Positive Reinforcement vs. Traditional Methods: What Indian Trainers Say

For decades, Indian dog training relied heavily on punishment and dominance theory. The old-school approach — yanking the leash, scolding, alpha rolls — was passed down as conventional wisdom. Today, a growing number of certified trainers advocate for positive reinforcement, and the shift is reshaping how Indian pet parents raise their dogs.

This feature compares both approaches through the lens of Indian pet culture, examining how reward-based training works for local breeds like the Indian Pariah Dog and for imported breeds alike. We present a roundtable discussion with trainers from Bangalore, Pune, and Kolkata, who share success stories and address common myths about 'spoiling' dogs with treats.

Rimi Shankar, a certified trainer based in Bangalore, explains: "When I started ten years ago, clients expected me to 'show the dog who's boss.' Now, more people come in asking about clicker training and treat rewards. The shift is slow but real." She notes that Indian Pariah Dogs, known for their independence, respond remarkably well to positive methods because they choose to cooperate rather than comply out of fear.

Aarushi Narang from Pune adds: "The biggest myth I hear is that treats create dependency. In reality, we phase out food rewards and replace them with life rewards — a game of tug, access to the sofa, a walk. The dog works because the relationship is built on trust, not fear." Her clinic has seen a 40% increase in requests for force-free training over the past three years.

Ratan Bhai Dube, who runs a training facility in Kolkata, shares a case study: "A two-year-old Labrador named Bruno came to us after his owners tried shock collar training. He was shut down, fearful, and had started snapping. We switched to positive reinforcement — counter-conditioning to triggers, shaping calm behavior with treats. Within eight weeks, Bruno was greeting strangers with a wagging tail. The owners were skeptical at first, but the results spoke for themselves."

The evidence overwhelmingly supports force-free methods for long-term behavior change. Studies cited by the trainers show that punishment-based training increases cortisol levels and can lead to learned helplessness. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, builds confidence and strengthens the human-animal bond.

For Indian pet parents considering a trainer, the panel recommends asking about their methods upfront. "If a trainer talks about being the 'alpha' or uses words like 'dominance' and 'correction,' that's a red flag," says Shankar. "Look for someone who explains how they'll reward the behaviors you want to see more of."

The conversation around dog training in India is evolving. As more evidence emerges and more success stories circulate, the tide is turning toward methods that respect the dog as a sentient being — not a subordinate to be controlled.