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

A careful review found aversive methods can harm dog welfare — with no evidence they're more effective

Ziv's narrative review of the scientific literature concludes that aversive methods can jeopardise physical and mental health, and finds no convincing evidence they are more effective than positive reinforcement.

Aversive training methods can jeopardize the physical and mental health of dogs.

Source details

Source

The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs — a review

G. Ziv

Journal of Veterinary Behavior

Evidence level

Review / synthesis

Credibility

Last reviewed

May 30, 2026

Why we included it

The cornerstone review. Pair it with the Vieira de Castro et al. (2020) field study for the strongest welfare argument.

WelfareAggressionGeneral