Hunting dogs have been part of human culture for centuries, helping us track game and retrieve prey. However, over the years, most hunting dogs have developed chronic anxiety and stress due to decades of aversive training methods. Still today hunting dog training relies heavily on aversive techniques such as physical punishments, choke chains, and electric collars. The overarching goal was to establish dominance and submission. While these methods might have produced results in terms of immediate obedience, they often resulted in adverse consequences for dogs, including fear, anxiety, and diminished trust in their handlers. Moreover, such methods may have unintended negative effects on the overall well-being and performance of hunting dogs. In this article I explain the detrimental effects of aversive training on hunting dogs, the resulting chronic anxiety and stress, and how it may have influenced the genetics of certain breeds.
The Adverse Effects of Aversive Training:
The adverse effects of aversive training methods used in hunting dog training are significant and have long-lasting consequences on the behavior, well-being, and overall mental health of these dogs. Aversive training involves the application of punishment and the use of aversive tools such as electronic collars or physical restraints to modify the behavior of hunting dogs. In many hunting dog groups training still use a technique called “Alpha Rolling”. "Alpha rolling or control by dominance" is a term used in the hunting dog training community to refer to a specific method, also known as "breaking down" or "breaking the spirit" of a dog, which aims to establish dominance and toughen the dog's spirit for demanding hunting tasks.
In traditional trashing methods, dogs are subjected to intense and often physically harsh training practices with the goal of eliminating perceived undesirable behaviors and creating a highly disciplined and obedient hunting dog. These methods may include physical punishment, verbal scolding, use of shock collars, and even confinement in small spaces for extended periods. The underlying principle is to break the dog's will and instill obedience through fear and learned helplessness.
While aversive training techniques may yield immediate behavior changes by inducing fear and intimidation in dogs, the potential long-term negative consequences cannot be overlooked. Here are some elaborations on these adverse effects:
1. Increased Anxiety and Fearfulness: Aversive training methods lead to an increase in anxiety and fearfulness dogs. By associating certain behaviors with punishment, dogs become overly cautious and fearful, constantly anticipating and trying to avoid harsh consequences. This heightened anxiety has a detrimental impact on their overall well-being and may manifest in various behavioral problems such as increased reactivity to dogs and humans, aggression, avoidance, and increased sensitivity and anxiety to environmental stimuli.
2. Damaged Trust and Bonding: Aversive training methods erode the trust and bonding between the dog and the trainer/owner. Dogs subjected to punishment-based training techniques will in most cases associate fear and pain with the person administering the punishment, leading to a breakdown in the human-animal relationship. This damaged trust will hinder effective training, communication, and cooperation between the dog and handler.
3. Suppressed Natural Behaviors: Hunting dogs have incredible strong innate instincts and natural behaviors necessary for their tasks. Aversive training methods suppress these behaviors rather than encouraging and channeling them appropriately, resulting in dogs becoming hesitant to exhibit natural hunting instincts or show signs of confusion, as they are constantly trying to avoid punishment. This suppression of natural behavior affects the hunting dog's ability to perform optimally and, in turn, impact its overall satisfaction and sense of fulfillment in its role.
4. Physical and Emotional Harm: The wrong use of tools such as electronic collars or physical restraints physically and emotionally harms hunting dogs. These old school training methods create a negative association with natural hunting activities, environments, or cues, leading to unnecessary fear and stress. Physical restraints, like choke chains, cause physical injury and pain if misused or applied incorrectly, further undermining the dog's trust and well-being.
5. Inhibition of Problem-Solving Skills: Aversive training methods also hinder a hunting dog's problem-solving skills. Instead of encouraging dogs to think critically and find appropriate solutions to challenges, punishment-based techniques discourage independent thinking and problem-solving. This limitation impedes the dog's ability to adapt to changing situations or make informed decisions while hunting.
It is crucial to recognize the adverse effects associated with aversive training methods in hunting dogs. The long-term physical, emotional, and behavioral consequences far outweigh any short-term gains achieved through fear and intimidation. Therefore, it is recommended that relationship based training approaches that focus on rewarding desired behaviors and stimulation problem solving behaviors and fostering a cooperative and trusting relationship with the dog be prioritized to ensure the overall well-being and success of hunting dogs.
