What is an Aversive?
As loving pet owners, we all want the best for our dogs. But when it comes to training, there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. Some trainers advocate for using tools like prong collars, shock (e-collars), or leash corrections to stop unwanted behaviors. Others warn that these methods are harmful. So, what does science say?
Before we dive in, let’s clarify an important term: aversive. An aversive is anything that a dog finds unpleasant enough to avoid. It can be something a human deliberately applies—like a leash jerk or an electric shock—or something that occurs naturally, like a loud noise or an unpleasant smell. Aversives work by making a dog want to avoid something -- the unpleasant feeling, smell, experience, etc. If you’ve ever touched a hot stove and yanked your hand away, you’ve experienced an aversive! The problem is, when used in training, aversives can have unintended consequences that negatively impact your dog’s behavior, emotions, and even health.
Behavioral Effects: Fear, Aggression, and Shut-Down Dogs
One of the biggest problems with aversive training is that it can create fear and stress in dogs. Studies show that dogs trained with punishment-based techniques (e.g., shock collars, leash corrections, prongs) exhibit more stress-related behaviors like cowering, lip-licking, yawning, and tail tucking (Vieira de Castro et al., 2020).
Aversive training can also increase aggression. A study found that when owners used punishment-based methods—such as leash jerks, hitting, or forced submissions—25% or more of dogs responded aggressively (Herron et al., 2009). Imagine if every time you made a mistake at work, your boss yelled in your face. Over time, you’d either shut down emotionally or lash out in frustration. Dogs experience the same thing.
Another consequence is learned helplessness—where a dog gives up trying entirely. If a dog is repeatedly punished no matter what it does, it may stop engaging altogether, becoming passive and withdrawn (Ziv, 2017). This is often misinterpreted as “good behavior” when in reality, the dog is simply afraid to make a mistake.
Psychological Effects: Stress and Anxiety
Punishment-based training isn’t just about suppressing behavior—it also affects a dog’s mental and emotional well-being. In a controlled study, researchers found that dogs trained with aversives showed significantly higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone) after training than dogs trained with positive reinforcement (Vieira de Castro et al., 2019). Imagine how you’d feel if someone shocked you every time you accidentally dropped your phone. You’d probably become anxious every time you held it!
Studies also show that dogs trained with punishment tend to develop a pessimistic outlook. In one study, dogs trained with aversives hesitated to approach an ambiguous food bowl, suggesting they expected a negative outcome. In contrast, reward-trained dogs were much more optimistic and willing to investigate (Vieira de Castro et al., 2020). This means aversive training doesn’t just impact a dog in the moment—it can make them less confident and more fearful overall.
Physiological Effects: The Hidden Costs of Aversives
Beyond emotions and behavior, aversive training can have serious physical effects. Studies show that shock collars and leash corrections can cause spikes in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones (Blackwell et al., 2008). Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, leading to more illnesses, digestive issues, and even a shorter lifespan.
Additionally, prong collars and e-collars can cause direct physical harm. Prong collars can lead to bruising, nerve damage, and injury to the thyroid gland, while shock collars can cause burns and pressure necrosis (Cooper et al., 2014).
Aversive vs. Positive Reinforcement: What Works Better?
The science is clear: positive reinforcement training is not only more humane but also more effective. Studies consistently show that reward-based methods lead to better obedience, faster learning, and more reliable behavior than punishment-based training (Ziv, 2017; Deldalle & Gaunet, 2014). When dogs are motivated by rewards—whether treats, praise, or play—they learn without fear or stress. They trust their owners more and are more eager to engage in training.
By contrast, punishment-based training creates dogs who comply out of fear. They may listen only when they think they’ll be punished, which means their behavior may not be reliable in different situations. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, creates lasting, enthusiastic learners.
The Ethical and Welfare Perspective
A growing number of professional organizations—including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)—strongly advise against the use of aversive training methods (AVSAB, 2021; AAHA, 2015). In fact, some countries have even banned shock collars due to concerns about animal welfare (RSPCA, 2018). The simple truth is that harming or scaring a dog is unnecessary when better alternatives exist.
Think about it this way: If you can teach your child to say “please” by rewarding good manners rather than yelling at them when they forget, wouldn’t you choose the kind option? The same applies to dogs.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Your dog depends on you to make choices that keep them safe, happy, and healthy. Science has shown that aversive training methods carry serious risks—from increased aggression to chronic stress and physical harm. The good news? You don’t need them. Positive reinforcement-based training is effective, science-backed, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
So, if you’re looking for a way to train your dog that builds trust instead of fear, use positive reinforcement. Not only will your dog learn just as well—they’ll be happier, healthier, and more confident too.
Our #1 Recommendation for All Training Clients: Eliminate Aversives
Want to learn more? Check out the references from this post or in this downloadable PDF.
References
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). (2015). 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 51(4), 205–221.
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). (2021). AVSAB position statement on humane dog training. Retrieved from https://avsab.org
Blackwell, E. J., Twells, C., Seawright, A., & Casey, R. A. (2008). The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 3(5), 207–217.
Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars. PLoS ONE, 9(9), e102722.
Deldalle, S., & Gaunet, F. (2014). Effects of training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(2), 58–65.
Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2009). Survey on confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1–2), 47–54.
Madson, Cathy M. (2022, November 10). Dog training aversives: What are they and why should you avoid them?. Preventive Vet. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/dog-training-aversives#:~:text=In%20dog%20behavior%20terminology%20an,correction%2C%20or%20a%20harsh%20scolding.
Vieira de Castro, A. C., Barrett, J., de Sousa, L., & Olsson, I. A. S. (2019). Carrots versus sticks: The relationship between training methods and dog-owner attachment. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 219, 104831.
Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs – a review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50–60.