By Celia Forsyth

For years, I have watched the pet training industry wrestle with an outdated debate—one that should have long been put to rest. The conversation around balance training and the use of aversive techniques continues to resurface, despite overwhelming evidence proving the harm they cause to animals.

The excuses for using coercion, fear, and punishment-based methods are no longer valid, and if anything, they reveal a fundamental lack of skill on the part of trainers who still rely on these outdated approaches.

The Consequences of Aversive Training: When Dogs Bite Back

There’s an undeniable pattern that emerges when aversive training methods are used. Trainers who opt for dominance-based, forceful techniques might claim they are “fixing” behavioural issues, but in reality, they are merely suppressing them—temporarily and dangerously.

Take, for example, the case of a German Shepherd puppy that was subjected to an alpha roll correction by a trainer who believed the pup was challenging him. Instead of addressing the root cause of the dog’s fear or uncertainty, the aversive technique punished the symptoms, pushing the animal into compliance through intimidation. The result? The puppy developed a deep fear of men and human touch, making future handling extremely difficult and increasing the likelihood of defensive aggression.

This is where the real danger lies. A dog that was once unsure might now bite, not because it is disobedient, but because it has been forced into a state of stress where biting becomes its last resort for self-protection. We see dogs progressing backwards, becoming more unpredictable, anxious, and even dangerous.

This isn’t training. This is conditioning an animal to fear for its life.

The Lack of Skill: Why Trainers Who Use Aversives Are Failing

A skilled, ethical trainer does not resort to fear-based techniques. Trainers who feel the need to force compliance through physical or psychological punishment are, quite simply, not skilled enough to shape behaviour using scientifically backed, positive reinforcement.

There is nothing in modern behaviour science that supports the use of prong collars, shock collars, leash corrections, or dominance-based techniques. Trainers who rely on them fail to grasp the core principles of learning theory and behaviour modification. Worse, they mask their lack of knowledge by claiming that force-free methods “don’t work,” when in reality, they don’t know how to apply them effectively.

Any trainer who uses aversive techniques is choosing convenience over competency. But ethical training is not about convenience—it is about long-term welfare and trust-building.

The Science Has Evolved—So Why Haven’t Some Trainers?

Animal behaviour science has progressed exponentially over the years, thanks to deep research into cognitive function, stress responses, and reinforcement strategies. We now know that:

• Dogs learn faster and more reliably when trained using positive reinforcement.
• Stress and fear responses lead to compromised learning, making aversive training counterproductive.
• Animals thrive in an environment of trust, patience, and consistency, rather than one of punishment and unpredictability.

With such concrete evidence, there is no excuse for continuing to use aversive methods in training. The industry is evolving, and those who refuse to evolve with it are failing both their clients and the animals they work with.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The pet training industry has reached a critical turning point. Balance training and outdated aversive techniques are not just ineffective—they are actively harming companion animals.

If we are to truly advance the field, we must hold trainers accountable for their methods. We must challenge outdated practices, educate pet guardians, and reinforce the idea that force-free training is not just the best method—it is the only ethical method.

Sign the Pet Sense College Code of Ethics – Stand Up for Those Who Cannot Stand Up for Themselves

Pet Sense College is taking action. Over the next few weeks, we will be inviting students and past graduates to sign our Code of Ethics, reinforcing their commitment to force-free, fear-free, and pain-free training.

By signing, trainers will receive a free listing on our dedicated webpage, showcasing their ethical approach to training. This initiative is open to all, because we believe that standing up for animal welfare should be a collective effort.

There are no more excuses. Positive, science-based training is the future—and the future is now.

BE BETTER FOR THEM.