I don’t purposefully use aversives in my training. Datson’s experience with the hornet’s sting was a clear example of the potential long-term effects. Using aversives to train dogs to do things which are simple to train with food, such as obedience behaviours, can mean a dog who may now respond to certain cues but is fearful (a welfare concern for the dog) or aggressive (a welfare concern for the dog and the humans, too). And using aversives to train a dog who is already fearful and aggressive is nonsensical.
Suz Fisher
Suz is the blog editor for Dog International. She is interested in many things including canine nutrition, natural health, how environmental factors including nutrition and lifestyle affect genetic expression (epigenetics), and how dogs are treated by, and interact with people in different regions of the world.
With Dog International, she aspires to play a role in building a vibrant international dog lovers’ community – a space for celebrating the lives and journeys of our beloved companions, a space for learning, and a space for helping dogs in need. 🙂
With Dog International, she aspires to play a role in building a vibrant international dog lovers’ community – a space for celebrating the lives and journeys of our beloved companions, a space for learning, and a space for helping dogs in need. 🙂
Latest posts by Suz Fisher (see all)
- Michigan Dog Fighting Survivors Await Judgment – What Have We Learned from Past Survivors? - August 20, 2017
- The Sled Dog Industry Controversy - July 2, 2017