Why Do Some Dog Trainers Rely on Force and Intimidation?

When it comes to training dogs, there are many paths to choose from. Some trainers lean on force, intimidation, or what’s often called “balanced training” (a mix of rewards and corrections). Others prefer methods that focus on trust, cooperation, and making learning fun. If you’ve ever wondered why some people choose force-based methods even though science supports positive reinforcement, it’s worth taking a look at the psychology behind it.

1. The Comfort of Control

For many people, having control feels safe. Dogs can be unpredictable, and forceful techniques provide an immediate, visible response: the dog stops, freezes, or complies. That instant result can feel powerful and reassuring to the human, even if it creates stress or confusion for the dog.

2. Tradition and Modeling

A lot of us grew up seeing choke chains, leash pops, or alpha rolls as “normal.” Popular TV personalities and older training books reinforced the idea that dogs need to be shown “who’s boss.” When people grow up with those images, they often repeat what they’ve seen, simply because it feels familiar.

3. Justifying the Discomfort

Most people who use force don’t think of themselves as unkind to dogs. To ease the conflict between loving their dog and using painful or intimidating methods, they often tell themselves:

• “Dogs need discipline.”
  

• “I’m not hurting them, just teaching them.”
  

• “The world is tough; I’m preparing my dog to handle it.”
  

This is a normal human response called cognitive dissonance—it helps people protect their self-image while continuing behaviors that might not align with their values.

4. Fear of Losing Authority

Some trainers believe that if a dog isn’t kept “in line,” it will become dominant or unruly. This fear leads them to focus on obedience above all else, prioritizing control over collaboration. It’s similar to certain parenting styles where strict discipline is mistaken for love or responsibility.

5. The Allure of Quick Fixes

Force-based methods can shut down behavior very quickly. For a stressed-out owner dealing with pulling, barking, or lunging, that kind of instant relief is very appealing. The downside? Suppressing behavior doesn’t solve the underlying problem—and it often creates new ones, like anxiety or aggression.

6. Identity and Power

For some, being a tough, no-nonsense “alpha” is part of their identity. Using force reinforces their sense of authority and competence. It can feel empowering to control an animal through strength or intimidation, even though it may weaken the trust and relationship.

7. Not Knowing There’s Another Way

Finally, many people simply don’t realize there are effective alternatives. They may have only seen positive reinforcement used poorly or inconsistently, and conclude that it “doesn’t work on tough dogs.” In reality, modern positive training works across all breeds and personalities—when applied with skill and consistency.

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.

One particularly effective approach is Learning Through Games of Choice. This 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.

Take the Next Step

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.