Does Force-Free Training Always Work for Dogs?

Have you ever wondered whether force-free training will work for your dog? Read on to discover why the answer isn’t always straightforward and how to approach training with the right mindset.

What is force-free training?

Force-free training involves using no physical or psychological force when working with dogs. This means no lead corrections, prong collars, shouting or intimidation. Force-free trainers may also be called positive reinforcement or fear-free trainers, and while their techniques can vary, the goal is always to change behaviour in a way that minimises harm to the dog. Force-free training is more of a philosophy than a single method.

At its core, force-free training focuses on rewarding desired behaviours with treats, praise, or toys, depending on the dog’s preferences and the training goals, and preventing undesired behaviours through environmental management.

Force-free trainers may use food, toys or praise as a reward - it depends on the dog (and the training goals)!

Does it always work?

Here’s the truth: no training method can ever guarantee 100% success. And that’s okay! Dogs are unique individuals with their own personalities, emotions and histories, which all play a role in how well training will work. Rescue dogs, for example, may carry emotional baggage from past trauma, affecting their progress.

1. Defining 'success' in training

Training 'success' varies by dog and context. If you train a dog to settle on a mat in a busy café, the behaviour may look successful, but the dog may still be stressed. In such cases, it's essential to ask whether the goal aligns with the dog’s well-being. Just because a behaviour is achieved doesn’t mean the dog feels comfortable. Sometimes, the goal is for the dog to feel relaxed, not just to perform.

2. The role of consistency in training

A successful training programme requires consistent, correct implementation by the owner. This in turn is reliant on the trainer offering clear explanations as to the how and why behind the methods as well as ongoing support, adjusting the approach if results aren’t as expected. If the first method doesn’t work, it’s a sign to try another solution from the trainer's toolbox, not to abandon force-free training altogether.

Some dogs might enjoy spending time in your local café and getting a fuss from strangers - others might not.

Can non-force-free training achieve the same results?

In some cases, non-force-free methods can produce similar behaviour outcomes. However, this doesn’t account for the emotional well-being of the dog. Non-force-free training often involves using punishment (such as prong collars or lead corrections) to stop undesirable behaviour. While this may make the dog stop the behaviour, it doesn’t address the emotions behind it – whether that’s fear, anxiety or frustration.

I believe that a dog should behave a certain way because they feel safe and content, not because they’re afraid of punishment. Dogs trained through fear often develop more problems, as punishment aggravates the underlying emotional issues. For example, a fearful dog may react more aggressively to a trigger if they’re punished for their fearful behaviour, further reinforcing their anxiety.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that proves dogs have complex emotional lives, just like humans.

Why choose force-free training?

Force-free training offers a kinder, more ethical approach that prioritises your dog’s emotional welfare. Dogs, like humans, experience complex emotions, and force-free methods address these emotions to change behaviour effectively and sustainably.

If you’re ready to start training your dog with kindness and respect, get in touch with me today. Whether you need help with training issues like pulling on the lead, not coming when called or jumping up at people, or you need support for more serious behavioural problems like reactivity and aggression towards people, there’s always a positive solution that works.