Having spent half a century in the company of dogs, I have developed an understanding of their behaviour and communication. With this experience, I found that training tools are unnecessary for me. Instead, I focus on techniques that use clear markers and boundaries, I communicate with them in a language they comprehend. This approach not only strengthens the bond we share but also fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Balanced trainers often encounter dogs that have previously worked with several force-free trainers, which was at considerable expense for the owners and very stressful. For many dogs and owners, the force-free approach is ideal, but there are cases where dogs with more severe behavioural issues may not respond well to these methods. In such scenarios, relying solely on force-free techniques can sometimes lead to unfortunate outcomes, such as the dog being sent to rescue centres, medicated, or euthanasia. It is crucial to tailor training methods to the individual needs of each dog and the capabilities of the owner, to avoid these outcomes.

For many owners, particularly those new to having a dog, understanding canine communication can be quite challenging. As a result, employing tools may become essential for individuals who are dealing with dogs exhibiting unacceptable behaviour. These tools, however, should be used in conjunction with proper training from a balanced trainer who understands them. This approach ensures that both the owner and the dog can effectively learn and communicate, fostering a harmonious relationship.

Balanced training methods use force-free techniques while understanding the necessity of implementing additional tools when required. Force-free trainers, who love the dog, should be open to acknowledging when their methods are insufficient for the specific needs of the dog and owner. In such cases, they should not hesitate to recommend more robust approaches with a proficient balanced trainer if these are crucial for the dog’s well-being and safety, but yet they won’t do this, and I just can’t see any benefit to this.