Guidance & Research

Research Report - Behaviour of Smaller and Larger Dogs: Training Methods, Inconsistency and Engagement

The Office of Accessible Evidence summarises Arhant et al. (2010). Smaller dog owners are more inconsistent and less engaged in training than larger dog owners. Punishment correlates with increased aggression and excitability in all dogs, and with anxiety and fear specifically in smaller dogs. Consistency and engagement are the variables most within the owner’s control.

Research Report - Do Aversive-Based Training Methods Actually Compromise Dog Welfare?

The Office of Accessible Evidence summarises Fernandes et al. (2017), a literature review of the evidence on whether aversive training methods compromise dog welfare. Aversive methods correlate with stress behaviours, elevated cortisol, fear, and aggression across multiple studies. The evidence points consistently in one direction. The authors note it requires strengthening. The Bureau presents both the direction and the honesty.

Research Report - Owner-Companion Dog Interactions: Training Engagement and Shared Activities

The Office of Accessible Evidence summarises Bennett and Rohlf (2007). Training engagement - reading about training, discussing it, attending classes - is the strongest predictor of reduced problematic behaviours in companion dogs. Stronger than breed, size, or any demographic variable. The active ingredient is engagement. 

How to Read a Research Paper — A Citizen's Guide

The Office of Accessible Evidence guides Citizens through reading a research paper critically. What kind of paper is it, what the abstract doesn't tell you, correlation versus causation, and how to check whether a claim matches what the paper actually says.