Let’s talk about ethics, baby!
Many people are not aware that the dog training industry is unregulated. This means that there is not one governing body, nor is dog training a licensed trade so literally anyone can say they are a dog trainer and use any methods they choose.
There is also a ton of misinformation out there from the dominance-alpha theory (debunked) to the need for positive punishment in training (not needed).
In the last decade, there has been a radical shift in dog training methods toward positive reinforcement-based training due to a growing number of animal behaviour research papers that have indicated that not only are reward-based training methods as effective as those methods that use punishment, but they may in fact, be more effective.
This brings about the question of ethics. In the online course Dog Behavior: Problems and Solutions, Dr. Clive Wynne, Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, discusses the matter of ethics in dog training. The categories looked at are Efficacy & Efficiency (Does the training work?) and Stress, Distress and Pain (Does the training have a negative effect on the dog?). These items help us to determine the ethics by evaluating the costs and benefits of each training method.
The following table outlines two training methods: positive reinforcement training and training that uses aversive methods and/or tools.
| Method | Efficacy and Efficiency | Stress, Distress and Pain | Risk of other negative behaviours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive reinforcement-based training | Yes, long-term | None | None |
| Training that uses aversive methods and/or tools | Yes, short-term | Yes | Increased risk |
Table Sources:
If we know that there is a method that is the most effective and which doesn't involve the need for punishment, aversives or alpha rolls, then why are there still trainers using these methods? Again, this comes down to the lack of regulation in the dog training industry.
Many dog owners consider their pets members of the family - which is a great thing! And as such, when you hire a dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist, your dog should be treated with the same amount of respect as any other member of your family.
There are several animal training certifying bodies but it's important to understand what those governing bodies require from trainers that hold the certifications. The Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Behavior Consultants have a Joint Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that require their members and/or certificants follow the least intrusive minimally aversive training method (LIMA).
As a pet parent, you can and should ask questions when hiring a dog trainer such as:
What methods do you use for dog training?
Will punishment be used on my dog if (s)he gets something wrong? (Pro tip: the learner is never wrong)
Can I observe a class and to ensure I am comfortable with all aspects of the training process?
Are there ways to teach this behaviour/skill that is less frustrating/aversive to my dog?
What education and/or certifications do you have? Do you continue to update your education with the latest industry research?
Does your certification have a governing body and does it require you to follow a code of ethics?
Your dog trainer should not only be happy to answer any of the above questions with complete transparency but they should also understand and be able to employ the LIMA strategies to bring about effective behaviour change. If you ever feel uncomfortable with the methods suggested to you, especially if any of those methods cause fear, pain or distress to your dog, don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for your furry family member.
Happy training!