Aside from popular belief, dogs with a high-pain threshold, respond especially well to a higher rate of positive reinforcement when combined with a low rate of compulsion, if necessary and while clear training methods are used for the dog.  Applying a low level of compulsion, that is used for controlling drive, will ensure, that the dog remains responsive and tolerant to a correction. 

Chances are great, if high level of compulsion are necessary during training, a dog may not fully understand what is required to perform his job, even though, he or she continues to carry out the task. Lack of clear training methods that are fair will likely result in  unwanted training issues that negatively affect a dog's working performance and reliability. In addition, the over corrected dog is likely to develop resistance to training, shut down, or build a pain threshold that is artificially elevated, to the extent, that he or she becomes less responsive or even immune to handler corrections.

Most working dogs are similar. They simply have strong desires to explore and interact with any stimulus that exists within their surrounding environment. The popular use and intention of compulsion training during high-stimulus situations, is a tool, designed to teach the dog impulse control. However, dogs as simple as they are, do not always put two and two together. Especially if the message is not clear from their handler. Often the lesson of the day mirrors exactly what has taken place on the training field, "tolerate pain and punishment from your handler and you will be released". The concept is the complete opposite of the desirable alternative; "show a high-level of control and you will be released". Unfortunately, trainers still associate pain and punishment tolerance with "reliable dogs", "great dogs" and "great training". However, through animal behavior research and the many more law-enforcement agencies that have incorporated positive reinforcement into their canine training programs, the myth is being dispelled.

Although high-pain thresholds are often considered to be a working trait, they do not necessarily prove the workability and/or dependability of a breed or a dog. Pain thresholds are simply a genetic component that can be manipulated. They increase or decrease through training and vary depending on the dog's genetics and level of drive at that moment in time. If reliability is truly desired, then it will develope through well balanced training that is clear for the dog. Consistency for performing complex tasks is demonstrated, by the working dog, when important problem solving skills are developed through clear communication and balanced training methods. 

Also note worthy, is the dog that is less tolerant to pain and punishment. This dog is capable of performing reliably and exceptionally well with a balanced training style and responds best through a high rate of positive reinforcement training. However, he or she usually will benefit from and tolerate a subtle correction, if necessary, when used to control the dog's drive, as long as the task has been clearly defined for the dog. 

The exclusive use of positive reinforcement often causes problems for the less pain tolerant dog.  Trainers commonly avoid giving necessary corrections (reminders) for controlling drive. This is a common practice since the dog with a low pain threshold may tend to cower from a correction rather than learn from it.  Most likely however, the dog's undesirable reaction to a correction is not so much about the dog being unable to handle compulsion; but, is more so, about the correction being too harsh for that particular dog. In addition, the problem is often compounded; because, chances are great, the dog does not understand what the correction is actually for. He or she may not fully understand what is required to correctly perform the job. During training and trial the dog is often seen showing signs of avoidance; appearing distracted and lacking focus for the work.

Reliable results come from dogs that are free to work through problems without concern for their handler's actions. It is vital to remember that collar corrections should be adjusted according to a dog's pain tolerance level. An over powering correction on any dog can physically damage a dog and the working relationship. 

Many dogs continue to work through overbearing corrections; however, a variety of behaviors, that are not always obvious to the handler show evidence that the dog is concerned and not working to his or her full potential. Even though the dog continues to perform, it is not without negative consequences. Declining performance is often the side effect of unnecessarily harsh, hectic and unfair training that is misunderstood by the dog.

Responsible trainers teach their dogs first, through clear training methods. If necessary, compulsion is used as a tool simply for controlling drive and should be applied according to the dog's tolerance level. Corrections are not based on the handler's own strength, emotions or desire to boost their own egos. Corrections should simply be another communication device to help the dog maintain control.

Something to Consider:

A dog's talent for performing tasks during any given sport or work is not simply proven through his or her ability to withstanding hard corrections. Pain sensation will vary depending on the dog's genetics, the level of stimulation a dog is reacting to and the level of drive a dog is working through.

The heavy-handed trainer may want to choose a dog with a higher pain tolerance; or "gee" stimulate the dog to build more drive for greater pain tolerance (wink, wink). However, a superior alternative to the former option exists. A trainer who uses harsh methods may consider re-investing in themselves. A trainer's ability can improve and he or she will have an advantage by making the choice to learn the skill of clear communication when training the dog.


On the other hand, the trainer who wishes to use less collar corrections and who wants to train through more of a  behavior type method will do best with a dog that is confident, shows natural working drives and enjoys interacting with humans. The training environment that is designed to maintain control and that is supportive for a dog will naturally build drive without the influence of high stimulation. Creating a training situation that is less hectic for the dog will keep things clear for the dog and result in the need for less compulsion (drive control) training.

Working through more of the learning, behavioral and instinctual side of any type of dog will ensure that training moves along more smoothly. By  training through tasks that are clearly defined for the dog, while combined with a low level of compulsion that is used for controlling the dog's drive, is fair and clear for a dog. Maintaining a training environment that is a respectful to the dog will give the canine team that competitive edge. 

When looking for a dog training coach, we highly recommend finding one who demonstrates the correct use of positive reinforcement, along with  a solid understanding of how  compulsion is correctly used. A dog trainer or training coach should be able to demonstrate this with their own dog and show a good example through their personal training routine and trial experiences.


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