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Roman's Holistic Dog Training

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Roman's Holistic Dog Training

Roman's Holistic Dog Training Helping guardians reach their dog's full potential by teaching them holistic philosophy of dog parent I approach dog behavior from a systemic perspective.
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Since 2007 my vision is that dog owners should know how to teach their dogs the basic social skills. My Holistic dog training approach implements Trauma-Informed , Secure Attachment, Force three approach, Instead of the common “alpha theory” (based on fear and submission), or balanced training (punishment for mistakes and reward for complicated)I create trusted, secure attachment relationships tha

t foster human leadership and reach your dog’s potential. We look at the whole system and environment to understand triggers and create success that lasts. I coach people too, to understand the natural needs and responses of his/her dog. I will point out characteristics specific to each breed or breed-mix and work with their natural skills and tendencies. Dog guardians learn to heal behaviors and reinforce the good ones with clear communication, love, empathy and trust. My methods work quickly and effectively. Most clients see first results after one session. NOTE:
While all post are educational, I might share links to recommended items. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You will recognize them from “(paid link)”, “ ” or “ ”.

03/20/2025

6 Reasons GPS Fences Are NOT Safe for Dogs

1️⃣ Inaccurate Boundaries (Up to 623 ft Error!)
GPS fences rely on satellite signals that can shift by 10 to 190 meters (33 to 623 feet) due to weather, obstacles, and signal delays (Muminov et al., 2019). This means a dog could be shocked inside their own yard, even when they haven’t crossed the boundary.

2️⃣ Unpredictable Shocks (Dogs Get Corrected for No Reason)
Studies show GPS positioning fluctuates unpredictably throughout the day, causing random corrections (Thin et al., 2016). Ionospheric interference alone can result in ±5 meters (16 feet) of error, while signal reflection and satellite drift can cause an additional 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) of error—making boundaries highly unreliable.

3️⃣ Felt Safety & Trust Are Destroyed
Dogs need consistent, predictable boundaries to feel safe. When a GPS fence delivers unexpected pain, it breaks trust with their guardian and can lead to learned helplessness, shutdown behaviors, and chronic stress.

4️⃣ Scientific Studies Show Shock-Based Containment Increases Fear & Reactivity
Schilder & van der Borg (2004) found that dogs trained with electronic shocks exhibited stress, avoidance, and aggression even outside of training sessions.
Cooper et al. (2014) confirmed that shock collars elevate stress hormones, leading to heightened fear and defensive behaviors.
China et al. (2020) found that dogs subjected to electronic containment systems were more likely to develop generalized anxiety and reduced social behavior.

5️⃣ Learned Helplessness & Psychological Harm
The concept of learned helplessness is well-documented in psychology, particularly in relation to shock collars.
Seligman & Maier (1967) demonstrated that dogs subjected to inescapable shocks developed motivational and behavioral deficits, failing to escape even when escape became possible.
Lindsay (2000) explained how non-contingent use of aversive stimulation (such as shock collars) leads to learned helplessness when dogs cannot predict or control the shocks, causing them to shut down emotionally and behaviorally.
This research highlights that GPS fences can induce learned helplessness by shocking dogs unpredictably. When a dog doesn’t understand how to avoid the pain, they may stop exploring, stop responding to their guardian, and exhibit signs of depression and stress.

6️⃣ No Physical Protection from Outside Threats
A virtual fence doesn’t stop other dogs, wildlife, or strangers from entering your yard. Dogs remain vulnerable to attacks, theft, or accidents—making the system ineffective at keeping them safe.
The Do No Harm Perspective: Humane Training is the Only Ethical Choice

"The use of equipment causing stress or pain, such as choke, prong, or electronic shock collars is antithetical to Do No Harm training and is harmful to dogs."
— Michaels, 2022, p. 116
🚫 GPS fences create fear, not protection. Choose humane, trust-based training instead!

📖 Learn more from Linda Michaels' book:
The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
📚 Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z6XhcZ

🐾🐾🐾

Final Thoughts
Virtual fencing isn’t just inaccurate—it actively harms a dog’s mental and emotional well-being. GPS errors make boundaries unpredictable, and shocking a dog when they don’t understand why destroys their trust, confidence, and security.

