Dog training goes beyond teaching tricks—it’s about building trust, shaping your dog’s emotional well-being, and strengthening your bond. Simply put, how you train matters more than you might realize.
Positive reinforcement and aversive training are two of the most common dog training approaches. Positive reinforcement training methods focus on encouraging good behavior through rewards, while aversive training often uses fear or discomfort to stop unwanted behaviors. Many well-meaning dog owners accidentally use aversive techniques—like yelling, leash jerks, or alpha rolls—without realizing the long-term consequences. With more awareness and access to humane, science-backed techniques, choosing kindness over correction is easier than ever.
Take potty training, for example. Tools like Gotta GoGrass offer a natural, familiar surface that gently supports house training. Used alongside reward-based training methods, a dog grass pee pad can turn a frustrating task into a positive learning experience.
Understanding Dog Training Methods
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective and humane ways to shape your dog’s behavior. It works by rewarding desired actions, which increases the likelihood that those behaviors will be repeated. Common positive reinforcement techniques include:
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Treats
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Verbal praise
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Toys
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Petting or affection
When a dog sits on command and gets a reward, it learns that sitting equals good things. Over time, this creates reliable, consistent behavior.
Positive reinforcement training relies on:
Timing: Rewards must follow behavior immediately.
Clarity: Commands and expectations should stay consistent.
Patience: Dogs learn at their own pace.
It’s a fun, confidence-boosting way to teach skills while deepening the dog-owner relationship.
Meanwhile, aversive training uses negative reinforcement or punishment to stop unwanted behavior. It focuses on what not to do—often through discomfort, fear, or intimidation. Common techniques include:
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Shock collars
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Leash corrections
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Yelling
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Hitting
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Alpha rolls (forcing a dog onto its back)
While some pet owners believe these tactics are necessary for stubborn dogs or serious behavior problems, research and behaviorists overwhelmingly discourage their use.
Many people use aversive methods unknowingly, following outdated advice that emphasizes dominance. Unfortunately, these techniques can damage your dog’s emotional state and lead to fear-based behavior problems.
The Problem with Aversive Training
Some praise shock collars or e-collars for delivering fast results, especially for off-leash training like recall or heel. Because you don't have to be physically close when training, it can seem like a convenient solution.
Pet owners often turn to e-collars after other methods have failed, especially for persistent issues like jumping, barking, or chewing. However, many are unaware of the long-term side effects. Dogs trained with shock collars may display:
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Increased anxiety
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Avoidance behavior
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Aggression or redirected aggression
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Stress-related symptoms like trembling or drooling
One study found that German Shepherds trained with e-collars began associating their owner's presence with potential shocks, even outside training sessions. In short, shock collars may seem to work, but they risk emotional fallout that outweighs the benefits.
Forced Submissions and Alpha Roll Techniques
Forceful submission techniques—like the alpha roll—involve pinning a dog on its back to assert dominance. This method became popular in the late 1970s, mainly due to the book How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend (1978) by the Monks of New Skete, a respected group of dog trainers. However, in the revised 2002 edition, the authors reversed their stance, strongly advising against the alpha roll after many pet owners reported increased aggression and negative behavioral responses.
Why the alpha roll is problematic:
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Can increase fear and aggression
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Often triggers reactivity in already anxious dogs
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Damages the trust between dog and handler
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Increases risk of injury for both dog and owner
These techniques stem from dominance theory, which inaccurately assumes dogs are always trying to take control. Modern science shows that most behavior problems stem from stress, confusion, or unmet needs—not power struggles.
Quick Fixes with Hidden Costs
So why are these methods still popular?
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Media glorifies dominance-based training.
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Some tools offer instant results, leading owners to believe they work.
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Inexperienced trainers may promote aversive techniques as necessary.
While aversive training may seem to stop unwanted behavior, it often does so by instilling fear rather than teaching better alternatives. This approach can lead to serious consequences, including fear-based responses, increased aggression, avoidance, and a breakdown in trust between dog and owner. In the long run, these methods undermine the emotional bond essential for lasting behavioral success.
Positive Reinforcement in Dogs: Is It More Effective?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness, reliability, and emotional safety of positive reinforcement training compared to aversive techniques. In one study comparing three groups of dogs with poor off-leash recall, dogs trained using reward-based methods responded more quickly and reliably to commands like “come” and “sit." The researchers found that dogs in the reward-based group were more likely to obey the first time a command was given. This suggests that positive reinforcement was the most effective approach, outperforming electronic collar training and traditional methods used by the same trainers without the collar. Dogs trained with reward-based training methods show:
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Stronger performance in obedience and complex tasks
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Fewer fear responses
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Greater willingness to engage and learn
Practical Ways to Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement doesn’t just teach commands—it builds a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. When a dog is rewarded for a desired behavior, they’re more likely to repeat it because they associate the action with something positive, like praise, treats, or play. This method encourages your dog to think and make good choices rather than react out of fear or habit. Over time, it fosters a confident, well-adjusted pet who trusts and enjoys learning from their human. Below are some ways to practice positive reinforcement with dogs:
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Reward desired behavior immediately with treats, praise, or toys.
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Use verbal praise generously. For example, saying "Good dog!” goes a long way.
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Withhold attention for undesired behaviors instead of punishing.
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Use consistent cues. For example, always say “leave it” instead of changing phrases.
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Redirect bad behavior: If your pup chews a shoe, offer a toy.
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Keep training sessions short, frequent, and fun.
The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and makes the learning process enjoyable and empowering for your dog. This approach builds confidence and teaches dogs what to do rather than what to avoid. It works effectively across all breeds, ages, and temperaments. When dogs feel safe and supported, they become more eager to engage in training sessions and are more likely to retain what they’ve learned.
Despite common misconceptions, positive reinforcement also effectively reduces unwanted behaviors. Instead of using fear or intimidation, this method rewards appropriate actions, gradually making problem behaviors irrelevant. Over time, dogs learn that good choices lead to rewards, creating a more obedient, well-adjusted pet. The long-term payoff? Fewer behavior issues, more consistent responses, and a calmer, happier home for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
While aversive training may offer quick fixes, the emotional and behavioral costs are high. Fear, anxiety, and broken trust have no place in a healthy training relationship.
Positive reinforcement dog training offers a better path—it's proven, humane, and built on trust. With reward-based techniques, you teach your dog new skills, guiding them toward better habits without fear.
For more tips on positive training and potty solutions that support your dog’s well-being, check out Gotta Go Grass. Our grass pee pads for dogs offer a natural, effective way to help with housebreaking and build a positive bathroom routine.