Chronic Anxiety and Stress:
Chronic anxiety and stress can have significant detrimental effects on hunting dogs trained using aversive methods. Research in animal behavior has shed light on the negative consequences of subjecting dogs to constant fear, pain, and punishment.
1. Behavioral signs: Hunting dogs trained with aversive methods often exhibit a range of behavioral signs associated with chronic anxiety and stress. Excessive panting, pacing, trembling, vocalization and avoidance behaviors such as cowering or hiding are commonly observed. These dogs may also display decreased appetite, as well as destructive behaviors like chewing on objects or excessive digging. These signs indicate the psychological strain placed on the dogs and their inability to cope with the stressors associated with training.
2. Physiological impact: Chronic anxiety and stress can have a profound effect on the dog's physiological state. When stressed, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which, when constantly elevated, can lead to various health problems. Studies have shown that chronic stress in dogs can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, decrease reproductive function, and negatively impact digestive health. These physical manifestations further compromise the dog's overall well-being and performance. For more in formation on chronic stress look at this : CHRONIC STRESS ARTICLE
3. Impaired learning and performance: A stressed and anxious dog is unlikely to perform optimally in hunting situations. Chronic anxiety will hinder the dog's ability to focus, learn, and retain information. Inconsistent performance, decreased responsiveness to cues, and reduced problem-solving skills are commonly observed in dogs trained with aversive methods. The heightened state of arousal also interferes with their ability to detect subtle smells or track effectively, diminishing their hunting capabilities.
4. Damaged trust and relationship: The use of aversive training techniques can erode the trust and bond between the dog and its handler. Dogs subjected to constant fear, pain, and punishment may develop a negative association with both the training process and the handler. This can result in avoidance behaviors, decreased enthusiasm, and reduced cooperation. A strong bond based on trust, respect, and positive experiences is essential for effective communication and successful teamwork in hunting scenarios.
Given the detrimental impact of chronic anxiety and stress on hunting dogs trained using aversive methods, I am advocation for a big mind shift in the hunting dog world promoting relationship based techniques that results in a more humane and effective approach. By focusing on positive motivational salience to rewards, praise, and building a cooperative partnership, trainers will cultivate a positive and motivational learning environment, reducing stress levels, and enhance the overall well-being and performance of their hunting dogs.
Genetic Changes - Increasing genetic predisposition to anxiety and stress
The long-term impact of aversive training extends beyond the individual dog, potentially altering the genetics of certain breeds. Chronic stress and anxiety experienced by hunting dogs over generations can lead to genetic changes that perpetuate these traits. Research has highlighted the role of chronic stress in altering an individual's epigenetic markers, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. This suggests that the offspring of dogs exposed to chronic stress are more susceptible to anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Genetic changes resulting from chronic stress in hunting dogs subjected to aversive training methods have a lasting impact on the breed as a whole. While genetics alone cannot explain all instances of anxiety and stress-related disorders, chronic stress experienced by dogs over generations can potentially alter genetic expression and perpetuate these traits.
One mechanism through which aversive training-induced chronic stress can affect genetics is through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression without alterations in the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can influence gene activity and behavior.
Many studies have shown that chronic stress alters epigenetic markers in animals, including dogs. These changes can occur in genes related to stress response regulation, neurodevelopment, and emotional behavior. Importantly, some of these modifications can be inherited, affecting subsequent generations.
For example, research on humans has demonstrated transgenerational effects of chronic stress. Studies have shown that offspring of individuals who have experienced chronic stress exhibit altered stress responses and heightened susceptibility to anxiety and stress-related disorders. Animal studies have also provided evidence for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of stress-induced traits. Dogs, as mammals, share many physiological and neurobiological characteristics with humans. Therefore, it it highly plausible that chronic stress experienced by hunting dogs due to aversive training techniques results in epigenetic modifications that are inherited by subsequent generations, increasing their vulnerability to anxiety and stress-related disorders.