If you’re looking for a humane way to teach your dog boundaries, I can help. My approach is based on trust, relationship-building, and non-aversive techniques that empower your dog instead of punishing them.

📅 Book a consultation: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web

03/09/2025

Fear-Based Behavior in Rescues: What It Means & How to Help

Bringing home a rescue dog is an incredible journey, but it often comes with moments that leave you wondering, what happened to them before they came to me?

Asia B. shared a story about her newly adopted dog hiding and cowering when meeting a neighbor—an older man with a beard, a hat, and a plaid jacket. It’s easy to wonder, Was she abused by someone like him? or Is this a sign to avoid him altogether?

The truth is, fear-based reactions aren’t always about one past event—they’re often about how a dog perceives safety in the present.

🐾 Why Your Dog Might React With Fear
Fear-based behavior can stem from many factors, including:
• Lack of early socialization—New sights, sounds, and people can feel overwhelming.
• Negative vet or handling experiences—Medical handling can be traumatic.
• Past instability or neglect—Moving between homes or shelters can create fear of the unknown.
• Genetic predispositions—Some dogs are naturally more sensitive or cautious.
• Underlying medical conditions—Pain or sensory issues can heighten fear responses.

🐾 What You Can Do Right Now
Rather than pushing introductions, focus on building trust and creating a sense of safety for your dog:

1️⃣ Be Your Dog’s Safe Haven – Your dog needs to know that you’ll advocate for them. If they cower or hide, don’t force them forward—stand with them, create space, and let them observe at their own pace.

2️⃣ Use Familiarity to Build Confidence – Introduce a structured language of safety with cues like ‘come,’ ‘let’s go,’ ‘wait,’ and ‘this way.’ These help your dog understand what you say and to expect and where to move when they feel uncertain.

3️⃣ Stick to Routines – Routines like predictable leash walks, retreat spaces, and calm exposure to new environments will help build trust.

Right now, the goal isn’t to push socialization—it’s to build emotional safety so your dog feels secure enough to explore at their own pace.

🐾 Want to Learn More?
Sensitive rescue dogs need a different approach to trust-building. If you want to better understand how to help your dog feel safe and confident, check out my Holistic Training Academy and Courses—link in the comments!

03/08/2025

It is misguided to rely solely on the quadrants of operant conditioning (consequences) to “treat behaviors” because this approach often overlooks the underlying causes, motivations, and needs driving the behavior. True and lasting behavior improvement comes from addressing the why behind the behavior—acknowledging that dogs, like all living beings, act to meet their needs, protect themselves, or influence their environment.
Thank you for promoting the dogs needs and Do No Harm framework Do No Harm Dog Training - Linda Michaels

02/18/2025

A Critical Look at the IAABC’s Shock Collar Addendum: Why Sunsetting It Is a Step Backward for Animal Welfare

As a holistic dog welfare advocate, my concern isn’t about evaluating training policies—it’s about ensuring that dogs are protected from pain, fear, and intimidation. The decision by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) to sunset their 2020 Shock Collar Addendum raises serious concerns about their commitment to true humane training and animal welfare.

This isn’t just about policy changes—it’s about whether organizations that claim to stand against aversive tools are actually doing enough to protect animals. So, let’s take a critical look at what this decision really means for dogs.

1. The 2020 IAABC Shock Collar Addendum: A Flawed but Necessary Step
In 2020, IAABC introduced the shock collar addendum, stating that shock was not best practice, strongly discouraged, and should be eliminated from training. This was an attempt to shift trainers away from using shock while still keeping them within IAABC’s membership.

