I’m shocked that this video is controversial. What I Think About So-Called “Balanced Dog Training”

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☝️👀👂 If you prefer to LISTEN instead of read... I narrated both of my audiobooks for you guys myself!!! If you listen to the audio versions be sure to let me know what you think! 🎙😜 You can find audio (and Kindle) versions at the links above as well.

Thank you so much for watching this video! If you have any feedback, requests for future content, or just want to tell us about your dog… We’ll see you in the comments!! 🤗 - Zak and Bree (and Inertia 🐾)

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:24 PupBox
01:33 Balanced Dog Training
04:33 Beware Intuition
05:28 Crate Training
10:13 Diggs
10:27 Go to your Mark
14:38 Play Break
14:59 Heading Outdoors
15:32 Stay when Opening the Crate
16:02 Training in Public
22:18 Outro

[argophontes]

It seems to me that one of the fundamental mis-steps in communication between different types of dog training is the conflation of the 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 of a particular technique with the 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘴 of that technique, and that conflation carries with it a personal emotional investment that can make critiques feel like either personal or systemic attacks. All four of the operant conditioning quadrants are effective, and this is simply an objective fact. That fact, however, doesn't address whether or not there is an ethical problem with some of them. "Balanced" training utilizes all four quadrants, while "positive" training only uses two (yes, the focus is on positive reinforcement, refusing access to a rewarding stimulus until the correct behavior is presented is negative punishment). Even if the two methodologies had identical rates of effective performance (they don't, methods that emphasize positive reinforcement as the primary tool showed both higher levels of learning speed and retention), the question still remains: If you can train a dog just as effectively 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 using aversives, is it morally a problem to do so? My personal answer to that is 'Yes', I don't think that it's ok to cause stress or discomfort to a dog without a compelling reason to do so. The dog training world has far, far too much ego attached directly to training method (as evidenced by the comment section of any dog training video that dares to critique a different method), and we should be spending more time looking at the data instead of doing things "because I've always done it this way, and it works fine."

Some of the science I mentioned:
Arhant C, Bubna-Littitz H, Bartels A, Futschik A, Troxler J. Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2010;123(3-4):131-142.

Hiby EF, Rooney NJ, Bradshaw JWS. Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. Anim Welf. 2004;13(1):63-69.

Rooney NJ, Cowan S. Training methods and owner-dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2011;132(3-4):169-177.

[MelindaHarris]

Zak, you were my inspiration for training our Goldendoodle (Standard size 65 lbs so far) and I have to say he is at 10 months very well trained thanks to your videos. He was completely potty trained by 13 weeks with a total of 3 accidents since. He sits, he stays, he leaves it, he shakes, he hugs, he fetches, he sits for meals and does not go near his food until I say okay….now barking at people out our windows and in the backyard….lets just say we are working on it! :)

[Michael-Humphrey]

Only thing that helped my 120lb Cane Corso who became lease reactive toward dogs and people at the age of 4 only used positive only training on all my dogs but I ended up getting a herm sprenger prong and 180 saved my dog and only had to use it for a week and boom back to his old self ! Positive methods for 99% of training but when it comes to real aggression good luck

[kmclare]

As a vet I have to say I absolutely love the way you train and try to help pet owners understand why positive reinforcement is preferred. It’s not just about getting the behaviour you want, it’s about helping the dog really understand it and building a bond. I’ve referred several clients with their first puppies to watch your videos!

[Bigglesman]

6:45 that's not balanced training though. it's not disputed that positive reinforcement is best for teaching dogs behaviors. Balanced training is for correcting the wrong choice a dog makes with a behavior they already know. You can teach a dog with treats to come but as soon as something more interesting catches their attention they won't care about the treat. there needs to be a consequence or you won't have reliability.

10:50 that's not how e collar training works at all. Before you ever put an e collar on a dog You first have to teach the dog the behavior and queue of going to a 'place'. Balanced training is still positive reinforcement. Once the dog fully understands the command you introduce the stimulation at the level of barely registering the feeling. The dog already knows the command, and knows how to shut off the stimulation immediately. I don't know a single trainer who just shocks a dog until they happen to touch the place, that's not realistic at all. Everything you've demonstrated in this video are the same methods used by balanced trainers. The difference is a balanced trainer then works on getting reliability.

20:17 I don't know of any balanced trainers who would correct a fearful puppy. It sort of just seems like you have a huge misconception on what balanced training actually is. Bottom line is all behaviors are taught with positive reinforcement. All behaviors must be practiced in several different environments until the dog fully understands what it is you want and you have good communication. The balanced side of things comes about when the dog actively CHOOSES not to do what you ask because they don't feel like it, Not because they are confused or scared. A tiny bit of aversion means complete freedom for balance trained dogs.

[jorats]

I found you 12 years ago. My aussie mix was just 10 weeks old. I changed my training method using exactly what you encouraged. My girl is now 12 years old. I can't even count how many times I have/had people compliment me and Gypsy on her behaviour and almost human like character. We have such a beautiful relationship. You made me see Gypsy as a companion. Gypsy is the best dog I have ever had and I know it's because of you. Thank you!

