Heidi's Haven Canine Camp Dog Boarding and Training

06/29/2025

I must admit, when I started training dogs 40+ yrs ago, I used a choke collar and physical correction. It was what was known and taught at the time. 😔 Joining the kennel club in Morgantown WV introduced me to positive training. At the time (late 90's), the Mountaineer Kennel Club had a wonderful obedience chairperson, and a wonderful agility chairperson. I learned a TON from these two women, as well as the other awesome trainers at the kennel club.

Balanced dog training is anything but as negative reinforcement can heavily outweigh any positive reinforcement in a dog's mind.

06/09/2025

A landmark study that directly addresses this question is:

Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102722
Summary of Key Findings:

Study design: This was a controlled, scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Lincoln. It compared three groups:

Dogs trained using e-collars (shock collars) by experienced industry trainers

Dogs trained by the same trainers but without shock

Dogs trained by independent force-free trainers using positive reinforcement only

Trainers were certified and professional, with Group A and B trainers belonging to the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and having extensive experience using the devices.

Key results:

There was no significant difference in training efficacy between the groups using shock and those not using it.

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

The study concluded that the use of shock collars was unnecessary and posed welfare risks without added training benefits.

Salivary cortisol levels, behavioral stress indicators (e.g., yawning, lip licking), and vocalizations were higher in the shock collar group.

Conclusion:

The researchers explicitly stated that the use of e-collars "has negative welfare consequences for some dogs" and "no clear advantage over reward-based training"—thus the use of shock collars is not justified.

So, even if the person operating the collar is a manufacturer-trained professional, this study showed the results were no better than training without shock, and the use of electronic collars resulted in unnecessary stress.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer

06/05/2025

05/30/2025

Sundowners in dogs that are aging can be hard for their owners to deal with. Fortunately, you can help your dog slow the progression of the disease.

05/29/2025

We are a group of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Doctorate level Animal Behaviorists dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through an understanding of animal behavior. Join us and discover how insight into animal behavior can strengthen the human animal bond and enhance....

05/29/2025

Dietary management including high fiber dog food can be an effective way to manage and prevent a**l gland issues in dogs, but fiber is not the only cause of gland issues.

04/17/2025

Trying to figure out something new to train your smart dog? I had a friend teach her dog to push a bar stool into the middle of room, climb up on it and then sit on her haunches and wave- all done w clicker training! So many fun options to train something new. 😊

04/08/2025

03/29/2025

Hand targeting is a powerful skill that can transform the way you communicate with your dog. In this dog training video, I guide you through the process of t...

02/22/2025

“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

10/30/2024

Why I highly recommend this book, and give it out to many of my adopters. Wonderful book to read if you want to understand the difference between canines and primates. She has a great section-with photos- on HUGGING dogs and why you should try not to, especially dogs who do not have an established trusting relationship w you.

I was surprised and grateful that one of my books is on the list of the "14 Best Dog Training Books of 2024"!

The Other End Of The Leash was named "Best for Understanding Humans.” Thanks Spruce Pets! I’d wag my tail if I had one.
https://bit.ly/3YqGSP5

10/06/2024

Jake is back boarding w us. Jake is **18** and has been boarding w us for 13+ yrs. Love this sweet, sensitive, timid boy. I originally met Jake on w behavior consult appt. He was super timid and his mom just wanted him to be a little more comfortable in the world. She did all the work, and he made great progress. His devoted mom asked if I would be willing to take care of him when she went out of town. And I did... many, many times over the past 13 yrs. He is a "regular" here at Heidi's Haven Canine Camp. 😍