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Reward-based dog training, backed by published science

A calmer, more confident dog — without shock collars or dominance myths

Reward-based dog training, built on behavior science.

Tell us what your dog is struggling with and get a free, personalized plan built on peer-reviewed behavior research — the same science behind every Pup Class program.

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What are you struggling with?

Pick the one that sounds most like your dog. Each quiz builds a personalized, science-based plan for that exact struggle.

Leash reactivity

Leash reactivity

Your dog barks, lunges, and loses it on the leash — and walks have become something you dread.

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 Leash pulling

Leash pulling

Your dog drags you down the street on every walk — your arm aches, the harness rides up, and 'heel' means nothing.

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 Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Your dog panics the moment you leave — barking, destruction, accidents — and you can't go anywhere in peace.

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 Recall that fails

Recall that fails

Your dog ignores you and bolts the second something better appears — so they never get to be off-leash.

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 Biting & mouthing

Biting & mouthing

Your dog bites hands, ankles, and clothing — whether they're a puppy or an adult who never learned mouth control — and you're covered in marks.

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Real owners, real results

Watch the transformation

This family's dog had reactivity, anxiety, and poor recall. See what changed after the Behavior Architect program.

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Reward-based training in action

How it works

Three steps to a calmer dog

1

Take the free quiz

Answer a few quick questions about your dog. It takes about a minute — no email required to start.

2

Get your profile

We map your dog's specific pattern and show you exactly what's driving the behavior — and what fixes it.

3

Start your plan

Get a free, personalized, reward-based plan you can begin on your very next walk.

The evidence

What the research actually shows

Reward-based training produced better recall and sit responses than electronic-collar training — with significantly fewer stress-related behaviors like lip-licking, yawning, and avoidance.

China, Mills & Cooper (2020), Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Dogs trained with aversive tools show more stress behavior and a more pessimistic emotional state than reward-trained dogs — the opposite of what a struggling dog needs.

Vieira de Castro et al. (2020), PLOS ONE

A review of 17 studies found no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based training — while documenting clear welfare costs including elevated stress and fear.

Ziv (2017), Journal of Veterinary Behavior

Dogs whose owners used two or more aversive methods were significantly more pessimistic on a cognitive bias test — a measure of underlying emotional state, not just in-session stress.

Casey et al. (2021), Scientific Reports

Dogs whose owners used more rewards performed better on a novel training task and were more playful and interactive — while punishment correlated with avoidance of unfamiliar people.

Rooney & Cowan (2011), Applied Animal Behaviour Science

A comprehensive literature review found no credible scientific evidence to justify electronic collar use — the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology recommends reward-based methods only.

Masson et al. (2018), Journal of Veterinary Behavior

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See it in action

From lunging to loose-leash

The Calm Walk Method — our most popular $5 program. Watch what happened for this reactive dog.

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Pair it with the walking mechanics

Stop the pulling — 5 lessons, $9

Loose-Leash Mechanics: equipment fit, the stop-and-stand reset, pace changes, and reward placement. Pairs perfectly with The Calm Walk Method.

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Separation anxiety solved

From panic to calm departures

This owner's dog destroyed door frames and howled the moment she left. Watch what the Home Alone program changed.

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A happy dog and owner together

The payoff

The walks you pictured when you got your dog

Loose-leash strolls instead of dread. A dog who settles when you leave instead of panicking. A recall you can actually trust. None of it comes from force — it comes from understanding how your dog learns, and working with it.

Every Pup Class program is built on that same peer-reviewed foundation, broken into short audio lessons you can start today.

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Why "research-backed" actually means something here

Most dog-training advice is opinion dressed up as fact. Ours isn't. Every Pup Class method is grounded in peer-reviewed behavior research — studies showing that aversive tools carry documented welfare costs with no demonstrated advantage over reward-based training. We don't fabricate stats or sell dominance myths; we cite the science, and you can read it for yourself below.

