Methods Matter: Finding Ethical Dog Trainers in an Unregulated Industry

Does it matter how we train our dogs? I could teach my dog that the way to get a cookie is to put his butt on the floor when I say sit. I could also teach my dog that the way to avoid an electric shock is to put his butt on the floor when I say sit. Both methods will very likely result in my dog sitting. A sit is a sit, right?

But I don’t just care about my dog’s ability to sit when asked: I also care about how he feels when doing the behavior. I care because I love him but also because emotions drive behavior. If my dog feels yucky about having to sit, that may manifest as a dog who is reluctant to respond. And if my dog feels yucky about those sits and I keep asking him to do that when we are in social situations, he may also start to feel yucky about those social situations or about working with me in general. Most of us want healthy relationships that center around trust, safety, and clear communication. This should apply to our relationships with dogs, too.

The dog training field is not a regulated industry. This means you, dear reader, could print out business cards tomorrow and begin to advertise yourself as a dog trainer. You can tell your clients whatever you want. You can operate with or without a code of ethics. You can use whatever methods or tools you choose, regardless of science or common decency.  

Because of this lack of oversight, alternative facts run rampant in the dog training world. You’ve likely read information that suggests you must show your dog that you are the alpha, that your dog is on an eternal quest to dominate, that you must continually remind him of his place in the pack. Maybe you’re under the impression that in order to be a good dog owner, you must ask your dog to wait before he goes through a door or ensure he never eats first. Maybe someone told you that you must physically correct your dog to teach him how to behave. Not only are none of these things necessary or evidence-based, but they are often harmful and can erode your relationship with your dog. 

Author Sara Scott with a dedicated pupil

Good trainers and other dog pros do their best to operate within a code of ethics, even though it is not required. Some are members of organizations that encourage evidence-based certifications or ensure trainers adhere to a set of ethics. When researching training options for your dog, don’t be afraid to ask about ethical considerations and certifications. You want to find a trainer who has adequate answers to these questions.

Also beware of labels in the dog training industry. You might hear trainers calling themselves “force free,” “balanced,”  “reward-based,” “science-based,” etc., but the definitions of these terms can vary widely. Educate yourself as much as possible before interviewing potential dog pros and be prepared to ask exactly what methods a trainer uses.

Above all, know that there is no reason to purposely inflict pain or fear to modify a dog’s behavior. Sure, it works, and sure, it’s science-based. If you shock me every time I reach for a candy bar, I’ll stop reaching for the candy bar - that’s basic operant learning.  But this misses the root cause of the behavior: why am I eating so many candy bars in the first place? Because the root cause wasn’t addressed, it’s likely whatever issue you hoped to cure will simply manifest itself in a different way.

If someone tells you your dog needs to be corrected with either fear or pain, that person is advertising their lack of skill in handling dog behavior problems in an ethical way. In fact, evidence shows that the purposeful application of pain or fear is not necessary nor is it the most effective approach. Moreover, it degrades the relationship. Dogs were not put on this planet for humans to exploit or enslave. They are sentient beings and that recognition must be a core part of any good training plan.

Most of us think about rewards and punishments when trying to teach our dogs new skills. But even more important is associated learning, which is always in the background of any training session. If you’re teaching your dog to come when called, associated learning is taking place at the same time. Is your dog feeling good about coming toward you or is he doing it to avoid something scary or unpleasant? If you’re teaching your dog to lie down and go to bed, is he feeling relaxed and eager to stay in his bed or is he afraid to get up? Being aware of associated learning will help you avoid the pitfalls that negative associations often create.

Finally, dogs do not form hierarchical packs. Though many blogs and videos say otherwise, this is just another alternative fact in the dog training world, often pushed by those skilled enough to make sure their posts come up near the top of a Google search. But being competent at search engine optimization has nothing to do with being competent in addressing dog behavior problems. A wolf pack is just a mating pair and offspring; there are no alpha roles and or competition for the top spot. Dogs pushed into the streets in other countries don't form hierarchical packs either but instead hang out in loose groups around resources like food, water, and shelter. In any case, your domesticated dog is behaviorally more similar to a human toddler than he is to a wolf. 

So pay attention to your gut instincts. If your trainer gives you an exercise that doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Training your dog should be fun for both of you - it shouldn’t be a fight or a battle. If it is, I encourage you to do more research and look elsewhere for better methods. 

How you train your dog matters. Treat him with the same love, consideration, and respect you’d want for yourself. Help him feel safe and relaxed while rewarding behaviors you’d like to see more frequently. 

It really is that simple. Anyone telling you otherwise has a lot of their own learning left to do before trying to train others.