The Biggest Lies in the Dog Training Industry
The dog training industry, like many others, has its fair share of misinformation, outdated methods, and marketing-driven falsehoods. Here are some of the biggest lies or misconceptions commonly perpetuated:
Lie #1: “There are quick fixes for behavior problems.”
One of the most prevalent myths is the idea that behavior problems can be fixed quickly, often in just one or two sessions. While some improvements may be visible after a session or two, lasting behavior change requires patience, consistency, and time. Dogs don’t learn new behaviors overnight, and deep-rooted issues such as anxiety, aggression, or fear-based behaviors take time to address. It’s important to understand that training is a process, not a magic trick. Effective training involves setting realistic expectations and working with your dog’s unique temperament and needs over time.
Lie #2: “You must dominate your dog to gain control.”
The outdated “alpha” mentality, which promotes dominance and submission-based training, has been thoroughly debunked by modern animal behavior science. This myth suggests that dogs need to see their owners as the "pack leader" through force or intimidation. In reality, dogs thrive in environments where communication, trust, and positive interactions are prioritized. The idea that you need to “dominate” your dog is not only ineffective but can damage the bond between you and your dog, leading to fear, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
Lie #3: “Positive reinforcement is the best method for all dogs.”
While positive reinforcement is widely considered one of the most effective methods of dog training, it’s important to acknowledge that not all dogs respond to food, toys, or touch as rewards. Some dogs may not be food-driven or may have aversions to touch, while others may not have high motivation for toys. Additionally, dogs may struggle to focus on rewards when they’re in environments with high distractions—real-world situations differ greatly from controlled environments like labs or training centers.
A balanced approach to training takes into account the individual needs of each dog. Instead of assuming that food or toys are the only motivators, trainers should be flexible and use other forms of reinforcement, such as praise, play, or freedom (like allowing a dog to go outside or engage in a favorite activity). Training should be tailored to each dog’s unique preferences to ensure the most effective learning outcomes.
Moreover, positive reinforcement alone doesn’t always address undesirable behaviors. For behaviors like jumping, barking, or counter-surfing, it’s important to combine positive reinforcement with other methods such as management (e.g., setting up the environment to prevent the behavior), redirection (teaching an alternative behavior), or occasionally using negative punishment (removing something the dog finds rewarding, like attention) to curb undesirable actions.
Lie #4: “Training tools like e-collars and prong collars harm dogs.”
A common misconception in the dog training world is that tools like e-collars (stimulating collars) and prong collars inherently cause harm to dogs. This narrative often stems from a misunderstanding of how these tools work or from misuse by untrained handlers. In reality, when used correctly and responsibly, these tools can be incredibly effective and life-changing for many dogs, especially when traditional training methods alone aren't sufficient.
For example, e-collars provide a mild, adjustable stimulation that can be used to reinforce commands, particularly in noisy or distracting environments, or to ensure safety in off-leash situations. When introduced and conditioned by a knowledgeable trainer, these tools can help dogs understand boundaries and expectations without causing pain or distress. Conditioning the dog to associate the stimulation with positive behaviors—rather than fear or discomfort—ensures the dog learns to respond appropriately, and the tool becomes a neutral signal, rather than an aversive one.
Similarly, prong collars (also known as pinch collars) are often misrepresented as tools that cause pain, but when fitted and used correctly, they provide gentle pressure, similar to how a mother dog might “correct” her puppies. For dogs with strong pulling habits, a prong collar can be a highly effective tool when used alongside positive reinforcement and as part of a comprehensive training plan. In fact, for some dogs, prong collars can reduce the risk of tracheal collapse. This is especially true for small-breed dogs or dogs with respiratory concerns, where traditional flat collars or harnesses can place excessive pressure on the trachea, potentially leading to injury or collapse. A prong collar distributes pressure more evenly across the neck, reducing strain on the delicate tracheal area.
Additionally, for people with limited mobility, training tools like prong collars and e-collars can provide an essential means of managing their dog's behavior more effectively. These tools can help people who may struggle with physical strength or mobility issues to maintain control over their dog, preventing pulling, jumping, or other challenging behaviors. This allows individuals with limited mobility to enjoy more freedom and confidence when walking or interacting with their dog. By using these tools, dog owners can provide their dogs with a better quality of life, ensuring they get the exercise, training, and structure they need, while also making it easier for their owners to manage them effectively.
The key point is knowledgeable, skilled handling. A poorly applied tool—whether it's an e-collar, prong collar, or any other device—can cause distress. But when used properly and responsibly by an experienced trainer, these tools can be a game-changer for many dogs, helping them overcome behavioral challenges, providing more freedom, and improving their quality of life.
Lie #5: “Any dog trainer is a good dog trainer.”
The dog training industry is largely unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, regardless of experience or knowledge. While certifications from reputable organizations can be helpful indicators of a trainer's education and approach, they do not automatically make someone a good trainer. A certification alone does not guarantee that a trainer has practical experience, can adapt to individual dogs, or will use effective methods.
