Official position2021Open access
The veterinary behavior community has a clear position
AVSAB concludes there is no evidence that aversive training is necessary, and that reward-based methods carry a clear advantage for welfare, effectiveness, and the human–dog relationship.
“Reward-based learning offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner's welfare.”
Source details
Source
AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training (2021)
AVSAB
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Evidence level
Official position
Credibility
Last reviewed
May 30, 2026
Why we included it
The clearest single organizational statement in the field. Useful any time the question is "what do veterinary behaviorists actually recommend?"
WelfareGeneralE-collarsDominance myth