06/09/2026
Aversive & Abusive are NOT synonymous. Yet there seems to be a ton of confusion surrounding this terminology.
Aversive consequences create a negative association with unwanted behavior. EVERY living being is subject to this consequence. Both nature & society set boundaries for behavior. We AVOID events which cause us discomfort.
Human Perspective-
Nature- Shake a hornets nest, get stung.
Society- Rob a bank, go to jail.
Canine Perspective-
Nature- Put your face in a porcupine, get stuck with quills.
Society- Cross an underground fence boundary, feel stimulation.
These consequences keep behavior in check based upon the laws of nature & society. The only difference when discussing training a dog is the societal consequences are manipulated by the owner.
Abusive means engaging in habitual violence & cruelty. There is absolutely NO place for this in dog training (or anywhere else) EVER. Period.
I hope this clears up any confusion.
balanceddogtraining balanceddogs njdogtrainer njdogtraining
