As with many other aspects of being a pet parent, which training method is best often depends on who you ask. Two of the most common base theories to train dogs are positive-based reinforcement training and dominance-based training or punishment (which is often marketed as a “mix”). This article will focus primarily on dominance-based training, if you wish to read more about positive-based reinforcement methods check out our article on Clicker Training or The History of Dog Training.
The primary difference between these two training methods is how a trainer responds to a dogs’ behavior. In positive reinforcement training, a trainer rewards a dog when it performs a desirable behavior. For example, a dog is asked to sit, a treat is given when it happens. If the dog does not respond correctly, they aren’t rewarded, and the incorrect response will mostly be ignored. In contrast, dominance-based training involves utilization of a negative stimulus when the dog performs an undesirable behavior instead of simply withholding reward. The most common example of this is using an electric collar to provide a small shock or prong collar to deter incorrect or undesirable behavior. It can also tragically set a tone for physical abuse in the worst of situations.
The concept of dominance-based training finds its roots in early studies of wolf pack behavior. In a book written by L. David Mech in 1968 titled, “The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species,” the idea of an alpha wolf was first introduced. With this concept Mech suggested that the wolves within a pack compete for dominance over one another, with the overall winner being seen as the “alpha”. However, this study was done on captive wolf packs, not naturally occurring ones. Mech himself later amended his stance away from the idea of having one alpha and found that wild wolf packs tend to simply be a family, with the more assertive or dominant members being effective leaders, the mother and father. Despite this, the idea of a pet parent needing to become the “alpha” to replicate this perceived phenomenon became popular. It’s taken many forms within dog training, most prominently featured on the show The Dog Whisperer by trainer Cesar Milan. We don’t believe his methods are always wrong in the context of dogs with behavioral issues that create life threatening circumstances for the dog. The problem is, viewers saw his astounding results and started implementing those practices on dogs without such issues. In the time since the show’s popularity, further research has confirmed this form of training is not the best for most dogs and often creates problems rather than preventing or solving them.
For example, aversive training hurts the bond between pet parent and dog by causing the dog physical and mental discomfort. Motivating dogs through fear of punishment rather than the promise of reward. Even rare studies producing the most favorable results for dominance based training have found its effect are at best similarly effective and more often less effective than reward based training. One study performed at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom investigated these methods by comparing the speed and consistency that dogs off leash return to their owner when called. To do this, the researchers used three groups of professional trainers. The first control group consisted of professional trainers who utilized only negative reinforcement in the form of electronic collars. The second control group consisted of the same trainers who instead utilized a mixture of positive and negative reinforcement and the third group consisted of professional trainers who used only positive reinforcement. It is worth noting that each trainer in the study utilized the same training methods that they do in their own practices and that they are all had significant experience. Upon completion the study found that the reaction time overall was comparable between both control groups but that group three, the positive reinforcement only group, was more likely to return after only one command. In addition to this, group two did not differ from the e-collar group, indicating that the electronic collar was ineffective at deterring disobedience while providing unnecessary negative stimulus to the dog (China et. al., 2020).
In summation, the concept of dominance based dog training is based on an antiquated theory regarding wolf behavior that has since been debunked. To look back to these same studies and more importantly their revisions we see that wolf pack dynamics are largely just families with the parents overseeing, caring for and regulating their pups. This further supports the idea of being a “pet parent” over the idea of being a “pet owner” or the “alpha”. As well as the broader “partnership” between human and canine. Modern research indicates that training with solely positive reinforcement and focusing on the bond between dog and pet parent are generally the most effective ways to train while minimizing negative stress placed on the dog. While training with dominance and other aversive methods is likely to be around for a while longer, thorough analysis indicates reward oriented teaching methods are the most effective and indisputably humane way to train dogs. Kind’ve like people
References:
China, Lucy, et al. “Efficacy of Dog Training with and without Remote Electronic Collars vs. a
Focus on Positive Reinforcement.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 1 Jan. 1AD,