The evidence base spans decades and dozens of studies. Guilherme Fernandes, Olsson & Vieira de Castro (2017) reviewed the literature and found that aversive-based methods are correlated with stress-related behaviors, elevated cortisol, and problem behaviors like fear and aggression. Casey et al. (2021) used a cognitive bias test — a measure of underlying emotional state, not just in-the-moment stress — and found that dogs whose owners used two or more aversive methods were significantly more pessimistic. Bradshaw, Blackwell & Casey (2009) argued that "dominance" has no scientific basis as a trait of individual dogs and that the concept leads to confrontational training practices.

This isn't one or two cherry-picked papers. It's the weight of published behavior science — 47+ peer-reviewed sources across 11+ Q1 journals — all pointing the same direction: reward works better, lasts longer, and doesn't cost your dog their welfare.

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Pick the struggle that sounds like your dog. In about 60 seconds you'll get a personalized profile and the reward-based plan that fits — no email gymnastics, no pressure.

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Scientific references (47)
  1. Vieira de Castro, A.C., Fuchs, D., Morello, G.M., Pastur, S., de Sousa, L., & Olsson, I.A.S. (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0225023.
  2. Vieira de Castro, A.C., Barrett, J., de Sousa, L., & Olsson, I.A.S. (2021). Improving dog training methods: Efficacy and efficiency of reward and mixed training methods. PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0247321.
  3. China, L., Mills, D.S., & Cooper, J.J. (2020). Efficacy of Dog Training With and Without Remote Electronic Collars vs. a Focus on Positive Reinforcing Methods. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 508.
  4. Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs — A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50-60.
  5. Guilherme Fernandes, J., Olsson, I.A.S., & Vieira de Castro, A.C. (2017). Do aversive-based training methods actually compromise dog welfare?: A literature review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 196, 1-12.
  6. Casey, R.A., Naj-Oleari, M., Campbell, S., Mayfield, M., & Sherwin, A. (2021). Dogs are more pessimistic if their owners use two or more aversive training methods. Scientific Reports, 11, 19023.
  7. Herron, M.E., Shofer, F.S., & Reisner, I.R. (2009). Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 117(1-2), 47-54.
  8. Blackwell, E.J., Twells, C., Seawright, A., & Casey, R.A. (2008). The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 3(5), 207-217.
  9. Deldalle, S., & Gaunet, F. (2014). Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog-owner relationship. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(2), 58-65.
  10. Cooper, J.J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722.
  11. Hiby, E.F., Rooney, N.J., & Bradshaw, J.W.S. (2004). Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare. Animal Welfare, 13, 63-69.
  12. Schilder, M.B.H., & van der Borg, J.A.M. (2004). Training dogs with help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 85, 319-334.
  13. Casey, R.A., Loftus, B., Bolster, C., Richards, G.J., & Blackwell, E.J. (2014). Human directed aggression in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): Occurrence in different contexts and risk factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 152, 52-63.
  14. Rooney, N.J., & Cowan, S. (2011). Training methods and owner-dog interactions: Links with dog behaviour and learning ability. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3-4), 169-177.
  15. Butler, R., Sargisson, R.J., & Elliffe, D. (2011). The efficacy of systematic desensitization for treating the separation-related problem behaviour of domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 129(2-4), 136-145.
  16. Howell, T.J., King, T., & Bennett, P.C. (2015). Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, 143-153.
  17. Todd, Z. (2018). Barriers to the adoption of humane dog training methods. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 25, 28-34.
  18. Arhant, C., Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A., & Troxler, J. (2010). Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123(3-4), 131-142.
  19. Bradshaw, J.W.S., Blackwell, E.J., & Casey, R.A. (2009). Dominance in domestic dogs — useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 4(3), 135-144.
  20. Ogata, N. (2016). Separation anxiety in dogs: What progress has been made in our understanding of the most common behavioral problems in dogs? Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, 28-35.
  21. Schalke, E., Stichnoth, J., Ott, S., & Jones-Baade, R. (2007). Clinical signs caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs in everyday life situations. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 105(4), 369-380.