It is important to note that genetic and epigenetic factors interact with environmental influences, such as upbringing and socialization, in determining an individual dog's behavior. While aversive training methods contribute to genetic changes that increase the predisposition to anxiety and stress-related disorders, other factors will also play a role.
Decades of aversive training methods in hunting dogs have resulted in chronic anxiety and stress, affecting their overall well-being. The continual exposure to stressors can not only impact the individual dog but also potentially alter the genetics of certain breeds, leading to an increased predisposition to anxiety-related disorders. It is imperative that we recognize the negative consequences of aversive training and advocate for positive, reward-based methods to promote the welfare and mental health of hunting dogs. The chronic stress experienced by hunting dogs in response to aversive training methods may have broader implications beyond the individual dog. Genetic changes, particularly through epigenetic mechanisms, could contribute to the perpetuation of anxiety and stress-related traits in certain breeds over generations. Of course further research is needed to better understand the extent and specific mechanisms involved in the transgenerational effects of aversive training on hunting dog genetics. Such knowledge can contribute to the development of more effective and humane training methods that prioritize the well-being and mental health of these animals.
Bart de Gols - 2023
Evidence and References:
1. Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., & Van Hoof, J. A. R. A. M. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. II. Hormonal and immunological responses. Physiology & Behavior, 66(2), 243-254.
2. Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60.
3. Hiby, E. F., Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. Animal Welfare, 13(1), 63-70.
4. Franklin, T. B., Russig, H., Weiss, I. C., Gräff, J., Linder, N., Michalon, A., ... & Mansuy, I. M. (2010). Epigenetic transmission of the impact of early stress across generations. Biological Psychiatry, 68(5), 408-415.
5. Meaney, M. J., & Szyf, M. (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation: life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 7(2), 103-123.
6. Roth, T. L. (2016). Epigenetic mechanisms in the development of behavior: advances, challenges, and future promises of an emerging field. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 8(1), 18.
7. Bagot, R. C., & Meaney, M. J. (2010). Epigenetics and the biological basis of gene× environment interactions. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(8), 752-771.
8. Doyle, C. M., & Dinan, T. G. (2018). Early-life adversity and cognitive function: Examining the neuroprotective role of epigenetic regulation. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 366(1), 192-201
9. Training methods and owner-dog relationships: A study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science (Blackwell et al., 2008) analyzed the relationship between training methods and the behavior of dogs in their daily lives. The study found that dogs trained using aversive methods, including leash jerks and physical punishment, displayed more stress-related behaviors, such as crouching and lip licking. In contrast, dogs trained with positive reinforcement methods showed fewer behavioral issues and a stronger bond with their owners.
10. Cortisol levels and aversive training: Another study published in Physiology & Behavior (Beerda et al., 1999) examined the physiological impact of training methods on dogs. The researchers compared dogs trained with shock collars (an aversive method) to dogs trained with reward-based methods. The study found that dogs trained with shock collars had significantly higher levels of cortisol—a stress hormone—indicating higher stress levels compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement.
11. Effects on learning and behavior: Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (Herron et al., 2009) investigated the effects of aversive training techniques on canine behavior. The study surveyed owners who had used various training methods, including those that involved punishment. Dogs trained with aversive methods were more likely to display aggressive behaviors and fear-related responses. The study also found that aversive training techniques were associated with an increased likelihood of soiling the house and exhibiting destructive behaviors.
4. Fear and anxiety responses: A study published in the Journal of Applied Welfare Science (Rooney & Cowan, 2011) explored the prevalence of behavior problems in dogs trained using aversive methods. The research found that dogs trained with punishment-based techniques exhibited more behaviors associated with fear and anxiety, such as hiding, vocalizing, and aggression, compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement.
These studies provide empirical evidence supporting the negative impact of aversive training methods on hunting dogs, including chronic anxiety, stress, impaired learning, and damage to the human-dog relationship. It reinforces the need for positive and humane training techniques that prioritize the well-being and mental health of hunting dogs.