) https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-dog-behaviour/the-use-of-punishment-and-negative-reinforcement-in-dog-training/

“Effect of a standardized four-week desensitization and counter-conditioning training program on pre-existing veterinary fear in companion dogs” doi: 10.3390/ani9100767

“Behavioral rehabilitation of extremely fearful dogs: Report on the efficacy of a treatment protocol” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105689

“Does It Matter Whether Dog Training Is Positive or Aversive?” Stanley Coren (2023) – Psychology Today: Canine Corner
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/202301/does-it-matter-whether-dog-training-is-positive-or-aversive

“Humane Dog Training Position Statement” American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (2021)https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

“Positive Vet Visit Position Statement” American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (2016)https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Positive-Veterinary-Care-Position-Statement-download.pdf

“Dominance Position Statement” American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (2008)https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dominance_Position_Statement-download.pdf

08/04/2025

Zoos Victoria wildlife detection dogs uncovered the ‘bloody gorgeous’ reptiles in return for treats and cuddles

08/02/2025

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND MY WAY HOME 💔

This gorgeous boy has arrived at the shelter as a stray. He is microchipped, but unfortunately, there are no details on the system. He looks to be in great condition and well looked after, so he has a home out there somewhere.

Please Share so we can give him the best chance to find his way home.

Impound Number: 7067
Age: 8 Years
Type: Dog
Breed: Border Collie
S*x: Male
Council: Penrith City Council
Found in: GLENMORE PARK

07/02/2025

I often hear from science based, force free dog professionals, that punishment doesn’t work in training.

They say this for various reasons, all of which totally make sense, to a degree.

: We want to make things clear for people who are not trained in the science of dog training, we don't want to baffle them with the intricacies of learning theory.

: We don’t want dogs to be punished because we feel it isn’t ethical.

: We know there are better ways to teach.

: We want people to stop getting their information from uneducated sources.

The problem is punishment CAN stop the behaviour. We all know this. If something is uncomfortable, painful, unpleasant, either physically or emotionally we often stop what we are doing. And when I talk about punishment it's not all about shock collars and yanking on leads, it’s raising our voice, shouting, pushing a dogs bum down to get them to sit. In these instances, we are using discomfort, fear and force, all of which are forms of punishment, to get the results we want. By saying otherwise I believe it makes our knowledge sound unreliable. If we teach people that punishment doesn’t work, then another trainer shows them an aversive technique that stops a behaviour, who is that person going to listen to?

In my opinion, teaching needs to be honest, even if the truth can sometimes be difficult to explain or accept.

So if punishment works, why don’t I use it?

The number one reason is, I respect dogs. I care about how they feel. I want them to do things I ask of them because they enjoy my company, trust me, understand me and are happy to work with me. They are my friends, my family and I wish to treat them as such. I know through science that they think, have emotions, feel and suffer like we do.

Another reason I do not like using punishment is, it is not dealing with the root cause of the problem. It is not addressing the why.

If my dog is jumping up at me, yelling no may get them to stop. But if they are jumping up because they are happy to see me, is shouting at them an appropriate response? If every time I went to hug my husband, he shouted at me, I'd start to feel pretty sh*tty about our relationship. What if my dog jumps at me due to needing reassurance, would a knee in the chest and a stern ‘no’ help them feel reassured? Build their confidence? If I am shouting ‘no’ at a dog for barking at another dog, am I asking why? If it's due to fear then my yelling is creating more fear for an already fearful dog. If it's due to excitement then I am just adding more fuel to the fire.
Punishing a dog is like putting a lid on a boiling pan of water. It may stop it from bubbling over for a while but eventually, it will just boil out over the sides.

