When Good Intentions Lead to Bad Advice

A Real Talk on Dog Training, Medication, and Misguided Methods

Just today, I spoke with a family that had been struggling with their dog—a cattle dog mix. They originally came to our training facility for an evaluation. Our recommendation? Begin a structured training program using tools like a knee collar and invest in a consistent routine that helps both the dog and owner succeed.

They disappeared for a few weeks. Then they reached back out with an update.

They had opted to work with a “positive-only” trainer instead. After several sessions and no progress, they were referred to a veterinary behaviorist. That’s when things took a turn: the dog was labeled as a behavior case that required medication. The family was told that training tools create aggression and that board and train programs "don’t work."

As someone with over 15 years in professional dog training—spanning pet obedience, behavior modification, and working dogs—this sort of thing never gets easier to hear. It highlights one of the biggest ethical issues in our industry: advice that sounds good but fails dogs and their owners in practice.

The Problem with The “Medication First” Mentality

Let’s get one thing straight: medication can help—in very specific, clinically justified situations. But it’s not a shortcut. It’s not a replacement for proper training. And without a foundational training plan, medication becomes a Band-Aid, not a solution.

Most medications prescribed for behavioral issues in dogs—like fluoxetine (Prozac) or clomipramine (Clomicalm)—are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These drugs can take several weeks to show effect and should always be used in conjunction with a behavioral modification plan

Yet, time and again, we see dogs put on these medications without a clear training protocol, or as a reaction to ineffective, surface-level approaches like treat-only reinforcement.

The Truth About Positive-Only Training

Positive reinforcement is powerful. It’s the foundation of how animals learn through association. It’s how we shape behaviors we want repeated.

But here’s the problem: it’s not the full picture—especially when it comes to:

• Reactivity

• Leash aggression

• Impulse control

• Severe anxiety or fear-based behaviors

The science of behavior change—based on operant conditioning—includes four quadrants: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. All are tools in the behavioral toolbox. Omitting three of them isn’t science—it’s ideology.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Vieira de Castro et al., 2020) highlights the importance of balance in training: while aversive-only techniques can cause stress, properly applied balanced methods—especially when used by experienced trainers—can result in high obedience, low stress, and better outcomes.

When Medication Can Work

In my experience, medication can be beneficial—but only in two narrow cases:

1. Hyper-reactive dogs with extreme arousal thresholds

These dogs—often small breeds or working lines in urban environments—go from calm to explosive at the mere sight of a trigger. In these cases, the medication may help dampen arousal just enough to open a window for learning. Training tools and structure are still essential, but medication may buy time for training to take hold.

2. Dogs with extreme, environmental-based anxiety

These dogs can't eat, focus, or bond due to constant environmental stress. It’s common in rescue cases or dogs with trauma histories. In this situation, medication can help lower baseline anxiety, making it possible to start training. Without it, the dog may stay in a flight-or-freeze state, unable to absorb new information.

But these are rare. Most cases we see—like crate anxiety, leash reactivity, fear of other dogs—are resolved through training, not pharmacology.

The Cost of Misguided Advice

The dog in question? He’s a nice dog. A typical cattle dog mix with some nipping behaviors and vocal intensity—not uncommon for the breed. After evaluating him, we saw nothing that would warrant a behavioral medication plan. He’s trainable, responsive, and just needs structure.

Yet this family had already invested in a trainer, a veterinary consult, and a behaviorist—none of whom offered a full-spectrum approach. They were told to avoid tools, avoid structured programs, and rely on medication.

They spent money and time—and their dog still hadn’t made progress.

That’s not just frustrating. It’s unethical.

A Note to Owners (and Trainers)

If you’re wondering whether your dog needs medication, ask yourself:

“Have I tried structured, professional training first?”

If the answer is no, that’s your next step—not a prescription.

And if you’re a trainer reading this: Ask yourself if your methods are helping dogs thrive or simply avoiding confrontation. You don’t need to be a “balanced trainer” or a “positive-only trainer.” You need to be a capable, effective one—willing to evaluate, learn, and apply the right tools for the dog in front of you.

Training Tools Aren’t Cruel — Inaction Is

Training tools like prong collars, slip leads, or e-collars aren’t the enemy. Used poorly? Sure, they can cause harm. But in the hands of a skilled trainer, these tools offer clarity, communication, and safety—for both dog and owner.

When we demonize tools without understanding them, we do a disservice to dogs who desperately need help.

Final Thoughts

The family I spoke with today decided to trust the process. They’re committing to structured training, and I’m confident they’ll be amazed at the results. Their dog isn’t “broken.” He’s misunderstood. And with the right guidance, he’ll do just fine. We owe our dogs more than ideology. We owe them clarity, structure, and the benefit of real, evidence-based training.

Before you medicate, evaluate. Before you label, train.

Your dog deserves that.

By Fabian Romo-Vargas

Founder, Dog Tribe Academy