What Was Good About the 2020 Addendum?
✅ At Least It Acknowledged Shock as Harmful

The addendum clearly stated that shock training is not a best practice and should be phased out.
It provided some accountability—not enough, but at least it was something.
✅ Required Consultation Before Shock Was Used

If an IAABC member wanted to use a shock collar, they were required to consult a certified behavior consultant first.
This at least added a layer of oversight to prevent indiscriminate shock use.
✅ Ethics Committee Could Take Action

If a member violated the addendum, they could face suspension or even revocation of certification.
Again, it wasn’t perfect, but it showed some commitment to accountability.
What Was Wrong with the 2020 Addendum?
❌ It Still Allowed Shock in Some Cases

The biggest flaw? Shock was not outright banned.
IAABC gave members a loophole: if they consulted someone first, they could still use it.
This contradicted the very idea of a humane training organization.
❌ No Clear Deadline to Stop Shock Use

The addendum said members should work toward eliminating shock, but it didn’t set a firm timeline.
This meant trainers could keep shocking dogs while claiming they were transitioning away.
❌ Shock Trainers Could Still Be IAABC Members

IAABC kept its doors open to trainers who used aversives, which weakened its credibility as a humane training group.
Even though the addendum was far from perfect, it at least established some oversight. But now, in 2025, IAABC has decided to remove it entirely.

2. The 2025 Sunsetting of the Shock Collar Addendum: Why This Is a Step Backward
Now, IAABC claims they still oppose shock—but they’ve removed the one policy that actually held members accountable. Their statement now says:

The IAABC strongly opposes the intentional use of aversive stimuli and methods, especially those that rely upon pain, fear, or intimidation. The IAABC stands against the use of shock in the intentional, purposeful application of behavioral contingencies.

Sounds good, right? But without an actual policy to back it up, this statement is just words.

What Does Sunsetting the Addendum Mean for Animal Welfare?
❌ No More Oversight on Shock Use

Before, members at least had to consult a behaviorist before shocking a dog. Now, they don’t.
There is no longer any system in place to review cases or hold members accountable.
❌ Shock Trainers Can Still Operate Under IAABC Certification

A trainer can now use a shock collar without fear of violating IAABC rules.
This removes a key layer of protection for animals.
❌ IAABC Admitted the Industry Misleads People About Shock—But Then Weakened Its Policy

IAABC’s statement says the industry is full of misleading language that hides shock use.
Yet instead of strengthening their position to fight this deception, they removed the addendum.
This means it’s now easier for trainers to claim they are ethical while still using shock.
❌ IAABC’s Stance Now Relies on an Honor System

The organization still claims it “opposes” shock, but without an enforcement policy, this means nothing.
They are now relying on trainers to self-police, which has never worked in an industry that profits off of quick fixes and aversives.
As a Holistic Behavior Consultant, I'm Concerned About This
This decision raises serious red flags about IAABC’s true commitment to dog welfare. Instead of taking a stronger stance against aversive training, IAABC has chosen to:

🔴 Remove the one safeguard that provided some oversight.
🔴 Leave enforcement up to the individual trainer.
🔴 Allow shock trainers to continue operating under IAABC membership.
🔴 Make it easier for deceptive marketing to persist.

This is a huge step backward for the humane training movement. While organizations like the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and UK’s Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) have banned shock outright, IAABC has just made it easier for shock trainers to remain within their ranks.

What IAABC Should Have Done Instead
🚫 Banned Shock Completely. No more loopholes. No more "consultations."
🚫 Revoked Membership for Shock Trainers. If you use aversives, you don’t belong in a humane training organization.
🚫 Made Their Ethics Committee Transparent. Publish disciplinary actions so the public can see they are serious.
🚫 Cracked Down on Deceptive Marketing. Require clear language in training programs so clients aren’t misled.

Final Thoughts: Words Mean Nothing Without Action
📉 2020 Addendum: Flawed, but at least an attempt at oversight.
📉 2025 Sunsetting: Removes accountability, weakens IAABC’s credibility.

Example: A trainer uses a shock collar but calls it “low-level stim” and stays in IAABC. Without the addendum, there’s no review, no enforcement, and no consequences. They keep their certification, mislead clients, and IAABC has no system to stop them. No rule, no rule-breaking.

IAABC had a choice—to step up as a leader in humane training or to soften their stance to appease a broader audience. They chose the latter. And the ones who will suffer the most from this decision?

🐕 The dogs who will continue to be shocked because IAABC no longer holds its members accountable.

This isn’t just disappointing—it’s a failure of responsibility from an organization that claims to prioritize humane, ethical training.

