Most dog owners want to train their pets effectively while keeping them happy and healthy. But does the training method you choose actually impact your dog’s wellbeing? A comprehensive study comparing different training approaches provides clear scientific evidence that the way you train your dog can significantly affect their stress levels, emotional state, and overall welfare.
The research reveals that dogs trained with punishment-based methods experience measurably higher stress and develop more pessimistic outlooks compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement techniques.
Research Background
While dog training methods have been debated for decades, scientific evidence comparing their welfare impacts has been limited. Training approaches generally fall into two categories: reward-based methods using treats, praise, and play, and aversive methods using corrections, shock collars, choke chains, and verbal punishment.
This study was needed because previous research focused mainly on training effectiveness rather than animal welfare. The researchers wanted to understand whether different training methods actually cause measurable differences in dog stress levels and emotional wellbeing, not just training outcomes.
Study Details
Researchers conducted an observational study comparing dogs from different training schools in Portugal:
Study Design: Observational comparison across training facilities Participants: 92 dogs from three groups:
- 42 dogs from reward-based training schools
- 22 dogs from mixed-method schools
- 28 dogs from aversive-based training schools
Methods: The researchers measured multiple welfare indicators:
- Behavioral stress signs during training sessions (lip licking, yawning, panting, tense body posture)
- Saliva cortisol levels before and after training
- Cognitive bias test to assess optimism vs. pessimism
- Video analysis of training sessions to quantify methods used
All dogs were healthy adult pets attending group training classes, ensuring comparable conditions across different training approaches.
Key Findings
The results revealed striking differences in dog welfare between training methods:
Primary Results
Dogs trained with predominantly aversive methods showed significantly more stress behaviors during training sessions. They displayed higher rates of lip licking, yawning, lowered body postures, and tense positioning compared to reward-trained dogs. Most concerning, these dogs had measurably higher cortisol levels after training sessions, indicating physiological stress responses.
Secondary Findings
The study uncovered deeper impacts on dog psychology through a cognitive bias test. Dogs trained with aversive methods showed “pessimistic” responses when presented with ambiguous situations, suggesting they expected negative outcomes more often than reward-trained dogs. This pessimistic bias indicates that harsh training methods may affect how dogs perceive their environment long-term.
Additionally, dogs from mixed-method schools fell between the two extremes, with welfare measures improving as the proportion of positive reinforcement increased and aversive techniques decreased.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
This research provides scientific validation for choosing positive reinforcement training methods. The physiological and behavioral evidence shows that punishment-based training doesn’t just fail to improve learning—it actively harms your dog’s wellbeing and mental state.
The stress behaviors and elevated cortisol levels indicate that aversive training methods cause genuine distress, not just temporary discomfort. More importantly, the pessimistic bias suggests these methods may create lasting changes in how dogs perceive and respond to their world.
Practical Training Recommendations:
- Focus on rewarding desired behaviors with high-value training treats, praise, and play
- Avoid punishment-based tools like shock collars, choke chains, or verbal corrections
- Choose training classes that emphasize positive reinforcement methods
- Use clicker training tools to mark desired behaviors clearly
- Be patient—effective training takes time but creates happier, less stressed dogs
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent stress behaviors in your dog, such as excessive panting, lip licking, or withdrawn behavior, especially after training sessions. These could indicate that current training methods are causing distress.
Professional guidance becomes essential if you’re dealing with serious behavioral issues that require intervention. Your veterinarian can recommend certified positive reinforcement trainers or veterinary behaviorists who can address problems without compromising your dog’s welfare.
For dogs showing stress-related behaviors, consider natural calming supplements as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing anxiety during training.
Study Limitations
This observational study compared dogs from different training schools rather than randomly assigning training methods, which means other factors could influence results. The sample size of 92 dogs, while substantial, represents a specific geographic region and may not reflect all training contexts.
The researchers also noted that some “aversive” schools incorporated occasional rewards, and some “reward-based” schools used mild corrections, making the categories somewhat overlapping. Additionally, the study measured short-term responses during training but didn’t assess long-term behavioral outcomes.
Bottom Line
This study provides compelling scientific evidence that training methods significantly impact dog welfare. Dogs trained with punishment-based techniques show measurable signs of stress, elevated cortisol levels, and pessimistic outlooks compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement.
For dog owners, the message is clear: positive reinforcement training isn’t just more humane—it’s scientifically proven to be better for your dog’s mental and physical wellbeing. Choose training methods that build your dog’s confidence rather than creating fear or stress.
The investment in gentle, reward-based training pays dividends in creating a happier, less anxious companion who views the world—and their relationship with you—more positively.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you implement positive reinforcement training methods effectively. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Organic Training Treats for Dogs
Starmark Pro-Training Clicker for Dogs
Interactive Enrichment Toy for Dogs
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.
