04/25/2026
There is growing concern among trainers about misinformation within our local dog training community, especially around punishment-based and aversive methods.
These approaches may appear to work by suppressing behavior in the moment, but that doesn’t mean they address the underlying issue—often fear, anxiety, or stress. In some cases, they can actually make those emotions worse and increase reactivity over time.
The bigger concern is when this is presented as safe or effective training without explaining the emotional impact on dogs or the availability of more humane, science-based alternatives.
That’s why many of us are committed to clearer education and reinforcement-based methods that prioritize:
✔️ Real learning
✔️ Emotional wellbeing
✔️ Trust and safety
Because our community—and our dogs—deserve accurate information and better outcomes.
👉 I encourage you to read the attached PDF handout (link in comments) for a deeper dive into how these methods truly work, what the science says, and why the emotional side of learning matters so much more than most people realize.
