Choosing the Right Path: My Guide to Modern Dog Training Methods
- jillkudera
- May 5
- 4 min read
There are so many methods of training today, it can make deciding what is right for you and your dog feel a bit overwhelming.
The first step is understanding what all the titles and verbiage really mean. I consider myself a positive reward/force-free trainer, but I also rely heavily on relationships that are centered around communication. So I will start by saying that I am a bit biased 😊 Learning to communicate and connect with your dog, in my opinion, helps everything else fall into place and is where I like to begin.
Why is Communication More Important Than Equipment?
To make things even more overwhelming, there are a gazillion different types of training equipment out there. I won’t spend too much time on this right now, but it’s something to think about… if you are relying on equipment alone, your dog isn’t truly learning. What happens if that equipment isn’t there? Equipment can be a helpful management tool while you are building communication and reliability, but the goal is always for your dog to understand the behavior—not just respond to the tool.
Let’s break it down…
What Does Positive Reinforcement or "Force-Free" Mean?
• Uses: rewards (food, play, praise)
• Avoids: punishment, intimidation, pain
• Gives your dog a bit of choice and autonomy
We are, of course, helping guide them toward the choices we are going for (😊), but at the end of the day, they are still making a choice—and that’s where true learning happens.
What is Balanced Training and How Does it Work?
This one can feel a bit misleading, as “balanced” sounds so nice… in reality, it simply means that both reinforcement and punishment are used.
Uses: both reinforcement + punishment
Tools may include:
Prong collars, e-collars, leash corrections
Philosophy: “use what works” (both sides of the learning spectrum)
Relationship-Based / Coaching Style
Why is a Relationship-Based or Coaching Style Effective?
Even though I rely heavily on this approach, I do think it’s important to point out that dogs (just like people) need structure. Relationship alone isn’t quite enough—we also need to help our pups navigate the human world. Teaching safety cues, building skills, and offering alternative behaviors are all important parts of helping our dogs succeed in our busy, sometimes hectic lifestyles (neighbors, traffic, and all the things that aren’t always “natural” to them!).
Focus on:
Communication
Emotional state
Environment
How is Punishment-Based Training Defined Scientifically?
This is more of a scientific/behavioral term, and the wording can be a bit misleading.
• Focuses primarily on: Adding or removing something to stop a behavior
It’s important to note that “punishment” doesn’t always mean something harsh or negative—it simply means a consequence that decreases a behavior. Dogs are very consequence-driven. For example:
Scenario A: Puppy is nipping at your hands while you are petting them → you quietly stop petting → something is removed
Scenario B: Puppy is nipping at your hands while you are petting them → you keep the interaction going while moving your hands around to avoid the teeth, often adding a verbal correction → something is added
What Should You Know About Aversive-Based Training?
Thankfully, this approach is not very common anymore.
• Uses: Pain, discomfort, intimidation, or fear to change behavior
This is one area where I will be very honest—I personally do not agree with this approach. I would never want a relationship with my dog that is based on fear or intimidation. My goal is always to build trust, understanding, and a willingness to engage, not avoidance.
What Do All Those Certification Letters Actually Mean?
You may have noticed that some trainers have letters after their name—things like CPDT-KA or KPA. It can feel a bit confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown:
• CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
This means the trainer has passed an exam covering learning theory, training skills, and has hands-on experience.
• KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy – Certified Training Partner)
This certification focuses heavily on positive reinforcement and strong training mechanics.
Is Dog Training a Regulated Industry?
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people—dog training is not a regulated industry. That means anyone can call themselves a trainer, with or without formal education.
That doesn’t automatically mean a non-certified trainer isn’t good, but certifications can give you a little extra reassurance that someone has invested time in learning, education, and continuing their knowledge.
How Can You Find a Qualified Trainer for Your Dog?
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few things to look for:
• Transparency in methods (they should be happy to explain what they do and why)
• A focus on your dog’s comfort and emotional well-being
• Clear communication (you should feel supported and understood too!)
• Certifications can be a bonus, but how they teach and communicate matters just as much
Finding the right fit is important for both you and your dog. You should feel comfortable and relaxed around your trainer so you can enjoy the process, ask questions, and truly feel at ease. Your pup should feel this way too and be given the space to decide how they want to interact with this new person. Noticing those subtle cues and meeting your dog where they are helps everything come together naturally, without pressure and at their pace.
~ Jill Kudera
CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Licensed and Insured
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified
Comments