Peer-reviewed2019
Training changes the relationship, not just the behaviour
Observed attachment-related differences suggesting reward-trained dogs showed a more consistent secure-base pattern.
“A secure attachment tended to be more consistent in reward-based trained dogs.”
Source details
Source
Carrots versus sticks: The relationship between training methods and dog-owner attachment
Vieira de Castro, Barrett, de Sousa & Olsson
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Evidence level
Primary evidence
Credibility
Last reviewed
May 30, 2026
Why we included it
Strong for relationship-and-trust messaging in force-free education.
WelfareGeneral