Why Force-Free?
We advocate and use force-free methods for working with puppies. Another term we use is "positive reinforcement," which you may have heard or read about. There is debate about whether this is the best (or only) way to train, so we want to take some time to explain what we mean by "force free" and why we hold that to be the best approach to training and raising puppies.
What is "force-free"?
Force-free training, sometimes also called "positive reinforcement" training, aims to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Think about the times when you learn best. You'll probably find that it's when you're calm, focused, and feel comfortable and safe. That's what we're aiming for in training puppy!
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Okay, so how do we know this works? We know because the experience of uncountable trainers (professional and non-professional alike) proves that it works. The science backs it up.
This kind of training was first developed for working with large animals in zoos. Ever try to train a hippo? Hippos kill more humans than does any other animal in Africa! So what happens when a hippo in a zoo needs dental care? A wise zookeeper calls upon "cooperative care," or care in which the animal cooperates rather than being forced (or sedated). If a hippo can get a dental check using positive reinforcement, you can bet it will work for brushing puppy's teeth!
What is NOT force-free?
You may have seen trainers on videos or social media who advocate using coercion or force or dominance to train a dog. They often sound like reasonable people, and their results can look impressive! The problem is that these methods, which may include using a choke chain, prong collar, or electric collar (e-collar), have problematic outcomes.
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Some trainers use the term "balanced training" to indicate that they use both aversives and force-free methods. It may be up to the trainer's discretion to determine which method will be most effective. But are aversives ever actually necessary? The science doesn't support this.
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Trainers who use correction and aversives often scoff at using "treats." They don't understand or overlook the protocols that force-free trainers use for "fading" the treats or using other forms of reinforcement.
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So what's puppy parent to do? Educate yourself! Folks on social media, no matter how well intentioned, aren't the best source of guidance, unless they are professionally certified trainers or credentialed behaviorists. Follow some of the links on this page to start your own learning! Cookies will follow. :-)