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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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