 In 2013 I graduated from Kutztown University’s Canine Training & Management program, where I learned about science-backed, force-free, positive reinforcement-based dog training techniques. Over the ensuing 12 years, that philosophy has only been strengthened as my experiences have proven to me that using fear or pain is not necessary to train a dog.
Recent scientific studies have confirmed that positive reinforcement training is more effective than punishment-based training, lowering the risk of fallout that punishment can cause or worsen, such as fear, anxiety, and aggression. The results of these studies have also influenced many of the industry’s leading organizations to adopt official positions that ban the use of training tools that choke, pinch, or shock. The Academy for Dog Trainers (ADT), Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), Victoria Stillwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior (VSA), Fear Free, The Pet Professional Guild (PPG), Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPG Australia), Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT), Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDTI), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) are just a few of the prominent animal welfare and behavior organizations around the world that have taken a stand against prong and shock collars. As many of you know, I have been a certified dog trainer since 2015. At the time, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) was the major certifying body for the industry. Just to be eligible to take the exam required 300 hours of dog training experience in the preceding 3 years, and the exam itself was 250 questions on the subjects of Instruction Skills, Learning Theory, Ethology, Equipment, and Animal Husbandry, requiring 75% correct to pass. I was extremely proud that I earned my Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) designation with a score of 91%! I tell you all this because 3 weeks ago the CCPDT made a surprising and extremely disappointing decision to allow their certified trainers to use shock collars in certain situations, despite reams of evidence that their use is no more effective than positive reinforcement, and dogs trained with force, fear, or pain often display more stress-related behaviors than those trained without. Considering that dog training is rooted in the science of behavior, after much thought I have decided that I can no longer support an organization that ignores the overwhelming research that punishment-based training risks increasing fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression, and have relinquished my certification with them. Being a credentialed dog trainer is still important to me, and I will continue to be accredited with IAABC and certified with Fear Free, two organizations that are firmly focused on putting a dog’s welfare first. As Karen Pryor Clicker Training so eloquently stated after the CCPDT announcement, “We don’t teach positively just because we’re nice – but because we deeply understand the fallout and consequences of punishment in training”. Kim and I at Dentler’s Dog Training are committed to positive reinforcement dog training because it is humane, effective, and ensures your dog receives the most innovative and expert training possible, while our compassion and dedication keeps our focus on the needs of you and your dog. Sincerely, Jeff Dentler Dentler's Dog Training |
AuthorJeff Dentler, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, FFCP, CTDI Archives
May 2025
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