Links between principles and behaviour management can inform vets and behaviour professionals to support clients. People’s ethical values can impact how they manage their animals’ behaviour, a study of dog owners in the US has shown.The research is the first to link an owner’s choice of dog training method to their ethical orientation toward animals.Insights from the study at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies reveal factors that may influence people’s choice of training method. Survey response An anonymous survey taken by 500 dog owners sought to understand whether respondents’ ethical perspectives aligned with their preferences on training choices.In particular, the questionnaire examined whether certain ethical perspectives would correlate with a preference for positive reinforcement training – for example, responding only to desired behaviours – or to physical correction methods, such as prong collars or citrus spray, to deter unwanted behaviour.The outcomes showed that ethics orientations were clearly associated with the use of training methods.Respondents who held anthropocentric views – who consider people as a priority over animals – were less likely to use positive reinforcement training methods and more likely to use physical correction.By contrast, those whose ethics were inclined towards animal protection were more closely associated with the use of positive reinforcement training and less closely linked with physical correction methods.Respondents who supported animals having the same rights as humans were found to rarely use physical correction, but did not show a clear inclination towards positive reinforcement training. Researchers say the reason for this is unclear, but people who oppose physical punishment may view verbal correction as acceptable, consistent with parenting norms. Influencing behaviour Researchers who carried out the study hope that the findings can inform veterinarians' and other behaviour professionals' awareness of how to support clients in managing animal behaviours, and can serve as a platform for informed discourse on optimal training approaches.The study was published in the journal Anthrozoos. People have deeply held belief systems that frame their views of the world and impact many aspects of their lives – this includes how they train their animals. My hope is that this insight can help to build communication among people with a range of views, in which positive change can emerge. Tracy Weber Former MSc researcher and study lead Scientific studies of dog behaviour play an important role when it comes to choice of training methods, but there is also an ethical side to the debate, as our study has shown. Peter Sandøe Ms Weber's MSc supervisor, and senior author of the study Related links Scientific publication Image credit: Reed Shepherd/Unsplash. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Vet School Publication date 19 Mar, 2026