02/14/2025

The “Real World” Myth: Why Some Trainers Are Stuck in the Flatland of Behaviorism

Welcome to the Flat World

There’s a common phrase you hear from obedience-based trainers: “We train for the real world.”

Sounds convincing, right? The idea is that dogs should be able to function anywhere—on busy streets, in high-distraction environments, around other dogs and people. They showcase dogs in “proofing” drills, performing robotic obedience despite competing motivators.

But here’s the problem: their real world isn’t actually real.

What they call the “real world” is actually a flat world—a world where dogs are reduced to stimulus-response machines, where behavior is the only metric of success, and where training exists within the rigid framework of rewards and punishments.

These trainers claim to prepare dogs for life, but they operate in a one-dimensional system that ignores emotion, choice, and relationships. They see a world of predictable inputs and outputs, yet fail to recognize the depth and complexity of what a dog truly experiences.

The Flatland of Behaviorism

The foundation of this flat world is behaviorism—a century-old framework that sees learning as a system of reinforcements and punishments. It works on paper and in controlled settings, but it falls apart in real, unpredictable life.
• It assumes that obedience equals stability. (It doesn’t.)
• It believes that control equals confidence. (It doesn’t.)
• It measures success in compliance rather than emotional security.

In the flat world, a dog that obeys under stress is seen as “well-trained,” even if they’re actually shutting down to avoid correction. They may look calm, but they aren’t thriving—they’re just surviving under pressure.

This is why so many dogs trained in compulsion-based methods develop deeper behavioral issues later on. When training is based on control rather than relationship, the cracks will eventually show.

The Round World: Where Dogs Actually Live

The real world—the round world—is nothing like the controlled environments of obedience training. It’s dynamic, emotional, and unpredictable.

A dog’s reality isn’t just made up of behaviors—it includes:
• Emotions (fear, excitement, joy, stress)
• Attachment and relationships (safety, trust, connection)
• Agency and choice (the ability to learn and adapt, not just comply)

A dog navigating the round world isn’t just responding to commands; they are thinking, feeling, and engaging with their environment. They aren’t performing because they fear a consequence—they are participating in a relationship of trust.

That’s why humane trainers don’t just teach behaviors—we build emotional resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation.

Beyond Behaviorism: The Missing Ingredients

Going beyond behaviorism means leaving behind the rigid, mechanical view of training and stepping into a holistic, relationship-centered model that respects the dog as a sentient being. This model isn’t about controlling behavior—it’s about nurturing well-being.

The Key Ingredients of a Beyond-Behaviorism Approach:

✅ Emotional Intelligence – Understanding that dogs are emotional beings, not just response-driven machines. A dog’s emotional state influences their behavior more than any reinforcer or correction.

✅ Secure Attachment & Trust – Building a relationship where the dog feels safe, not because they’re afraid of correction, but because they trust their human.

✅ Autonomy & Choice – Allowing dogs to make decisions, problem-solve, and express themselves rather than forcing them into rigid obedience patterns.

✅ Resilience & Emotional Regulation – Teaching dogs how to manage their own emotions rather than just suppressing their instincts out of fear.

✅ Holistic Well-Being – Recognizing that behavior is influenced by diet, health, environment, stress, and past experiences—not just training methods.

✅ The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection – Understanding that a truly balanced dog isn’t just behaviorally compliant but emotionally and spiritually whole.

Beyond-behaviorism isn’t about ignoring training—it’s about expanding it to include the full depth of a dog’s experience.

Why Trainers Stuck in the Flat World Can’t See It

Trainers who live in the flat world of behaviorism often ask, “Where’s the proof that force-free training works?”

But they only look for what fits their existing belief system.
• If you only measure success by robotic compliance, you’ll only see success in dogs that are forced into submission.
• If you think behavior is just about reinforcements and corrections, you’ll never understand emotional regulation.
• If you believe control is the ultimate goal, you’ll never see the power of true connection.

They think they’re working in the “real world,” but they’re trapped in a limited model that fails to account for the actual complexity of a dog’s experience.

