Despite public disagreement within the field, the
researchers found notable common ground:
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Trainers in both groups identified positive
reinforcement as their most frequently used method and emphasized
canine emotional well-being.
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They expressed concern regarding public
misconceptions about dog behavior, unrealistic owner expectations
and the lack of consistent standards in the training industry.
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They also shared concern about unqualified trainers
and rejected coercive, dominance-based techniques such as rolling
a dog on its back.
Many also said owners often expect training to work
like a quick fix, rather than as a gradual process that requires
time and consistency.
“Doing this research really highlighted the general
misconceptions that are often promoted in media and that people
absorb really quickly,” Williams said. “The average person is not
trained, and they’re doing the best they can. But to understand who
gets the best results, you need to look at the people doing this as
their career.”
The findings also matter beyond training sessions.
Behavior-related challenges can contribute to dog relinquishment,
increasing strain on shelters and rescue organizations. The study
cites past research indicating that up to 40% of dog owners report
behavioral concerns as a reason for surrender.
“A dog may appear defiant or bark excessively, but the
behavior may actually reflect fear, frustration, anxiety or
confusion about what is being asked,” DeLeeuw said.
Understanding different training approaches
While the researchers found the trainers generally
favor reward-based methods over aversive approaches, the study found
important differences.
Reward-based trainers were more likely to frame their
decisions through behavioral science and to view the intentional use
of fear or pain as generally incompatible with humane practice.
Mixed-methods trainers were more likely to support aversive methods
in cases involving aggression or safety concerns, and some also
described them as useful for speeding communication and increasing
off-leash reliability and freedom.
The study highlighted a common mismatch between what
some owners want and what certain dogs need. Trainers described
cases in which people want a calm lap dog, for example, but choose a
high-energy dog whose temperament and needs do not align well with
their lifestyle.
The researchers said the findings help clarify that
disagreements in the industry are often less about whether trainers
care about dogs and more about how they interpret evidence, define
humane practice and weigh risk. Because the study focused on
certification-affiliated trainers, it also reflects the perspectives
of professionals already engaged in credentialing and professional
development, which may help explain their shared concern about
less-qualified practitioners in a largely unregulated industry.
“Knowing that trainers agreed on many important issues,
I hope that clearer professional guidance and standards can make the
field less confusing for dog owners," DeLeeuw said.
