5 Outdated Dog Training Tips to Avoid for Happy Pets

Training a dog or puppy can feel overwhelming with so many opinions and methods out there. While no single approach fits every dog, today most trainers agree on what works best—and what to avoid. Many practices standard 20 to 30 years ago are now known to be outdated or even harmful. This article highlights five dog training tips that are badly out of date and should be replaced with kinder, scientifically-backed methods.

1. Avoid Using a Choke Chain for Control

Years ago, choke chains were a common tool for managing strong or unruly dogs. These chains tighten around the dog's neck when pulled, theoretically to provide control by restricting breathing. However, modern veterinary and training consensus advises against their use for several reasons:

• They can cause physical injuries such as neck damage or even strangulation.
• They do not teach proper behaviour but rely on fear or pain.
• They may damage the trusting bond between dog and owner.

Positive reinforcement and proper training techniques are far more effective and humane for managing your dog's behaviour.

2. Pulling Back Against a Pulling Dog Is Counterproductive

It can be frustrating when your dog pulls hard on the lead, turning walks into a struggle. An old approach was to yank the lead sharply or pull back hard to force the dog to heel. Unfortunately, this can:

• Confuse and scare your dog, making walks unpleasant.
• Strengthen the very muscles that cause pulling, making the problem worse.
• Cause physical discomfort or injury over time.

Instead, using gentle, consistent training methods with positive rewards or using a well-designed harness can teach your dog to walk calmly without pulling.

3. Never Rub a Puppy’s Nose in Their Mess

Toilet training puppies requires patience and understanding. Some outdated advice suggests punishing puppies by rubbing their noses in accidents. This does not teach them what to do and can lead to fear or distrust. The best approach is:

• Clean up accidents calmly and without fuss.
• Pay attention to your puppy's signs they need to go outside.
• Reward and praise your puppy immediately after successful toileting outside.

This supportive approach builds a positive learning experience and strengthens your bond.

4. Stop Using Punishment for Mistakes and Focus on Rewards

Older training philosophies often relied on punishment and dominance to control dogs, sometimes using bullying or harsh corrections. Current research and expert trainers unanimously promote positive reinforcement:

• Reward desired behaviours to encourage repetition.
• Avoid punishment which can increase fear and aggression.
• Focus on trust, cooperation, and clear communication.

This modern, reward-based training leads to faster learning, happier dogs, and stronger relationships.

5. Treats Are Vital, Don't Avoid Them

Treats are a powerful training tool that motivate dogs and reinforce learning. Some outdated schools advised against treats out of fear dogs would only obey with food rewards. However:

• Using treats helps dogs learn commands and tricks more quickly.
• Treats can be phased out gradually as behaviours become reliable.
• No treats mean slower progress and less motivation for your dog.

Appropriate use of treats, paired with praise and play, makes training enjoyable and effective.

The Dominance Theory: Why the Alpha Approach Is Outdated

For decades, many trainers promoted the idea that owners need to assert themselves as the “alpha” or pack leader over their dog. This theory was based on studies of captive wolves in the 1940s and has long since been discredited by modern animal behaviourists and wildlife researchers.

Wild wolf packs are family units, not competitive hierarchies — and domestic dogs are not wolves. Attempts to dominate your dog by physically pinning them, eating before them, or walking through doors first have no scientific basis. Worse, these techniques can cause fear, stress, and even aggression. The UK’s leading behaviour organisations, including the RSPCA and APBC, advise against dominance-based training entirely.

Instead of trying to dominate your dog, focus on being a consistent, predictable guide. Dogs learn best when they understand what is expected of them and are rewarded clearly and promptly for correct responses.

Shock Collars and Other Aversive Devices

Electronic shock collars (e-collars) were once marketed as quick fixes for recall failures and unwanted behaviours. The use of electric shock collars for dogs was banned in Wales in 2010 and in England in 2024. Scotland has also introduced restrictions. This legislation reflects the scientific consensus that aversive training tools cause pain, fear, and lasting psychological harm.

Spray collars, prong collars, and choke chains fall into the same category of aversive tools. Research consistently shows that dogs trained with punishment-based methods are more likely to display fear and aggression than those trained with reward-based approaches. If a trainer recommends any of these devices, seek advice elsewhere.

How to Spot Outdated Dog Training Advice

With so much information available online and on television, it can be hard to know what to trust. Watch out for these warning signs that training advice may be out of date or harmful:

• Any advice that involves causing pain, fear, or physical force.
• Recommendations to roll your dog onto their back to “submit” them.
• Claims that your dog is trying to dominate or control you.
• Suggestions to withhold food or affection as punishment.
• Promotion of shock, prong, or choke collars as training tools.

Reputable trainers in the UK should be members of professional bodies such as the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) or the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), both of which require members to use only reward-based methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most outdated dog training methods?

The most outdated methods include using choke or shock collars, rubbing a puppy’s nose in accidents, dominance-based “alpha” techniques, and any form of physical punishment. These approaches have been replaced by positive reinforcement, which is more effective and kinder.

Is the alpha dog theory correct?

No. The alpha dog theory is based on flawed wolf studies and has been comprehensively debunked by modern behavioural science. Dogs do not attempt to dominate their owners and respond far better to consistent, reward-based guidance than to dominance techniques.