Why choose a force free trainer?

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Force free/positive reinforcement methods do not compromise the physical, emotional, and mental welfare of your dog, and have been scientifically proven to be more effective than methods that include the use of physical or verbal corrections, while the use of punitive methods have been proven to have a negative impact on the overall welfare of the dog and are less effective. 

 

Force free training is not only better for the dogs, it is also better for the humans. Taking a kinder, humane approach to training improves the experience for both you and your dog, and strengthens the canine-human bond. 

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What is force free training?

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There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to train force free. To better understand force free training, it is helpful to know what force free training is NOT. Force free training is NOT permissive with a lack of rules and boundaries. Force free training is NOT coddling dogs to their detriment. Force free training is NOT just like balanced training except we only use the positive reinforcement part of the operant condition quadrant. 

 

Force free training is learning to understand canine body language and micro-expressions and understanding the function of behaviour and using this knowledge and information to create personalised action plans to help you achieve your desired training outcomes. It is acknowledging that dogs are sentient beings and have a right to choice and autonomy. It places an emphasis on the relationship and connection between human and dog. Force free trainers prioritise on-going learning, and keeping up to date with science-based practices. 

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Aversive training methods

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In spite of the evidence that aversive, punitive training methods are detrimental to dogs, they are still widely used. The use of aversives and punishment in training might help you achieve specific training goals, however, it always comes at a cost, wether it be the welfare of your dog, unintentional negative consequences, or new undesirable behaviours. 

More information on the use of aversive training tools can be found in the links to a few studies below. 
 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7743949/

https://banshockcollars.ca/.../The-effects-of-using...

https://vth.upei.ca/.../Behaviour-Tips_Shock-collar_final...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474565/

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