Dog Training Methods Explained
Dog training methods fall into two main camps. Reward-based (positive reinforcement) training rewards the behavior you want with food, toys or praise. Aversive training uses discomfort, pain or intimidation, such as prong, choke or shock collars and leash jerks. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for all dog training, citing evidence that aversive methods increase stress, fear and aggression.
Trainers use many brand names ("balanced," "positive," "force-free," "e-collar"), but most methods come down to whether a dog is motivated by getting something good or avoiding something unpleasant.
Main dog training methods
| Method | How it works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Reward-based (positive reinforcement) | Adds something the dog likes when it does the right thing | Treats, toys, praise, play |
| Marker training (clicker or word) | A sound marks the exact moment of the right behavior, then a reward follows | Clicker, "yes!" |
| Luring | Food guides the dog into position, then is faded out | Luring into a "down" |
| Shaping | Rewarding small steps toward a final behavior | Teaching a dog to ring a bell |
| Capturing | Rewarding a behavior the dog offers on its own | Rewarding a dog for lying calmly |
| Aversive / punishment-based | Adds something unpleasant to stop behavior | Leash jerks, prong, choke or shock collars, "alpha rolls" |
| "Balanced" training | Mixes rewards with aversive corrections | Varies by trainer |
What the science says
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's 2021 position statement concludes:
- "Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training."
- "There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification."
- Dogs trained with aversive methods showed more stress behaviors (lip licking, yawning) and higher cortisol during training.
- Surveys link aversive methods with aggression, anxiety and fear (though surveys can't prove cause and effect).
- For recall training, electronic collars showed no advantage over reward-based methods.
- Reward-based training is linked to better obedience and a stronger owner-dog bond.
AVSAB also advises against intimidation (squirt bottles, shaking cans, shouting), physical corrections and "dominance" or "alpha" approaches.
Does reward-based training mean no rules?
No. AVSAB stresses that structure and boundaries still matter; they're just taught without fear or pain. Managing the environment (gates, leashes, removing temptations) and teaching an alternative behavior are key tools.
Clicker or no clicker?
A clicker is one way to mark behavior. Research comparing clickers with a spoken marker word or food alone found no method clearly better for teaching new tasks, so use whatever you'll apply consistently. See what is clicker training.
How to choose a trainer by method
Ask directly: "What happens when my dog gets it right? What happens when my dog gets it wrong?" and "What equipment do you use?" VCA advises avoiding anyone who recommends prong or shock collars or says you must "dominate" your dog.
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.