The Truth About Balanced Training
Dog training is not a regulated field, and because of this, there are several different types of training and different methodologies that trainers may use to induce behavior change. Some of these are more effective and humane than others. Balanced dog training is a style of training that combines the use of positive reinforcement and physical corrections for bad behavior. Advocates for this type of training may make it sound appealing, but don’t believe the hype.
The term “balanced” sounds really appealing!
The name of this type of training sounds really good! Who doesn’t want and strive for balance? The truth is that we all work to achieve balance in different parts of our lives on a daily basis. Proponents of balanced training are relying on this type of comparison since they are using physical punishers AND rewards to create a so called “balance” in the learner. To humans who don’t know better, this sounds really great because it seems like you are taking advantage of the best of both worlds. However, countless scientific studies have consistently shown that punitive based training methods (even when combined with rewards) cause stress in the learner and are not as effective as positive based training.
There is a real risk for fallout.
Modern, science based training such as positive reinforcement/force free training involves setting dogs up for success. We carefully guide dogs into making “good” decisions and reward them for positive behaviors. No pain or fear is used. This creates a more confident dog with a healthier bond to their human because training is fun AND effective. For example, if I am teaching a dog to ignore distractions I will reward the dog for calmly looking at me, etc. I am building a positive relationship between me and the dog, and ensuring those good behaviors will occur again and again.
Balanced dog trainers use rewards too, except they also utilize punitive techniques and equipment such as shock collars to punish dogs for making “wrong choices”. These methodologies CAN create behavior change, but they do this through suppression. Negative behaviors can be suppressed by a painful stimulus or fear, but the possibility of fallout is extremely real. For example, balanced trainers teaching dogs to ignore distractions will reward the dog for looking at them, but they will also shock or physically correct the dog for showing signs of excitement such as barking, whining, lunging, etc. Painful and scary corrections can and do cause phobias and aggression. Dogs do not understand WHY they are being punished, and can associate the pain of punishment with whatever they are experiencing at the time. For example, if a dog is punished for barking at other dogs, he can learn that this dog is CAUSING the pain he is feeling. This will only serve to deepen the dog’s fear and frustration. Over time these negative experiences can cause aggression issues.
Fallout doesn’t happen with every dog or for every scenario, but it is a very real risk. Some dogs start to show signs of anxiety or aggression immediately, and for some it can take years of exposure. For lucky dogs and handlers, it may never happen at all. It is never worth the risk.
They use positive reinforcement in their marketing strategy.
That’s right! There is a lot of positive reinforcement within the marketing messages for balanced training program and equipment. Balanced training can be exceptionally rewarding to the human participant.
Studies show that using positive punishers is reinforcing to the punisher during training. This means that the human feels positively reinforced when they punish a dog. I think that a lot of this is due to the fact that punishing a dog makes humans feel like we are doing something to help curb problem behavior. As a species, we tend to really enjoy being “right” and feeling like we aren’t letting the dog “get away” with negative behaviors.
Manufacturers of aversive training equipment such as shock collars realize that people treat their pets as part of the family now more than ever. No one wants to hurt their beloved dog on purpose, especially for the sake of “learning”. To get around this they often use more positive and dismissive language when explaining how products work or on the packaging itself. The verb “shock” is often not used and a softer, less aggressive word tends to be used in its place such as “static”, “stimulation”, “correction”, etc. We can call it whatever we would like, but it still causes pain and/or fear.
Advocates of this type of training will also frequently downplay what is happening to the dog. “It just breaks their focus.” “The stimulation is just a little tap.” The truth of the matter is that these devices are designed to be positive punishers. By definition positive punishment is the addition of something unpleasant to reduce the incidence of behavior. If static shock, prongs, etc weren’t painful or scary to the dog, they would not elicit a change in behavior.
In conclusion, dog training is a science based field. We will always (hopefully) be learning more about how dogs and other animals think and learn. As dedicated professionals our training methods, tools, and techniques need to change with the studies. Balanced training is just a buzzy marketing word for the same old punishment methods that have been disproven time and time again over the past few decades. The way some trainers talk about their training methods can be really confusing and misleading. When in doubt, follow the science, and the science backs positive-only training.