72% of Dog Training Companies in British Columbia Use Reward-Based Methods Only, Study Finds
The result is great news for dogs and their guardians who can access modern, scientific dog training—but people still need to ask questions to avoid trainers who use aversives.
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Deciding how to train a dog is an important decision. Scientists and animal welfare organizations are united in the understanding that it’s best to use reward-based methods because aversive methods (such as leash “corrections”, yelling, shock and prong collars) have risks, including the risks of increased fear, anxiety, stress and aggression. But awareness of this by the general public lags behind the scientific community—and some dog trainers still use aversives.
A new study by Dr. Camila Cavalli (UBC) et al, in press in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, finds that the majority (72%) of dog training businesses in British Columbia, Canada, use reward-based methods only.
Dr. Cavalli told me,
“I was quite surprised to see that there were so many websites not listing training methods, but almost all provided information on the training services that were offered (both in terms of what we called mode of training - in person, online, groups, etc. - and type of training - basic, behavioural concerns, sports, etc-). Based on that, it appears that it is not the case that trainers are "careless" when writing their websites and forget to add important information, but more so that the public may not seek this information as much as they seek other details.
“So, I think the most important thing for guardians to know is that training method is a very important aspect when selecting a trainer and they should seek clarification if this information is not readily available, as this is as much (if not more!) important as knowing logistical details such as which classes are offered.”
The availability of reward-based training is an important issue for shelters and humane societies because behaviour issues are commonly cited as a reason for the surrender of dogs, including in BC where this study took place. If people are using out-dated techniques that are less effective and increase the risk of behaviour issues occurring, in turn this increases the risk of dogs ending up at shelters.
So it’s helpful to know if people have access to trainers who use reward-based methods.
The backdrop to this research is that dog training is not regulated. This means that some trainers do not have an appropriate education and use aversive methods despite the risks of harm. Previous research has shown that there are issues with the quality of information available to dog guardians (see e.g. why don’t more people use positive reinforcement to train dogs; and can dog training books be trusted?)
The study, which was funded by the Vancouver Foundation and the BC SPCA, involved analyzing the websites of dog trainers in BC. Dog training companies were identified by internet searches and by checking the directories of dog training schools and credentialling organizations. The researchers found 281 websites offering a range of services including basic training (such as manners and puppy classes, 88%), help with behaviour issues (68%) and separation-related issues (specifically mentioned by 6%), and sports (40%). Just under 5% offered training for service dogs.
The scientists were able to identify the training methods used by 87% of the businesses. Almost a third of the trainers (31%) did not list any qualifications, although around a fifth of these referred to themselves as “certified” or “professional”. Reward-based trainers were more likely to list qualifications/accreditations on their website.
Qualifications and accreditations that were more common amongst reward-based trainers were KPA, CPDT, IAABC, Fear Free, AnimalKind, and First Aid qualifications. The phrase “Master Trainer” was more likely on the websites of aversives trainers (and it wasn’t necessarily clear what it was referring to).
The researchers did not classify credentials by method, as in some cases it is unclear. But they do note that most of the credentials listed were from organizations that either support reward-based training methods or that follow LIMA, which allows the use of aversives in some situations (they give CCPDT as an example of this).
Online training became popular during the pandemic, and a third (34%) of the businesses offered virtual training options, whether as private sessions or classes.
The results also show that more dog training companies seem to be run by women (81%), and that women dog trainers are more likely than men to use reward-based training and to have some kind of credential. Note that because the study only analyzed publicly available information, they went by the trainers’ apparent gender identity, and so their actual gender identity is not necessarily known.
Another important finding is that businesses that offer boarding or board-and-train are more likely to use aversive methods, showing the need to take great care if choosing one of these services.
The proportion of training businesses using reward-based methods in BC is higher than in a study of 100 US trainers’ websites, which found 55% use aversive methods (Johnson & Wynne, 2023). As well, the proportion of trainers listing certifications on their website is higher in BC, with 66% of the US websites not listing any qualifications/certifications.
For dog guardians in BC, the BC SPCA's AnimalKind scheme is an easy way to find dog trainers who are qualified and who only use reward-based methods. The results of this study show that, if not choosing an AnimalKind-certified trainer, it is important to ask questions about the methods used.
This study provides some good news about the state of dog training in BC, even though there is room for improvement. For dog trainers, the findings suggest that you should make sure to advertise your qualifications, accreditations, and methods on your website.
As well, these findings are a baseline against which to measure future changes in dog training, especially since the study seems likely to have captured all trainers working in BC in 2023.
Even though there is no similar study from, say, ten or twenty years ago, we know that there has been a big change in training methods—and these results show how far we’ve come. Hopefully, one day, all dog trainers will use modern methods.
If you’d like to read more about the risks of aversive training methods and what to do instead, see my new book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Karen Fine, DVM, author of the NYT-bestseller The Other Family Doctor, says “Bark! cuts through the confusion and myths to provide clear-cut, well-researched assistance to those with ‘difficult’ dogs.”
References
Cavalli C., Dunnett, C., and Fenwick, F. (2024, in press) Characteristics of dog training companies and their services in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
Johnson, A. C., & Wynne, C. D. (2022). Training Dogs with Science or with Nature? An Exploration of Trainers’ Word Use, Gender, and Certification Across Dog-Training Methods. Anthrozoös, 1-17.
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