Our Behavior and Training Position Statement

As a progressive leader in the national animal welfare movement, Animal Friends supports humane training methods that are based on an understanding of how animals learn and incorporate kindness and respect for both the animal and the guardian. Humane training does not inflict unnecessary distress or discomfort on the animals.  Humane training makes primary use of lures and rewards such as food, praise, petting and play as well as non-aversive training tools and equipment designed to assist guardians in managing behaviors. Animal Friends fully supports the use of positive, evidence-based training methods and adamantly opposes aversive training methods and equipment that cause an animal to experience pain or unnecessary physical discomfort and anxiety.