Another reason is, we all react to punishment in different ways. If someone punished me I'd be likely to shout or lash out. Others may feel scared, retreat or cower. A small vibrate from an E-collar could be nothing to some dogs and agony to others. Not only does genetics and life experience affect the way we perceive punishment but also health and mood. Something I may cope well with one day may feel totally overwhelming and really upset me the next. Having a headache, sore joints or just having a bad day can change how we perceive things. How can we ever know from dog to dog and day to day how much punishment is needed? It's not a risk I'm willing to take.

Punishment can decrease confidence, happiness, and create relationships based on pressure and fear, not trust and love.

And finally, I know there is another way! So why would I use punishment when I can teach in a way that creates confident happy dogs.

If we look at how our methods have changed when teaching children and trying to rehabilitate and heal people suffering from mental health issues, we can see how far we have come. Punishment may stop behaviour but the fallouts from it can be disastrous. And as my mum used to always tell me, treat others in the way in which you would like to be treated yourself.

01/02/2025

Did you know that Nose Work builds confidence in dogs and provides an opportunity to practice naturally pleasurable behaviour?

26/12/2024

It's a far from uncommon situation. But what can you actually do if the neighbour's dog just won't stop barking?

07/12/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY - Christmas & pets

A little preparation can make a big difference for a more relaxed festive period.
🎄Is the tree safer behind a barrier?
🐾Will your pet be more comfortable in a separate room, or behind a gate when visitors arrive?
🥕What can you prepare now in terms of enrichment, to save you time on busy festive days?

Whether it's management, training comfort in a new area, or getting enrichment planned & pre-prepped.
This article has a couple of other tips to consider: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Preparing-Pets-for-Christmas

26/11/2024

This is wise advice…

The problem with gatekeeping breeds

Anyone who has spent more than a minute online in dog world will have seen the rhetoric of how it takes someone very special to own a power breed such as a Belgian Malinois or a Cane Corso or an APBT or the like. Social media platforms are filled with posts either showing these breeds doing incredible things, or posts about how you should never get a breed like this unless you are going to work them and unless you are able to fulfil their needs. These posts are spot on and I couldn’t agree more. But they are creating a problem.

Everyone thinks they are special.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow.

As humans we have an ego and our ego often leads us to believe we are more capable than we are. The problem with gatekeeping breeds is that it makes them more desirable. People want to say ‘yes I can handle my Belgian Malinois because I am special’. We desperately need approval and admiration from others, especially in a world that is chronically online.

We saw it happen real time with the XL Bully. People saw this incredibly powerful breed and said ‘I’m special enough to handle one of them’ and then promptly bred them in the hundreds of thousands leading to many ill equipped homes owning a dog they absolutely could not handle.

The truth is, that to own a truly intense, working bred dog, you actually need to have an incredibly small life. You need your entire being to be obsessive about training, handling and working with the dog. It’s a full time career in itself to truly meet the needs of these dogs. You need to be absolutely addicted to it. That level of obsession however isn’t ‘cool’ or ‘sexy’. It doesn’t make for great online content either. That level of obsession however is what makes the dog easy to live with.

Even as I’m writing this, I know someone out there will read it and go ‘yes I can do that’. If you’re that person, please really look inward and be truly honest with yourself. Confront your ego.

I work at a rescue centre and years ago all we had was bull breeds, terriers and lurchers. Now all we have is fad colour Frenchies, Cane Corsos, Shepherds and Malinois/Dutch Shepherds. It speaks volumes.

I don’t know what the solution is. The more we say ‘not everyone can handle this breed!’ The more that is perceived as a challenge to the ego, and the more the ego grabs at a chance to prove itself.

We are heading down a very dark road of breed bans and dog legislation and those of us in the industry can see the patterns unfolding. We don’t know how to stop it, or even if stopping it is the right answer.

The issue is that our human egos and our desperation to be seen as ‘worthy’ is ruining our dogs and creating real danger for the general public.

Look inward. Really question why you want a certain breed. Take pause from the online rhetoric on both sides. Choose a dog that you and those around you need, not just one that you want.

- Kahla

📸 Alison Bowkett