Behavior Resources

Building Harmony With Your Dog

Why Force-Free is the Best Way

Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control strongly advocates for positive reinforcement instead of punishment or force. Punishment, force, electronic (shock or vibrate) collars, choke chains, prong (pinch) collars, alpha rolls, and dominance theory have been proven numerous times through scientific study to increase fear/aggression and damage the bond between a human and animal. Instead, we want to build that bond through positive reinforcement training.

  • Force-free training relies on positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding good behavior instead of punishing the bad. Dogs, like humans, respond better to positivity. By using treats, toys, and praise, we motivate our dogs to learn and obey without fear.

  • Dogs are naturally inclined to trust humans. Force-free training builds on this trust, fostering a strong bond between you and your canine companion. When your dog feels safe and loved, they are more likely to follow commands willingly.

  • Force-free training boosts a dog's confidence. Through encouragement and positive experiences, dogs become more self-assured, reducing anxiety and fear-based behaviors. Confident dogs are sociable, well-behaved, and make excellent companions.

  • Unlike punitive methods, force-free training addresses the root cause of behavioral issues. By understanding your dog's needs and motivations, our training techniques create lasting behavioral changes. This ensures a harmonious coexistence between you, your dog, and your family.

  • Force-free training emphasizes clear communication between you and your dog. Through positive reinforcement, your dog learns to associate commands with positive outcomes, making it easier for them to understand what you expect. This clear communication strengthens your relationship, making interactions more enjoyable.

  • Force-free training prioritizes your dog's emotional and physical well-being. By avoiding harsh methods, you create a safe and nurturing environment at home. Dogs trained without force are less likely to develop aggression or fear-based responses, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

  • Force-free training engages your dog's mind. Through problem-solving and learning, dogs become mentally stimulated, reducing boredom and destructive behaviors. A mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog, leading to a more content and well-rounded pet.

Get the Most Out of Pet Ownership

Love and Affection: Beyond the basics, shower your pets with love and affection daily. Pets thrive on positive interactions, and the bond you build with them contributes significantly to their overall well-being... and yours.

Playtime and Toys: Regular playtime is essential for your pet's physical and mental health. Invest in a variety of toys to stimulate their senses and provide entertainment. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and catnip-infused playthings can keep your pets engaged and mentally stimulated.

Walks and Exercise: Dogs, in particular, thrive on regular walks and exercise. This not only keeps them physically fit but also provides mental stimulation and a chance for socialization. Cats can also benefit from supervised outdoor exploration or indoor climbing structures.

Training and Mental Stimulation: Regular training sessions, using positive reinforcement techniques, strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Teach basic commands, engage in clicker training, or consider agility exercises to keep their minds sharp and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Grooming and Dental Care: Regular grooming, including brushing and nail trims, keeps your pet comfortable and contributes to their overall well-being.

A dad and young daughter petting their dog

Force-free Trainers in Metro Detroit

Be sure to select a trainer that uses positive reinforcement instead of punishment or force. These force-free trainers are dedicated to helping you build a positive, loving relationship with your dog. Click on the trainer’s logo to go to their website.

Online Training Resources

Bringing a new dog home is very exciting! Watch this video to set your new dog up for success right from the start.

A quick video with basic tips on how to do dog-to-dog introductions on leash from Rover.com.

Does your dog jump your fence? Try this roll bar fence DIY. These are typically known as “coyote rollers” and work great.

Force-free trainer Zak George goes over how to do dog-to-dog introductions and dog-to-cat introductions.

Force-free trainer Zak George goes over how to stop your dog from jumping.

This is a video tutorial for owners who have a dog that tends to be reactive towards other dogs or people. This video is not intended to FIX any underlining problems that the dog may have but rather gain control of the exhibiting behavior.