Positive Reinforcement Training

At Whangarei Dog Training Association we are dedicated to fostering strong, positive, and safe relationships between dogs and their owners. To ensure the physical and mental well-being of all dogs training with us, our club policy aligns with the official position of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).

Our Position: Positive Reinforcement Only

The WDTA does not permit the use of electronic behaviour-modifying collars (like e-collars) or any other aversive training tools during club training and events.

We advocate exclusively for positive reinforcement training methods. Reward-based training is scientifically proven to be highly effective, humane, and safe, helping dogs learn without fear or pain.

What are Aversive Tools?

Aversive tools are training devices designed to stop or suppress unwanted behaviors by applying an unpleasant stimulus—such as physical discomfort, pressure, startle, or pain.

Instead of teaching a dog what to do, these tools operate on the principle of correction. The dog learns to stop performing a behaviour purely to avoid the unpleasant conseqence.

Common examples include:

Physical pressure/pain tools: Prong collars, choke chains, and slip leads used for corrections.
Electronic/sensory tools: Remote shock collars, citronella spray collars, and ultrasonic deterrents.
Startle tools: Compressed air cans (like Pet Corrector) or rattle bottles.

Why We Do Not Support Aversive Methods

According to veterinary research, aversive training methods carry significant risks:

Stress and Fear: The unpredictable nature of an electric shock or vibration causes unnecessary anxiety and distress.
Behavioral "Shut-Down": Dogs subjected to repeated pain can stop trying to learn altogether, entering a state of fear-induced helplessness.
Escalation and Aggression: Using pain to correct a dog can accidentally trigger a defensive, aggressive response, creating a safety hazard for the owner, trainers, and other dogs.
Masked Warning Signs: Aversive training can teach a dog to hide their warning signs (like growling), increasing the risk of a bite happening without warning.

Specific Guidelines for Club Members

1. Predatory Drive & Livestock Chasing

We understand that managing high prey drive or livestock chasing is a major concern for many Northland dog owners. However, veterinary studies show that positive reinforcement recall training is just as effective—if not superior—to shock collars, without any of the mental health risks. We are here to help you build a reliable recall using reward-based techniques.

2. Nuisance Barking

Barking is a form of communication. If your dog struggles with excessive barking, our trainers will work with you to identify the root cause—such as boredom, anxiety, or excitement—and use positive strategies to reward quiet behaviour rather than relying on corrective collars.

3. Containment

We do not recommend or support the use of "invisible" electronic boundary fences. Without a visible physical barrier, dogs often struggle to understand where the shock is coming from, leading to severe confusion and distress.

4. Head Halters (e.g., Haltis) and Similar Management Tools

Head halters are strictly management and safety aids, not training tools. While they can help an owner physically control a strong dog, they work by creating physical restriction and discomfort, and they do not teach a dog how to walk on a loose lead.

When They Are a Valid Option: We recognise there are specific situations where a head halter is a necessary and practical tool for safety. These include:
- Handler Capabilities: Assisting an elderly owner, a younger family member, or someone recovering from an injury (such as a shoulder or back strain) to walk a dog safely.
- Physical Leverage: Managing a very large, powerful, or reactive dog that could otherwise pull the handler over or break away in a high-arousal situation.
- Crowded or High-Distraction Environments: Providing immediate, close control in busy areas while the dog is still learning.
Temporary Use Only: We may permit the use of head halters at our grounds for these safety reasons, but they should not be viewed as a long-term training solution.
No Jerking or Corrections: Because head halters put pressure on the sensitive neck and muzzle, they must never be yanked, jerked, or used with a long line. Doing so risks physical injury and significant distress to the dog.
Our Training Goal: Our instructors will work with you to safely transition your dog away from relying on restrictive equipment where possible, focusing instead on teaching your dog to choose to walk by your side through positive reinforcement.

Our Commitment To You

We believe that training your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Because the Whangarei Dog Training Association is run entirely by dedicated volunteers rather than professional trainers or behaviourists, we focus on foundational skills and positive community training.

If you are struggling with a difficult behaviour or feel frustrated, please reach out to our club instructors. We are fully committed to providing you with the reward-based tools and support we can. However, if our team believes your dog needs specialised support beyond the scope of our club classes, we will gladly refer you to one of our local, qualified force-free professionals for expert guidance.

Thank you for helping us keep the Whangarei Dog Training Association a safe, positive environment for every dog!