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Ethical Training with K9 STARS

Ethical Training with K9 STARS

At K9 STARS we promote ethical training methods and 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 consequence1. There are two variations of this:

  1. A behaviour that is followed by a pleasant consequence is more likely to be repeated.

  2. A behaviour that is followed by an unpleasant consequence is less likely to be repeated.

 

A Pleasant Consequence

We train using the first example, by adding something pleasant when a desired behaviour happens. This is called positive reinforcement2. This training method not only results in the likelihood that your dog will perform that behaviour again, but has been shown to improve your dog’s long term learning capabilities3, learning motivation4, relationship with you and overall happiness and playfulness5.

Examples of rewards6 can include:

  • Desirable food.

  • Enjoyable activity.

  • Favourite toy.

  • Preferred companion.

  • Favourite places to be or things to have.

A reward is not to be confused with a bribe, in which bribes are offered before a behaviour occurs. A reward is payment for a behaviour after it occurs and, with practice and correct timing, reward-based training can condition your dog to enjoy and have a positive emotional response to the behaviour itself7.


An Unpleasant Consequence

We do not use the second example in our training, in which an unpleasant consequence is used to make a behaviour less likely to happen again. With “aversive training” methods, the dog has no information about what behaviour we 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, compromise their welfare8 and jeopardise their physical and mental health9. In addition, training with these methods can also affect the relationship between you and your dog10.

Examples of aversive articles and methods/techniques, which are not used at K9 STARS11 include (but are not limited to):

  • 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.

  • Any other device, training aid or piece of equipment K9 STARS deems inappropriate.

 

Science-Led Training

At K9 STARS we work to the Animal Training and Behaviour Council (ABTC) code of conduct12 and the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) code of conduct11. Our training methods adhere to the LIFE model (Least Inhibitive and Functionally Effective) and promote meaningful choices, identify behavioural functions and maximise training success13. 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.