They see dogs obeying commands, but they miss the trees for the logs—they don’t see the relationships, the emotional growth, and the actual well-being of the dog.

Breaking Free from the Flat World

The round world isn’t built on obedience—it’s built on understanding. It’s a world where:
✔️ Dogs aren’t just taught to behave; they are taught to feel safe.
✔️ Success isn’t measured by compliance, but by confidence and security.
✔️ Trust replaces control, and connection replaces coercion.

This is the real real world—one that acknowledges the full depth of who dogs are.

So the next time a trainer tells you they train for the “real world,” ask them:

Are they training for the flat world of obedience? Or the round world of relationships?

Because if they’re still stuck in the one-dimensional thinking of behaviorism, they aren’t actually seeing the whole picture.

Want to experience the round world of dog relationships?

Let’s talk?

02/07/2025

Are We Failing Dogs with Complex Behavioural Issues?

What happens when dog trainers, veterinarians, and behaviourists aren’t working together? When a dog’s behaviour is misunderstood, and the only options given to dog parents are medication, rehoming, or euthanasia?

Too many dogs are falling through the cracks because the support system around them isn’t working.

In the latest episode of Dog Parentology, I sit down with

✅Roman Gottfried✅

to discuss:

Why traditional dog training often fails for traumatized dogs and what actually works.
-How a systems-based approach can lead to lasting recovery.
-The disconnect between trainers, vets, and behaviourists—and what needs to change.
-The role of intuition in dog parenting—when to trust yourself and when to seek professional guidance.
-What success really looks like for a traumatized dog—and how long it actually takes.

And we don’t shy away from one of the hardest topics in dog behaviour—behavioural euthanasia. When is it the right decision, and when is it simply a failure of the system?

Here's a teaser of the introduction - but this episode in full drops tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST - And it is for dog parents who want better answers and for trainers, veterinarians, and behaviourists who want to be part of the solution.

Let’s talk about it!
Have you ever been told that medication, rehoming, or euthanasia were your only options? What happened next? Drop a comment—I want to hear your experiences.

Plan to listen to the entire episode here:https://youtu.be/-a6zykOGiU4 - Subscribed to be notified when it premieres

Become a Patron for exclusive access to this episode’s Listening Guide! https://www.patreon.com/c/DogParentologyPodcast

01/27/2025

“Rehoming a Guardian: Instincts Need Guidance, Not Just a New Home”

I’m often tagged in posts about newly adopted dogs—especially guardian breeds—showing behaviors like barking at strangers, chasing cars, or struggling to adjust to a new home. These behaviors, while concerning, are often tied to Relocation Stress and the natural tendencies of guardian breeds, which can be misunderstood.

It’s important to recognize that many guardian behaviors, such as barking, growling, or being wary of strangers, are rooted in fear and uncertainty, not dominance or aggression. These dogs are hardwired to assess threats, and when they feel unsafe or unsure, they default to what they know: trying to protect themselves and their environment.

When guardian breeds are placed in a new setting, their instincts often go into overdrive. The barking, reactivity, or even attempts to chase cars can be their way of saying, “I don’t feel safe yet.” These are not “bad” behaviors but rather fear-based responses that need time, trust, and guidance to redirect into more confident, balanced actions.

Here’s what I recommend to help your guardian dog adjust and thrive:
• Recognize their fear and instinct: Guardian breeds aren’t automatically well-equipped to protect—they need education and trust to channel their instincts appropriately. Fear-based behaviors can be reduced by helping your dog feel safe and secure.
• Patience and calmness: You are your dog’s anchor. Stay calm and predictable as you guide them through this adjustment period.
• Routine is key: A consistent schedule (feeding, walks, rest) provides security. Predictability helps ease fear and builds trust.
• Limit exposure to triggers: Minimize interaction with visitors, contractors, or unfamiliar situations for now. Overwhelming them will reinforce their fear.
• Reinforce positive experiences: Instead of focusing on what they’re doing “wrong,” reward calm, confident behavior. Celebrate small wins!
• Educate yourself on guardian breeds: Their behaviors are not a sign of dominance or aggression—they’re signals of fear or uncertainty. Learn to interpret these signals and respond with empathy.