[tonyveguilla]

As a trainer myself I try to understand the techniques of multiple trainers. You are such a nice guy and always take the high road, which I respect. I said yesterday on Beckman's channel that if more people employed positive reinforcement training as a puppy less people would have to take their 3 year old out of control dogs to people like Joel (who I like and respect as well)

[timhartsock]

Zak George if your methods were as superior as you present them to be, you wouldn't feel the need to belittle other methods. It's easy to compare your methods to others and make it sound great when no one is there to disagree. Let's see you have a discussion with other successful trainers that may be critical of your methods. You are disrespectful to a large group of people that have earned respect through their success in the dog training world. You are condescending in your tone and the way your present your view of those that train different from you. I've been training dogs for over 25 years now. I'm still learning. You learn by having people challenge your ideas, not by presuming you already know everything. You will not grow as a trainer by only listening and talking to those who agree with you. Either open up to having discussions outside of your own videos with people that will challenge your thinking or stop talking about the people you won't face.

[desertbluecatnm]

Zak, I love how you actively work to avoid arguments about dog training methods, refusing to be drawn in to those types of conversations just to create controversy. Instead, you explain why your methods work for you and for the dogs. It's a pleasure to listen to you!

[tayriobravo]

I have to admit, that watching you train and deal with a biting puppy helped me. I have had a few dogs over the years and training has changed so much. I have a 10 week old Mountain Labradoodle and we are in the height of biting and teething. I was going about it all wrong and was on the road to ruining my relationship with this pup. Within a day of doing more positive instead of corrective, he’s happier, I’m happier and we are getting to know each other. He’s calmer, I’m calmer and it’s made for an easier transition.

[manolopapas]

This kind of explanation is really very helpful. I have both your books, but that's the way to teach us how to form the training sessions on every occasion and not just rely on what we have seen. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work.

[smurfk]

All "positive" trainers suffer from the same thing. They will never train big dogs that are aggressive and/or reactive. I never seen true aggression on your channel, I've only seen "aggressive dog" that barks around. That's not aggression. And the "positive" solutions are the same. "Well, if your dog is reactive to humans, just avoid humans". That's dumb, as that's not always possible. The truth is, those methods you find aversive, work for these type of situations. Dogs that would be put down otherwise, are made to balanced by a prong collar, if used right. I think that you, and other trainers, need to accept that you don't have a solution for behaviors mentioned. Stuffing the dog with treats does not work, as so many people with reactive dogs are doing it for years, without improvement.

[brianbeswick]

Lol Zak is trying to politely call out his peers and just unintentionally smacked down the crazy flat earth community. Might want to proactively turn off your email for the next few months.

[MsMinivanmom]

New puppy owner here so I’ve watched tons of videos and read tons of articles. I keep coming back to your way. I don’t want to hurt my dog to fix a behavior.

I do need professional help to progress but I know what I’m looking for and it’s definitely positive reinforcement. Thank you Zac

[beckyatchison]

This progression is amazing! Excellent work. Thank you so much for creating a wonderful guide to bond with our best friends! I also appreciate the explanation of balanced training and the fact that everyone is different with their training methods.

[fannitrainedstars]

You have come so far with little Biscuits!!!! Incredible job with her and I loveee your mindset too, your videos are really informative and useful, I have been watching you for years. 🥰🥰🥰💗💗💗💗

[vagandita]

Love this! Every time I've been frustrated or worried and tempted to go the correction route, I force myself to think of how I have set up the dog to fail. For example, my Great Pyrenees knows a recall cue, but he stopped responding from a distance. I thought about one of those vibration collars to nudge him, but then decided to go back several steps in training and reinforce more heavily from a shorter distance with less distractions. Now he's back to recalling from across a football field. Three rescue dogs in, all with their own reactivities, and I have yet to need anything but positive reinforcement. I go at their pace not mine, just like I do for my anxious human clients. It's on us to be creative and compassionate. No mammal learns better when they're worried that something bad will happen. It's like smacking your kid when they get a math problem wrong. They'll learn not to say the wrong thing, but they won't learn how to solve the problem.

[vanessamcgrew]

17:14 Zac George, I think u r forgetting that balanced trainers also practice positive reinforcement. It’s just one of the tools they have. In the instance of helping the dog become less fearful, yes, positive reinforcement would be the tool here. That’s PART of balanced training. You are taking the positive reinforcement successes from balanced training, and crediting it to your style of training. And then your example of what a “balanced trainer” would do is not entirely true. When a balanced trainer wants a dog to sit and pay attention at one spot, that is typically when they don’t want the dog to run after a car or squirrel—they don’t want them to actively engage in something else when the trainer should have their attention. But if they leave because they are FEARFUL of something, that’s a whole different situation which calls for a different method. In that instance u use positive reinforcement to get them decensitized from whatever they r afraid of.
UFH u r triggering me, Zac George. Just a tad

[lorelaicharpentier]

Great video. Most people like to criticize or mock positive reinforcement trainers, but the results are proof that it works. Keep up the good work Zak, you're a great example to those following you.

[kathleen]

Zak, I have been using your tips and training methods, and they have been wonderful! The word "yes!" makes my dog so happy, and he realizes when he is doing something good without the need of a clicker. I think you are an amazing trainer, and the proof is in what you have accomplished. I am a teacher, and we teacher have been told to set our students up for success by making the rules very clear on the very first day of school. If they know what is expected of them, they can do well. That's why I really respect you as a trainer. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, ZAK! Look at the thousands of people who are following you. Think about this... If you took an exam (in school) that had a thousand or more questions on it and you only miss five or ten questions, you still would have an A+ on that exam! Stay true to your methods. You are changing the lives of thousands of dogs! Thank you for all you do!