Reward-Based Dog Training

Why Does the NSPCA Use Reward-Based Dog Training?

If you’ve ever attended an NSPCA dog training class, you may have heard us talk about “positive reinforcement” or “force-free” training. But what does that actually mean?

Simply put, reward-based training focuses on teaching dogs what we would like them to do, rather than giving out to them for behaviours we don’t want.
When your dog sits politely, walks nicely on lead, comes when called, or chooses to focus on you instead of a distraction, we reward those choices with something they enjoy. This might be food, toys, praise, play, or access to something they want.

Over time, your dog learns that making good choices leads to good things happening.

Isn’t Using Treats Just Bribing My Dog?

No. There is an important difference between a bribe and a reward.
A bribe is shown before a behaviour happens to persuade someone to do something. A reward is given after a desired behaviour has occurred, making it more likely that the dog will choose that behaviour again in the future.
Think of it like being praised for doing a good job at work. You’re more likely to repeat that behaviour because it had a positive outcome.

As training progresses, rewards become less frequent and don’t always have to be food. Many dogs work happily for toys, praise, games, or simply being allowed to continue doing something they enjoy.

Why Doesn’t Punishment-Based Training Work As Well?

Aversive training methods rely on discomfort, fear, intimidation, or physical corrections to stop unwanted behaviour.
Examples include:
• Lead jerks or leash corrections
• Choke chains and prong collars
• Electronic collars
• Yelling or shouting
• Physical punishment

These methods can sometimes stop a behaviour in the moment, but they don’t always teach the dog what to do instead.

For example, if a dog barks at another dog and receives a correction, they may stop barking temporarily. However, they may still feel worried, frustrated, or fearful. The underlying reason for the behaviour has not been addressed.

In some cases, punishment can actually make behaviour problems worse. A dog that is frightened by other dogs may begin to associate the presence of other dogs with being corrected, making them even more anxious over time.

Punishment can also damage trust. If a dog is worried about making mistakes, they may become less confident, less willing to try new things, and less engaged with their owner during training.

What Does the Research Say?

Research has shown that dogs trained using aversive methods display more signs of stress during training, including lip licking, yawning, panting, crouching, and tense body language.

Studies have also found that dogs trained using more punishment-based methods had higher levels of stress hormones and appeared to be more worried and less confident when faced with new or uncertain situations.

In contrast, dogs trained using reward-based methods showed fewer signs of stress while still successfully learning the behaviours being taught.

Can Reward-Based Training Really Teach Good Behaviour?

Absolutely.

Reward-based training is not about letting dogs do whatever they want. It is about teaching them clearly, consistently, and fairly.

Dogs learn what behaviours are successful because those behaviours are rewarded. This creates reliable, long-lasting results while maintaining the dog’s confidence and wellbeing.

Reward-based methods can be used to teach everything from sit, down, recall, and loose-lead walking to more complex behaviour issues.

Doesn’t My Dog Need To Know Who’s Boss?

Dogs don’t need an owner to dominate them. They need guidance, consistency, and clear communication.

The idea that dogs are constantly trying to be “the boss” has been largely replaced by modern research into how dogs learn and interact with people.

The most successful training focuses on teaching dogs what we want, setting them up for success, and reinforcing good choices.

Why Does the NSPCA Choose Reward-Based Training?

At the NSPCA, animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do.

We choose reward-based training because it is effective, supported by scientific research, and helps dogs learn without fear, pain, or intimidation.

Most importantly, it helps build the relationship we want every owner to have with their dog: one based on trust, understanding, and cooperation.

Training should be something both ends of the lead enjoy.