The Truth about Dogs Repository

A curated, evidence-led repository on humane, force-free dog training — peer-reviewed studies, official positions, and expert voices, with sources you can check.

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Peer-reviewed2017

Even the cautious review found welfare warning signs

Careful review emphasizing methodological limits while still finding consistent welfare concern signals around aversive methods.

Aversive-based methods are correlated with indicators of compromised welfare in dogs.

Source details

Source

Do aversive-based training methods actually compromise dog welfare? A literature review

Fernandes, Olsson & Vieira de Castro

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Evidence level

Review / synthesis

Credibility

Last reviewed

May 30, 2026

Why we included it

Balanced-science messaging: even cautious reviewers found risk.

WelfareGeneral