How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Understanding the Different Methods of Dog Training and How to Make an Informed Choice
When it comes to training dogs, there are many paths to choose from, but most dog trainers fall into one of two camps:
Positive Reinforcement Trainers
Some trainers are positive reinforcement dog trainers, who prefer reward-based methods that make learning fun and focus on building trust and cooperation between a dog and their guardian. This is the way we train at Dog Savvy.
These approaches not only improve behavior but also support your dog’s emotional well-being and confidence, while deepening your connection. However, they do require pet parents to have some knowledge of animal learning theory and take an active role in managing their dog’s environment to help them succeed.
Establishing how to manage a dog’s behavior until they’ve learned new habits is essential for the success of a purely positive approach to dog training. Positive does not mean permissive. Understanding this is important when choosing a positive dog trainer, so you can be sure your training will have lasting results.
Balance Trainers
Some dog trainers use force and intimidation, or what’s often called “balanced training”—a mix of rewards and corrections, but in practice, often more about the corrections. Techniques like “pop corrections,” which briefly choke the dog, or shocks from e-collars are used as the primary training tools. While these trainers claim it doesn’t really hurt the dog, both scientific studies and the visible stress, pain, and confusion these methods cause tell a different story.
Unfortunately, this “old-school” approach that does not take a dog’s emotional well-being into account is still widespread. Many of these trainers continue to lean on the outdated Alpha Dog Myth: the belief that dogs are constantly trying to dominate their guardians. This mindset reduces complex behavior and communication down to a misguided power struggle.
And, in our experience, when their methods fall short, these trainers often place the blame on the dog—or even on the dog’s breed—rather than questioning whether the training approach itself might be the real problem.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
If you’re searching for a dog trainer and curious about the different approaches—particularly why some still rely on force-based methods despite overwhelming scientific support for positive reinforcement—it’s worth exploring the psychology behind these choices, as they can have a drastically different impact on your dog.
The Psychology Behind Force-Based Training
Many people who use force or intimidation in dog training aren’t acting out of malice—they’re influenced by a combination of habit, fear, and misconceptions about dogs. Understanding the psychology behind these choices can help explain why these methods persist despite evidence showing they can be harmful.
The Comfort of Control For some trainers, forceful methods provide a sense of immediate control. Dogs can be unpredictable, and quick compliance offers reassurance. The instant results can feel satisfying, even if they come at the cost of the dog’s stress or confusion.
Tradition and Modeling Many people grew up seeing old-school methods—choke chains, leash pops, or alpha rolls—as “normal.” Television, books, and mentors reinforced the idea that dogs need to be dominated. This familiarity makes it easy to repeat these methods without questioning their effectiveness or consequences.
Fear of Losing Authority Some trainers worry that if a dog isn’t constantly kept “in line,” it will become dominant or unmanageable. This fear prioritizes control over understanding and collaboration, reducing the dog-human relationship to a power struggle.
Quick Fix Appeal Force-based methods can suppress unwanted behaviors immediately. For owners struggling with barking, lunging, or pulling, this instant relief can be very tempting. However, suppressing behavior doesn’t teach the dog what to do instead, often leading to anxiety or new behavioral issues.
Cognitive Dissonance Many force-based trainers genuinely love dogs but justify painful or intimidating techniques with thoughts like, “Dogs need discipline” or “I’m preparing them for the real world.” This mental rationalization allows people to feel like good caretakers while using harmful methods.
By understanding these psychological factors, pet parents can recognize the motivations behind force-based training and make informed decisions that prioritize their dog’s emotional well-being.
A Better Way: Game-Based Positive Training
Understanding why some trainers rely on force highlights just how different positive methods can be. Positive reinforcement trainers focus on helping a dog succeed, using training tools like treats, toys, and “permissions” as rewards.
One of the most effective approaches is Learning Through Games of Choice, a method that turns training into fun, interactive games where your dog actively decides how to behave to earn rewards. Unlike lure-and-reward techniques, where a dog follows a treat without thinking, game-based training teaches dogs to “earn” what they want through good behavior. This approach encourages problem-solving, self-control, and engagement, while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
With game-based training, every session becomes an opportunity for your dog to learn, make choices, and build confidence. Over time, this method not only improves behavior but also fosters emotional resilience, trust, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
It is also an excellent method for helping dogs with behavioral problems because it can provide them with constructive direction for how to behave in different situations (this is what people mean by "giving a dog a job"), which reduces anxiety and stress. It has also been scientifically proven that when dogs guess right, it releases dopamine (it’s the same for humans, too! 😉), promoting a feeling of well-being and boosting a dog's confidence—especially helpful for dogs who are fearful, reactive, or aggressive.
Shifting the Perspective
At the heart of it, force and intimidation appeal to humans because they’re fast, familiar, and give us a sense of control. But dogs learn best in an environment of safety, trust, and clarity. Positive reinforcement doesn’t just change behavior—it builds a relationship based on cooperation and joy.
Take the Next Step
At Dog Savvy, our game-based method makes training fun and interactive while empowering dogs to make good choices on their own. By turning real-life scenarios into simple, structured games, dogs learn self-control, problem-solving, and focus—without fear or force. The result? A dog who isn’t just obedient, but genuinely enjoys the process of learning and grows more confident along the way.
If you’ve been curious about moving away from force and trying more trust-based methods, Dog Savvy can show you how. With the right guidance, you can teach your dog in ways that are effective, fun, and kind—for both of you.
👉 Start your journey today—book your free consultation or explore our programs to learn how your dog can thrive through positive, game-based training.