Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare.

ABSTRACT: Dog training methods range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based). Although aversive-based training has been strongly criticized for negatively affecting dog welfare, there is no comprehensive research focusing on companion dogs and mainstream techniques, and most studies rely on owner-reported assessment of training methods and dog behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aversive- and reward-based training methods on companion dog welfare within and outside the training context. Ninety-two companion dogs were recruited from three reward-based schools (Group Reward, n = 42), and from four aversive-based schools, two using low proportions of a

SUBMITTER: Vieira de Castro AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7743949 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature