Definition of a “Well Trained Dog”.

What is your definition of a well-trained dog?

If you ask 100 people that question, you will very likely get at least 50 different answers, maybe more. The definition of “a well-trained dog” is variable because we all have different goals for our dogs.

I heard this sentiment on a podcast recently. It was an interview that I normally wouldn’t listen to, and didn’t agree with for 99% of it, but it was worth listening to because I never know if I there is something I can take from it. In this circumstance, within this interview, this particular statement spoke to me, and I really wanted to elaborate on why.

A well-trained dog, for one person, might be a dog who can perform a perfect heel with 100 percent engagement and prancing paws, who comes the split second you call for them, and who stays on their bed for as long as you ask them to.
For someone else, it might be a dog that doesn’t make a mess, barks when needed, and quiets when asked; a dog who sleeps at the foot of the bed keeping their human’s feet warm and happily checks in with them while hiking, in between the sniffing, jumping, running, digging, and exploring—being a dog doing dog things.

And anywhere in between… there are truly endless variations. 

As humans, each with our own life experiences and biases, we bring our own unique needs and expectations into the relationship. Whether we’re busy parents, gamers, grandparents, hikers, boaters, campers, or even college students with our first dog, we will each have a different idea of what a “well trained dog” will look like for us.

But can we also consider what being “well-trained” means for dogs? Considering how our dogs feel about training isn’t something that is often done, however, I feel is something that is crucial to also take into account. Each dog has their own natural instincts, genetic makeup, and individual personality, and this will all play a part in how they feel about what kind of life they live. For example, an Australian Shepherd might thrive on precise tasks and high-energy outlets like agility sports, while a scent hound will excel if their need to sniff, track, and explore the world is embraced. 

Regardless of the definition of a “well trained dog”, none of them, in my opinion, require the use of anything the dog would find aversive. 

Aversive. That term gets used a lot in the dog training world.
What does it mean? 

An aversive is anything that a dog finds unpleasant or uncomfortable, that is being used to discourage or stop a behavior. 

This can include physical actions like leash corrections, a swat on the nose, “gentle leaders”, or electronic collars. It can also include auditory reprimands like shouting, or environmental factors like loud noises.

Here’s the important part: What is considered aversive depends on the individual dog, as their reactions are influenced by their personality, experiences, and sensitivity. For some dogs, even just wearing a collar, having their nails touched, or walking on a certain surface, can elicit feelings of fear, stress, or anxiety. 

As a Fear Free Certified Professional, don’t agree with intentionally using anything that would cause fear, stress, or anxiety to teach the dog what not to do. I truly, wholeheartedly believe that we can reinforce the behaviours that we want from our dogs, and achieve the same goals, no matter what those goals are.

Training is not just about behaviours; it’s about the relationship we build with our dogs.
Just as a child who is hit when a mistake or bad choice is made might still love their parent, that relationship will not be the same as a child whose efforts and good choices are rewarded and whose poor choices are redirected or avoided so that good choices can be encouraged. 

The question is: What kind of relationship do you want with your dog while you’re working to meet your own expectations of living with one?

For me, the answer is clear.
I will always advocate for the holistic welfare of the dog.

Holistic welfare means meeting their physical needs through exercise and proper nutrition, as well as their emotional needs through affection and safety. It’s ensuring that their intellectual needs area also met through mental stimulation, games, and problem-solving. It means understanding that dogs have natural instincts and that behaviors like sniffing, digging, and exploring are not “bad” but essential to their well-being as a whole.

Training with kindness and consistency not only improves a dog’s skills but also enhances their emotional health, reduces anxiety, improves focus, and fosters resilience. Aversive methods may produce compliance, but they often undermine the trust and bond we share with our dogs. By choosing positive reinforcement, we’re not just shaping behaviors; we’re nurturing a relationship built on respect, understanding, and mutual joy.

The definition of a well-trained dog isn’t about meeting a universal standard; it’s about aligning with the goals, needs, and values of both the dog and their human. So, take a moment to reflect: What does “well-trained” mean to you? And what kind of relationship do you want to build with your dog along the way?