02/21/2025
“Positive trainers would rather see dogs be euthanized than be made uncomfortable.”
If you’ve been in the dog training world long enough, you’ve probably heard this claim, without evidence.
Insisting that aversive training is the only way to “save” dogs with severe behavioral issues is a go-to argument for those who justify using prong collars, shock collars, and harsh corrections.
But does this claim actually hold up under scrutiny? Or is it just another excuse to defend outdated, harmful methods?
Let’s look at what the research really says.
Aversive training methods, shock collars, prong collars, leash corrections, dominance-based techniques are consistently linked to increased aggression, stress, and behavioral problems.
Studies have found that punishment increases aggression. For example, in one study, at least 25% of dogs responded aggressively when subjected to confrontational training methods like leash jerks, hitting, or intimidation.
Dogs trained with aversive methods show more fear-based behaviors, higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and a more negative emotional state overall.
Dogs trained with positive reinforcement and related methodologies exhibit fewer behavioral problems and are at least as obedient as those trained with punishment-based techniques.
Behavioral issues are one of the leading reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters or euthanized.
If punishment truly “saved” dogs, we’d expect to see lower euthanasia rates among those trained with aversive methods. But the data shows otherwise.
Guardians who use punishment-based training methods are more likely to report increased behavioral problems in their dogs, which can contribute to considerations of rehoming or euthanasia.
Shelters that use force-free training see higher adoption and retention rates. When dogs learn in a positive, non-threatening way, they are more likely to stay in their new homes.
Aversive training doesn’t fix behavior problems, it makes them worse.
A dog that becomes more fearful, reactive, or aggressive due to punishment is at higher risk of being given up.
What About Aggression?
Aggression is not a training issue, it’s a behavioral issue that requires skilled intervention.
During an aggressive outburst, aversive handling may be necessary to manage the situation and maintain safety, but this is not the same as professionally modifying behavior.
Where amateur and so-called “balanced” trainers go wrong is intentionally provoking aggression just to correct it, or carelessly managing the environment.
Forcing a dog into a situation where they are likely to snap, snarl, or bite isn’t training. It’s reckless and unprofessional.
For example, we don’t need to witness a violent crime to rehabilitate a human offender, and we don’t need to provoke aggression to address behavioral issues in dogs.
When it comes to modifying aggressive behavior, evidence-based approaches such as desensitization and counter-conditioning involve gradually exposing dogs to triggers while pairing them with positive experiences.
Differential reinforcement means rewarding alternative behaviors instead of punishing aggression.
Functional assessments & neuro-affirming behavior therapy involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes rather than suppressing symptoms.
These methods have been scientifically validated as effective ways to reduce aggression without increasing fear or stress.
If we truly care about keeping dogs alive and in homes, we need to stop pretending that punishment is the solution.
The real solution is education, support, and evidence-based training that prevents these problems in the first place.
If a trainer tells you that you need to choose between using pain or losing your dog, they are not giving you the full picture.
You have better options, and the science backs that up.
So, is it really a choice between “death or discomfort”?
The research doesn’t support that claim.
What it does show is that aversive training increases the very problems that lead to euthanasia, while force-free training improves outcomes for dogs and their guardians.
Sources
1. Duffy, D. L., Hsu, Y., & Serpell, J. A. (2008). “Breed differences in canine aggression.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(3-4), 441-460.https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/merlinos/pdf/2008breeddifferences.pdf
2. Gunter, L. M., Feuerbacher, E. N., Gilchrist, R. J., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2018). “Evaluating the effects of a temporary fostering program on shelter dog welfare.” PeerJ, 6, e6620. https://peerj.com/articles/6620/
3. Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). “Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1-2), 47-54. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159108003717
4. Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2004). “Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare.” Animal Welfare, 13(1), 63-69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261106650_Dog_training_methods_Their_use_effectiveness_and_interaction_with_behaviour_and_welfare
5. Marder, A., Shabelansky, A., Patronek, G., Dowling-Guyer, S., & D’Arpino, S. (2013). “Food-related aggression in shelter dogs: A comparison of behavior identified by a behavior evaluation in the shelter and owner reports after adoption.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 148(1-2), 150-156. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159113001810
6. Ziv, G. (2017). “The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787817300357
7. Casey, R. A., Loftus, B., Bolster, C., Richards, G. J., & Blackwell, E. J. (2013). “Inter-dog aggression in a UK owner survey: prevalence, co-occurrence in different contexts and risk factors.” Veterinary Record, 172(5), 127. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233798832_Inter-dog_aggression_in_a_UK_owner_survey_Prevalence_co-occurrence_in_different_contexts_and_risk_factors
8. Rooney, N. J., & Cowan, S. (2011). “Training methods and owner-dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3-4), 169-177. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159111000876