If you plan to have them as a livestock guardian, remember that instincts alone aren’t enough. Guardian traits need time and education to blossom into safe and reliable behaviors.

For deeper support, I’ve been helping families with guardian breeds since 2009 through online consultations. If you’d like a customized plan to help your dog settle in, welcome to reach. .
With patience and understanding, your dog can transition from fear to confidence and become the devoted companion you know they can be.

01/25/2025

I used to believe I was doing the right thing—preaching freedom, consent, and safety—while still using shock collars on dogs. It was a painful contradiction: my actions didn’t align with the values I held dear. Those tools inflicted pain and fear, not trust and connection.

E-collars and other aversive tools and methods are often marketed as ethical solutions to avoid surrender, euthanasia, or to ‘fix’ challenging behaviors quickly. But the truth? They don’t address the root causes of behavior. Instead, they suppress symptoms through discomfort or fear, often leaving emotional scars and weakening the bond between dogs and their guardians.

But there’s a better way. You don’t have to rely on tools that hurt to make progress. Humane, science-based methods allow you to create lasting change while honoring your dog’s emotional well-being.

If you’re a trainer feeling stuck or questioning these methods, our Crossover Trainer Basics course is the perfect first step. This course is designed to help trainers transition to humane, effective techniques with clarity and confidence—empowering you to truly make a difference for dogs and their families.

Created by crossover professionals with decades of experience and backed by science, this is a no-BS course made for you.

Enroll today at the introductory price!
Visit https://holisticdogacademy.thinkific.com/courses/Crossover-Trainer-Basics and take the first step toward transforming your training journey.

What’s included?

4 Modules
18 Chapters
8 Hours of video content
A safe, supportive community
1 Certificate of Completion
All at your own pace!
You’re not alone on this path. There’s an ethical, compassionate way forward for you, the dogs you work with, and the families who trust you. Let’s walk it together. 💛

01/09/2025

Standing with California: Supporting Displaced Families and Their Dogs

As the fires in California displace families and disrupt lives, my heart goes out to everyone navigating this crisis. While humans can process stress with logic and reflection, our dogs don’t have the same tools. Instead, they feel the sudden chaos in ways that often result in behaviors that can be challenging for us to interpret.

For dogs, relocation stress isn’t just about a new environment—it’s about losing their sense of safety and routine. This can show up as:
• Aggression or Resource Guarding: Stress can heighten a dog’s need to protect their food, toys, or even their space.
• Jealousy or Separation Anxiety: Dogs may become clingy, restless, or destructive when separated from their people.
• Escape Attempts: Some dogs will try to return to their old home, driven by confusion and a need to find familiarity.
• Potty Training Setbacks: Many dogs struggle to eliminate in new environments, especially if they’re used to a particular spot or surface.

How You Can Help Your Dog Adjust

Here are some practical steps to ease your dog’s transition and support them through the stress of relocation:
1. Keep Some Consistency
• Place their food and water bowls in the same order as you did before the move. Familiarity, even in small things, helps them feel grounded.
• Bring along their favorite bed, blanket, offer toys to create a safe, familiar space in your temporary home.
2. Reestablish Routine
• Stick to their mealtime, walk, and bedtime schedules as much as possible. Consistency provides a sense of normalcy.
3. Work on Potty Training From Scratch
• Take your dog to the same area every time for potty breaks, even if it’s temporary.
• Use encouraging phrases like “go potty” and reward them generously for success. Be patient—this process can take time, especially for dogs reluctant to eliminate in strange places.
4. Manage Behaviors with Patience
• If you notice resource guarding, avoid triggering situations by giving them a quiet space for meals and high-value items.
• For separation anxiety, practice short departures and returns to build their confidence in being alone.
5. Secure Their Safety
• Be extra cautious outdoors—leash them even in fenced areas to prevent escape attempts. The pull to find “home” can be overwhelming during times of stress.