In fact, there are many highly skilled and knowledgeable trainers who may not hold formal certifications but have years of hands-on experience, a deep understanding of dog behavior, and a proven track record of success. On the other hand, a trainer with a certification might not necessarily be able to handle all types of dogs or address complex behavioral issues effectively. What truly matters is a trainer’s ability to connect with dogs, understand their needs, and adapt training methods to suit each individual animal.
When selecting a trainer, it’s important to look beyond certifications and consider factors like their training philosophy, experience with specific issues, and ability to communicate effectively with both dogs and owners. Positive outcomes in training often come from a combination of the trainer's skill, the tools and methods they use, and their approach to building a relationship of trust and understanding with the dog.
Lie #6: “Breed determines everything about your dog’s behavior.”
A common misconception is that a dog’s breed dictates everything about their behavior. While breed can influence certain traits, like herding in Border Collies or retrieving in Labs, not all dogs are bred to breed standards. All dogs come from some form of breeding—whether responsible or not—and genetics plays a significant role in a dog’s temperament.
Breed standards, set by organizations like the AKC, often outline desired temperaments. For example:
Golden Retrievers are expected to be friendly, tolerant, and reliable family dogs.
German Shepherds should be confident, courageous, and steady, with a strong desire to work and protect.
Chihuahuas, despite their small size, are expected to be alert, confident, and sometimes a little bold.
However, bad breeding practices can cause dogs to deviate from these expected behaviors. When breeding is done irresponsibly, with a focus solely on appearance or physical traits rather than temperament and health, the result can be dogs that don’t meet breed standards. For example:
Golden Retrievers, typically known for their friendly and easygoing temperament, can inherit genetic anxiety or aggression from poor breeding lines. This may lead to more nervous or reactive behavior, which is not aligned with the breed's ideal.
German Shepherds, bred for confidence and steadiness, may display excessive fear or aggressive tendencies if they inherit genetic weaknesses related to temperament from irresponsible breeding.
Chihuahuas should be confident and bold, but bad breeding practices may result in dogs with heightened nervousness or fear aggression, leading to behavior that’s far from what the breed standard suggests.
While socialization and training are important, they cannot entirely overcome the consequences of bad breeding. Dogs bred without regard for temperament, genetics, and health are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues, like aggression, fear, or anxiety. Even though these dogs may physically conform to breed standards, their temperament may be significantly altered.
All dogs—whether purebred or mixed—are products of some kind of breeding, and not all breeders prioritize the same aspects of health and temperament. Poor breeding can lead to genetic tendencies that shape behavior in unpredictable ways, and these traits may manifest regardless of the dog’s breed.
Ultimately, a dog’s genetics influence their temperament far more than their breed alone. While breed standards give an ideal, they don't account for the reality that genetic predispositions from both parents—whether through irresponsible breeding or accidental mixes—can lead to individual dogs that deviate from expected behavior. Even a dog from a well-bred line may not meet all the standards, especially when genetics play a larger role in temperament.
In short, bad breeding practices are a major contributor to how a dog behaves, and genetics—including those passed down through irresponsible or poor breeding—can significantly impact their temperament, no matter their breed.
Lie #7: “Medications will fix your dog’s behavioral issues.”
While medications can play an important role in managing certain behavioral or medical conditions in dogs, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and certainly won't “fix” a dog's behavior on their own. Relying solely on medication can often mask underlying issues, such as fear, anxiety, or aggression, without addressing the root cause of the problem.
Medications like anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants can help alleviate symptoms temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying temperament or resolve root behavioral causes. Worse yet, medications can sometimes make behaviors more unpredictable or even exacerbate the issue. For example, certain drugs may reduce anxiety in the short term, but in some dogs, they can also cause increased aggression, confusion, or hyperactivity, especially if they are not paired with proper training and behavior modification.
In some cases, medications can be an essential tool when combined with behavior modification techniques, but they should never be seen as a “fix” on their own. Without training, socialization, and environmental management, medications can lead to temporary relief that gives the impression of improvement, but ultimately, the core issue remains unresolved. They may even cause the dog's behavior to become more unpredictable, which can make managing the dog’s behavior more challenging.
A dog’s behavioral issues require a balanced approach, including mental stimulation, training, and positive reinforcement, in order to truly address and improve their behavior in a meaningful way. Training and consistent management are essential for long-term success, while medication can only play a supportive role in the overall treatment plan.
A Balanced Approach: Understanding Each Dog’s Needs
The most effective training philosophy is one that recognizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog is unique, and training should be tailored to their individual temperament, preferences, and needs. A balanced approach combines positive reinforcement with other humane methods, such as redirection, environmental management, and clear communication, to address both desirable and undesirable behaviors.
Moreover, it’s important to recognize that real-world distractions—like other people, animals, or unfamiliar environments—pose a much higher challenge for dogs than the controlled settings of a training center. This is why some dogs may not respond well to food or toys in real-life situations. Understanding the limits of what a dog can handle in these scenarios, and adjusting your expectations and rewards accordingly, can make all the difference in effective training.
Training isn’t about quick fixes or forceful dominance. It’s about building trust, creating clear communication, and fostering a positive relationship with your dog that allows them to thrive. When owners focus on individualized, compassionate training that considers the dog’s needs and context, they’re far more likely to see lasting and positive results.