Peer-reviewed2009
Confrontational training techniques are linked to aggressive responses in pet dogs
Herron, Shofer & Reisner surveyed owners of dogs with behaviour problems and found a substantial proportion of dogs responded aggressively to confrontational training techniques.
“Confrontational methods applied by dog owners before their pets were presented for a behaviour consultation were associated with aggressive responses.”
Source details
Source
The use of aversive-based methods elicits aggressive responses in dogs
Herron, Shofer & Reisner
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Evidence level
Primary evidence
Credibility
Last reviewed
May 30, 2026
Why we included it
A core safety-side reference: a real-world look at what tends to happen when ordinary owners use confrontational techniques.
AggressionWelfare