Recent years have seen some changes that many dog lovers would call advances. New concepts in training dogs, or training people to interact with dogs, are perhaps the best of these advances. These new ideas are based in nonviolence. They are part of a whole new way of being in the world, or perhaps a return to ancient ways of being when humans lived as a real part of the natural world rather than in opposition to nature. Whatever the origin, the results are wonderful. People are creating much better relationships with their dogs, and getting better behavior from them.

Nonviolent dog training takes some getting used to. Those of us who have spent time training dogs know how difficult it is to remain absolutely patient and loving while puppies are falling all over each other, adolescent hounds are running out of control, and big but not fully grown dogs are jumping up and knocking us down. It is up to the human involved to learn how to keep his or her cool. And that's the first step: Controlling your own reactions in a nonviolent way. After that, things begin to fall into place.

Aversive training, using negative reinforcement, sends a simple message to the dog. It tells the dog to behave in a certain way or else something unpleasant is going to happen. This is displayed by yelling, jerking the leash, swatting, or even shocking the dog. The dog learns, indeed he does. He learns because he doesn't want to experience discomfort and pain. He is learning to avoid, and he is learning to fear. There's a timing problem with aversive training, too. If the negative input is not delivered at precisely the right time, the dog becomes confused and frustrated, not knowing what he is supposed to do. Jerking can lead to neck and spinal damage, and even whiplash injuries. Dogs end up with spinal problems, which are commonly present in dogs with aggression or hyperactivity. There is a connection between violent training and violent behavior.

The alternative, nonviolent training which uses rewards and gentle persuasion, is not only an excellent way to develop a loving bond with the dog, but develops human kindness too. To experience a dog's happy look when he has accomplished a perfect series of commands in the context of reward is tremendously satisfying to the human being.

Rewards work. Humans operate on the same principle. In the presence of a possible reward, we will repeat behavior endlessly. Just think of a slot machine! Based on the human trait of returning to the same behavior, the simple possibility of reward is enough. Eventually, the dog will behave as desired without the resulting treat. He knows what to do to please you, and he wants that more than anything.