Find out more about Rally1 to 1 Bespoke TrainingBased in Ulrome, East Yorkshire20% off Training for Rescue DogsPuppy Classes enrolling nowCovering Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea and surrounding areasFind out more about Rally1 to 1 Bespoke TrainingBased in Ulrome, East Yorkshire20% off Training for Rescue DogsPuppy Classes enrolling nowCovering Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea and surrounding areas

Ethical Training with K9 STARS

Ethical Training with K9 STARS

At K9 STARS we use ethical training methods to ensure animal welfare is our first consideration. We only use positive and force free methods, equipment and training aids.

Dogs (and all animals) learn by consequence, if they do something that is followed by something pleasant, they are more likely to repeat that behaviour and if they do something that is followed by something unpleasant, they are less likely to repeat that behaviour.

 

A Pleasant Consequence

We train by adding something pleasant (a reward) when they do something we like. This means that your dog is more likely to repeat that behaviour again. This method also improves your dog’s long term learning memory, motivation, relationship with you, playfulness and overall happiness.

Examples of rewards can include:

  • Desirable food (hot dogs, cheese, chicken)

  • Enjoyable activity (a game of tug)

  • A special toy (one that comes out on very special occasions)

A reward is not to be confused with a bribe. A bribe is offered before a behaviour occurs. A reward is payment for a behaviour after it occurs. With practice and correct timing, reward-based training can even alter the way your dog thinks, so that they actually enjoy the behaviour.


An Unpleasant Consequence

We do not use any unpleasant consequences to make a behaviour less likely to happen again. If your dog is doing something you do not like, then it is best to train an alternative behaviour instead, using reward-based training as described above (for example, if they are jumping up, then train a sit).

With aversive training methods, your dog has no information about what behaviour you are actually asking for, only what not to do. This can lead to frustration, fear or anxiety. These methods have been shown to cause stress to dogs, jeopardise their physical and mental health and compromise their welfare. Training with these methods can also affect your relationship with your dog, in a bad way.

Examples of training methods/techniques that give an unpleasant consequence (and therefore are not permitted at K9 STARS) include:

  • Aversive collars (e.g. prong or spike collars, check/choke chains, half-check/choke chains, e-collars, anti-bark collars, spray collars, hanging collars).

  • Aversive equipment (e.g. tightening harnesses, pressure halters).

  • Slip leads (there are specific circumstances in which we permit the use of slip leads e.g. for additional safety when transporting rescue dogs. However, the lead must be loose at all times and the lead must have a blocker to prevent it from tightening further than a fixed collar would).

  • Cloth or mesh muzzle, or any muzzle that restricts breathing and/or panting (only safe basket muzzles should be used when necessary).

  • Pet Correctors, Dog Stop or similar devices (e.g. pressurised air, citronella).

  • Home-made device emitting a loud noise (e.g. rattle/shaker cans or bottles containing stones).

  • Training discs, or any similar training item designed to startle and interrupt.

  • Electric shock, or high frequency sound or buzzing devices which apply an aversive stimulus such as pain or startle.

  • Spray bottles (e.g. water or citronella).

  • Strong olfactory repellent substances (e.g. smelling salts, bite back, chilli, pepper, lemon).

  • Shouting, growling or making a confrontational noise.

  • Pinching of ears, feet, toes or any other part of a dog’s body.

  • Hitting, prodding, jabbing a dog.

  • The throwing of keys, chains, sticks or any other items.

  • Pinning a dog down in an ‘alpha roll’.

  • Punitive physical contact of any kind causing discomfort, distress and/or pain, as well as intimidation or coercion or any action that causes fear.

 

Science-Led Training

At K9 STARS we work to the Animal Training and Behaviour Council (ABTC) code of conduct and the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) code of conduct. Our training methods adhere to the LIFE model (Least Inhibitive and Functionally Effective) and promote meaningful choices, identify behavioural functions and maximise training success. We only use science-led, compassionate and nonpunitive methods in our training.  K9 STARS was founded by Dr Gina Eagle, a Scientist, who is passionate about translating evidence-based research into dog training to help improve the lives of dogs and their Guardians. To see what we can offer you and your dog click here.

 
References

  1. Thorndike. EL (1898) The Psychological Review: Monograph Supplements, 2(4), i–109. Animal intelligence: An experimental study of the associative processes in animals.
  2. Skinner. BF (1953) Science and Human Behavior, P59.
  3. Mitsunari. A, et al (2011) Current Biology, 21(7) p557–562. Reward improves long-term retention of a motor memory through induction of offline memory gains.
  4. Salamone. JD et al (2012) Neuron, 76:3, p470-485. The Mysterious Motivational Functions of Mesolimbic Dopamine.
  5. Rooney. NJ and Cowan. S (2011) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132:3-4, p169-177. Training methods and owner-dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability
  6. Horwitz. DF and Mills. DS (2018) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine 2nd Edition, p52
  7. Case. LP (2018) Dog Smart, p141
  8. Castro. ACV et al (2020) PLoS ONE, 15(12): e0225023. Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare.
  9. Ziv. G (2017) Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, v19, p50-60. The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs - A review.
  10. Todd. Z (2018) Journal of Veterinary Behavior, v25, p28-34. Barriers to the adoption of humane dog training methods.
  11. Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) Code of Conduct (2025) - www.pact-dogs.com/conduct.
  12. ABTC Code of Professional Conduct for Practitioners of Animal Training And Behaviour Therapy (2025) - www.abtc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ABTC-Code-of-Conduct-January-2025-2.pdf.
  13. Fernadez. EJ (2024) Journal of Veterinary Behavior, v71, p63-68. The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices.