— The Science Behind Reward-Based Learning —

Many of us were taught that “discipline means being firm” — that scolding or punishing a dog teaches right from wrong. But modern behavioral science is showing a different story. A new study from Portugal has revealed that punishment-based training can actually increase stress and reduce learning efficiency in dogs. Let’s explore what this means — and how kindness can become your dog’s best teacher.

🐶 Why This Study Matters

This research compared two types of training: reward-based methods (using praise or treats) versus aversive-based methods (using scolding, leash jerks, or physical correction). The goal was to understand how each approach affects a dog’s emotions, stress levels, and ability to learn new tasks.

🧠 Who Conducted the Study?

The research was carried out by behavioral scientists at the University of Porto in Portugal, and published in the respected peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE (2020). It’s a solid, data-driven study involving 92 companion dogs enrolled in real training schools. The researchers measured:

• Salivary cortisol levels (a biological marker of stress)
• Body language indicators such as posture, yawning, lip licking, and tail movement
• Performance in post-training learning tasks

🔬 Comparing “Punishment” and “Praise”

The dogs were divided into two groups — one trained with aversive techniques, and another with positive reinforcement. During each session, the team filmed their behavior and collected saliva samples before and after training. They later analyzed stress responses and tested how quickly each dog learned a new task.

📈 Stress Hurts Learning

The results were clear:

• Dogs trained with punishment displayed more stress behaviors — frequent yawning, lip licking, crouching, and tense posture.
• Their cortisol levels were significantly higher after training.
• They learned new tasks slower and with less accuracy than dogs in the reward-based group.

In short, aversive training increases stress and confusion, while reward-based training supports calm focus and better learning. The science confirms what kind hearts already know — dogs learn best when they feel safe and understood.

💡 What Pet Owners Can Learn

Training isn’t about control — it’s about communication. Just like people, dogs learn more effectively in an environment built on trust rather than fear. When we replace “correction” with “connection,” learning becomes joyful for both sides. A gentle tone, timely praise, and a small treat can do more than any harsh command ever could.

🛍️ Helpful Tools for Reward-Based Training

• Treat pouch: Keep rewards within easy reach to mark good behavior immediately.
• Healthy training treats: Choose low-fat, bite-sized options — tasty yet guilt-free!
• Clicker: A simple “click” precisely marks the behavior you want to reinforce.

🐕‍🦺 In Summary: Kindness Is the Most Effective Method

This study reminds us that positive reinforcement isn’t just humane — it’s scientifically proven to work. Every “good job!” you say builds your dog’s confidence, strengthens your bond, and reduces stress on both sides. So next time you train, try a little less “no” and a little more “yes.” Your dog — and your heart — will thank you. 🐾

📚 Reference

Vieira de Castro, A. C., Fuchs, D., Morello, G. M., Pastur, S., de Sousa, L., & Olsson, I. A. S. (2020).
Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare.
PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0242392.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242392

Mindful

ブロガー/獣医師・博士(獣医学)/DVM Ph.D.

心でつながるペットケア、やさしい科学をモットーに、最新の研究情報について発信している。