05/08/2025
Yes! 👇❤️
Dog Training Methods Matter – And Here’s Why
There are so many methods, tools, and opinions in the dog training world — it’s no wonder new dog guardians feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth:
Not all training is kind or effective, and some methods can have lasting, damaging effects on a dog’s mental and emotional well-being.
And yes, even in 2025, you still hear outdated phrases like:
“It’s what a mother dog would do.”
Let’s be real — unless you’re also licking puppies clean, that argument doesn’t hold up.
At the core, there are really two paths when it comes to dog training:
1️⃣ Positive, force-free training
This means setting dogs up for success, using rewards, motivation, and trust. It’s based on understanding how dogs learn, feel, and communicate.
It builds confidence
Strengthens the dog-human bond
Teaches the dog to make good choices
And is backed by science and behaviour studies
Or
2️⃣ “Balanced” training
This approach uses a mix of reward and punishment. But let’s call it what it is:
Fear
Pain
Discomfort
Intimidation
There’s nothing “balanced” about a dog responding out of fear or being shut down emotionally.
The dominance theory (“you must be alpha”) was debunked years ago, but some trainers still rely on outdated, harmful ideas — pushing, yanking, shouting, or using tools designed to cause pain.
Tools like these are NOT training:
Slip leads used to choke
Prong collars
Shock collars
Physical force or intimidation
Yelling or “correcting”
And forcing dogs into positions
They might look like they’re working — but often you’re just seeing a dog that’s emotionally suppressed. Calm on the outside, shut down on the inside.
Beware of common red flags from “balanced” trainers:
“Some dogs can’t be trained positively.” 🚩 Not true. All dogs can.
“I use mostly positive.” 🚩 Usually means mostly correction with a sprinkle of treats.
“I’ve tried it on myself, it’s fine.” 🚩 Dogs aren’t humans.
“It doesn’t hurt if used properly.” 🚩 If it didn’t hurt, it wouldn’t work.
“I use different methods.” 🚩 Translation: I use punishment when I don’t know what else to do.
“Positive didn’t work for this dog.” 🚩 More like: they didn’t know how to apply it correctly or gave up too soon.
“You have to show authority.” 🚩 You don’t need to intimidate to lead.
“A mother dog would…” 🚩 You’re not a dog. And your dog knows that.
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So what IS positive training?
It’s not “just giving treats.”!
It’s about:
Setting dogs up for success
Teaching better choices
Building confidence and motivation
Creating long-lasting, reliable behaviour
Communicating in a way your dog understands
A skilled, force-free trainer understands canine behaviour, cognition, and body language. They know how to help your dog feel safe, learn, and thrive — not just comply.
Here at Paw and Order, we’re proud to be 100% Positive and Force-Free.
Because your dog deserves training that builds confidence, not fear. 💛
