Generally speaking, our training methods are based in positive reinforcement and classical counterconditioning—both very dog friendly! We use science to teach dogs and cats what is expected of them.
For treating problem behavior, our approach is functional. We identify why the animal is engaging in a behavior and teach them an appropriate way to get the same or similar results. Later in training, suppose problem behavior is present, and the animal understands what we expect and offers the appropriate behaviors regularly. In that case, we use the science of behavior to tell us when or if punishment is appropriate to eliminate the problem behavior.
It is important to note that punishment does not have to be painful or scary, and we do not use shock (sometimes referred to as “stimulation”), choke, or prong collars. We do not throw chains or other scary objects at dogs as a form of punishment. Depending on the function of the behavior, we use things like timeouts or verbal reprimands, just like we humans experience!