  22. Masson, S., et al. (2018). Electronic training devices: Discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 25, 71-75.
  23. Salman, M.D., et al. (2000). Behavioral reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(2), 93-106.
  24. Kwan, J.Y., & Bain, M.J. (2013). Owner attachment and problem behaviors related to relinquishment and training techniques of dogs. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16(2), 168-183.
  25. Fukuzawa, M., & Hayashi, N. (2013). Comparison of 3 different reinforcements of learning in dogs (Canis familiaris). Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(4), 221-224.
  26. Flannigan, G., & Dodman, N.H. (2001). Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(4), 460-466.
  27. Amat, M., Camps, T., Le Brech, S., & Manteca, X. (2014). Separation anxiety in dogs: The implications of predictability and contextual fear for behavioural treatment. Animal Welfare, 23(3), 263-266.
  28. Scott, J.P., & Fuller, J.L. (1965). Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. University of Chicago Press.
  29. Rescorla, R.A. (1988). Pavlovian conditioning: It's not what you think it is. American Psychologist, 43(3), 151-160.
  30. Seligman, M.E.P., & Maier, S.F. (1967). Failure to escape traumatic shock. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 74(1), 1-9.
  31. Polsky, R.H. (2000). Can aggression in dogs be elicited through the use of electronic pet containment systems? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(4), 345-357.
  32. Haverbeke, A., Laporte, B., Depiereux, E., Giffroy, J.-M., & Diederich, C. (2008). Training methods of military dog handlers and their effects on the team's performances. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 113(1-3), 110-122.
  33. Beerda, B., Schilder, M.B.H., van Hooff, J.A.R.A.M., de Vries, H.W., & Mol, J.A. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 58(3-4), 365-381.
  34. Beerda, B., Schilder, M.B.H., van Hooff, J.A.R.A.M., de Vries, H.W., & Mol, J.A. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. I. Behavioral responses. Physiology & Behavior, 66(2), 233-242.
  35. Appleby, D.L., Bradshaw, J.W.S., & Casey, R.A. (2002). Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life. Veterinary Record, 150(14), 434-438.
  36. de Assis, L.S., Matos, R., Pike, T.W., Burman, O.H.P., & Mills, D.S. (2020). Developing diagnostic frameworks in veterinary behavioral medicine: Disambiguating separation related problems in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 499.
  37. Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., Liinamaa, J., Hakanen, E., Tiira, K., & Lohi, H. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10, 2962.
  38. Jagoe, A., & Serpell, J.A. (1996). Owner characteristics and interactions and the prevalence of canine behaviour problems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 47(1-2), 31-42.
  39. Owczarczak-Garstecka, S.C., et al. (2025). Association between training methods and owner-reported problem behaviours in dogs enrolled in the 'Generation Pup' longitudinal study in the UK. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 77, 52-60.
  40. Stellato, A.C., Jajou, S., Dewey, C.E., Widowski, T.M., & Niel, L. (2019). Effect of a standardized four-week desensitization and counter-conditioning training program on pre-existing veterinary fear in companion dogs. Animals, 9(10), 767.
  41. Puurunen, J., et al. (2020). Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10, 3527.
  42. Pluijmakers, J.J.T.M., Appleby, D.L., & Bradshaw, J.W.S. (2010). Exposure to video images between 3 and 5 weeks of age decreases neophobia in domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 126(1-2), 51-58.
  43. McEvoy, V., Espinosa, U.B., Crump, A., & Arnott, G. (2022). Canine socialisation: A narrative systematic review. Animals, 12(21), 2895.
  44. Konok, V., Doka, A., & Miklosi, A. (2011). The behavior of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) during separation from and reunion with the owner: A questionnaire and an experimental study. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 135(4), 300-308.
  45. Yin, S., Fernandez, E.J., Pagan, S., Richardson, S.L., & Snyder, G. (2008). Efficacy of a remote-controlled, positive-reinforcement, dog-training system for modifying problem behaviors exhibited when people arrive at the door. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 113(1-3), 123-138.
  46. Tiira, K., & Lohi, H. (2015). Early life experiences and exercise associate with canine anxieties. PLoS ONE, 10(11), e0141907.
  47. Storengen, L.M., & Lingaas, F. (2015). Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: Prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 152-160.
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