GVSU expertise part of study examining sometimes differing professional dog-training methods

Despite public disagreement within the field, the researchers found notable common ground:

• Trainers in both groups identified positive reinforcement as their most frequently used method and emphasized canine emotional well-being.
• They expressed concern regarding public misconceptions about dog behavior, unrealistic owner expectations and the lack of consistent standards in the training industry.
• They also shared concern about unqualified trainers and rejected coercive, dominance-based techniques such as rolling a dog on its back.

Many also said owners often expect training to work like a quick fix, rather than as a gradual process that requires time and consistency.

"Doing this research really highlighted the general misconceptions that are often promoted in media and that people absorb really quickly," Williams said. "The average person is not trained, and they're doing the best they can. But to understand who gets the best results, you need to look at the people doing this as their career."

The findings also matter beyond training sessions. Behavior-related challenges can contribute to dog relinquishment, increasing strain on shelters and rescue organizations. The study cites past research indicating that up to 40% of dog owners report behavioral concerns as a reason for surrender.

"A dog may appear defiant or bark excessively, but the behavior may actually reflect fear, frustration, anxiety or confusion about what is being asked," DeLeeuw said.

Understanding different training approaches

While the researchers found the trainers generally favor reward-based methods over aversive approaches, the study found important differences.

Reward-based trainers were more likely to frame their decisions through behavioral science and to view the intentional use of fear or pain as generally incompatible with humane practice. Mixed-methods trainers were more likely to support aversive methods in cases involving aggression or safety concerns, and some also described them as useful for speeding communication and increasing off-leash reliability and freedom.

The study highlighted a common mismatch between what some owners want and what certain dogs need. Trainers described cases in which people want a calm lap dog, for example, but choose a high-energy dog whose temperament and needs do not align well with their lifestyle.

The researchers said the findings help clarify that disagreements in the industry are often less about whether trainers care about dogs and more about how they interpret evidence, define humane practice and weigh risk. Because the study focused on certification-affiliated trainers, it also reflects the perspectives of professionals already engaged in credentialing and professional development, which may help explain their shared concern about less-qualified practitioners in a largely unregulated industry.

"Knowing that trainers agreed on many important issues, I hope that clearer professional guidance and standards can make the field less confusing for dog owners," DeLeeuw said.[Enter Content Here]