Compassion and Support Go a Long Way

Relocation stress isn’t about disobedience—it’s about survival instincts kicking in. Your dog isn’t trying to frustrate you; they’re trying to adapt the only way they know how. Patience, compassion, and understanding will help both of you navigate this transition together.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help. Relocation stress is one of the many challenges I address in my holistic, trauma-informed approach to dog behavior. We’ll create a plan that works for your dog and your family’s unique needs.

Let’s get your dog back on track and feeling safe. Schedule a discovery call here: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web.

To everyone affected: stay strong. We’re in this together, and your dog is lucky to have you by their side.

Photo: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press

https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/c_scale,w_640/v1/media/gmg/R5C7NAUTNBFM5PPNMUO4QM4HIM.jpg?_a=DAJAUVWIZAAA

01/08/2025

The Truth About Debating Science Deniers in Dog Training

Why I Refuse to Engage with Aversive Advocates

Every so often, someone slides into my inbox with a challenge:
“Prove to me that force-free training is better.”
“Let’s debate this live.”
“Show me the evidence!”

At first glance, it seems like an opportunity to set the record straight, right? But here’s the truth: debating science deniers and aversion advocates is a losing game—and I don’t play it.

Let me explain why I refuse to give these individuals my time, energy, or platform and why I focus on helping dogs and their families instead.

The Bad News: Debating Isn’t About Science

When someone denies that force-free training is the humane and effective choice, they’re not usually looking for an honest conversation. Instead, they rely on tactics that undermine real progress:
1. Cherry-Picking Data: They ignore the overwhelming body of research supporting force-free methods and cling to outdated studies or anecdotal evidence.
2. Moving the Goalposts: Even if you provide robust evidence, they’ll demand more—or dismiss it outright.
3. Gish Gallop: They’ll bombard you with fallacies, misleading statements, and half-truths faster than you can address them.
4. Emotional Manipulation: They appeal to fears or “common sense” arguments, like “But dogs need discipline!” instead of engaging with science.

These tactics aren’t about advancing understanding—they’re about control, deflection, and maintaining their position at all costs.

The Good News: The Evidence Speaks for Itself

The reality is simple:
• Force-free methods are rooted in decades of scientific research on canine behavior, learning theory, and emotional well-being.
• Studies consistently show that aversive tools like shock collars and prong collars cause stress, fear, and long-term damage to dogs.
• Humane training isn’t just kinder—it’s more effective, producing reliable behaviors without compromising a dog’s trust.

This sums it up: https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/

I’ve worked with thousands of dogs, from traumatized rescues to high-drive working breeds, and I’ve seen the transformation force-free methods create. I don’t need a live debate to prove that. The results speak for themselves—in homes, shelters, and research labs worldwide.

Why I Don’t Debate Science Deniers

Engaging with influencers who promote aversive methods gives them a platform, legitimizes their harmful practices, and shifts focus away from what really matters: helping dogs. Here’s why I decline these invitations:
1. It’s a Waste of Energy: My job isn’t to convince someone who’s committed to rejecting evidence. My job is to help dogs and their families thrive.
2. It Gives Them a Platform: By debating, I’d risk amplifying their harmful message to a wider audience.
3. It Distracts from Solutions: Time spent arguing is time I could spend educating guardians, rescuing dogs, or training with empathy.

What I Focus on Instead

Rather than arguing with aversion advocates, I channel my energy into:
• Empowering Dog Parents: I equip families with humane, trauma-informed training tools to build trust and connection with their dogs.
• Educating the Next Generation of Trainers: Through my courses and consultations, I’m helping professionals “crossover” to force-free, humane training methods.
• Advocating for Change: I stand firmly against aversive tools and methods, using my platform to promote science-backed, compassionate alternatives.

A Final Thought

Debating science deniers doesn’t save dogs—helping families and professionals understand their needs does. So, the next time someone challenges me to a “live debate,” my answer will stay the same:

I’m not here to argue. I’m here to advocate—for the dogs, their well-being, and the relationships that make their lives whole.

If you’re ready to leave aversive tools behind and start your journey to humane, trauma-informed training, visit our holistic dog-academy more in the comments 👇👇👇👇

Address

83087 SIMONSEN Road
Eugene, OR
97405

Opening Hours

Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://holisticdogtraining.org/

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