The aim of the Initiative for Force-free Dog Training is to make available to a wide audience a science-based, ethical and empathetic way of living and working with dogs, above all during their training. The Initiative for Force-free Dog Training is a combined effort (see position paper and code of conduct) by qualified professionals, whose methods correspond to current scientific knowledge (696 people to date, 25.08.2023), together with international organisations such as the Swiss Veterinary Society for Behavioural Medicine, The Pet Profesional Guild, The Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, Foundation for the Animal in Law (Stiftung für das Tier im Recht) to name but a few.
Our aims in detail:
Introduction to the initiative for force-free dog training
January 2023
A behavioral vet about aversive dog training
August 2022
A great speech about dog science
October 2021
A good new video about Millan's training methods
6. February 2021
Letter to Netflix regarding new Series about dog training, of course we did not get an answer.
August 2020
New Study: Exposure of controlled challenges increases stress resilience in dog puppies
July 2020
New study: positive reinforcement is more efficient than E-Collars
For more studies see our page : canine science
August 2019
New Study about the relationship between training methods and dog-owner attachment
More Studies on the page Canine Science
January 2019
Have a look at this great summary of canine science literature on dog training methods
By the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Author IJ. Makowska, M.Sc, Ph.D.
April 2018
Have a look at this interesting study
Why don't use more people positive reinforcement to train dogs?