Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Edinburgh surveyed 500 dog owners in the United States to examine how training choices reflect owners' ethical views about animals. They recorded widespread use of positive methods such as treats, toys and verbal praise, and less frequent use of punishment-based methods like verbal reprimands and physical correction.
The team identified three main ethical orientations among participants: an anthropocentric orientation, which places animals primarily in relation to human use; an animal welfare orientation, which emphasises good welfare for animals; and an animal rights orientation, which grants animals stronger moral standing. The results show a clear link: owners with an anthropocentric stance were more likely to use punishment-based methods, while those endorsing animal welfare favoured positive methods.
Peter Sandø, a senior author and professor at the University of Copenhagen, noted that "training is not a neutral activity. It is an activity in which the owners' view of the animal becomes apparent." The study suggests that changing training practices involves ethical as well as scientific discussion. Although the research was done in the United States and is not representative, similar patterns may appear elsewhere, and the measure of animal ethical orientation was developed at the University of Copenhagen and has been used in earlier consumer studies. The study appears in the journal Anthrozoös. Source: University of Copenhagen.
Difficult words
- anthropocentric orientation — view that animals are mainly for human use
- animal welfare orientation — belief that animals should have good living conditions
- animal rights orientation — belief that animals have strong moral protection
- punishment-based methods — training ways that use punishment or force
- positive methods — training ways using rewards like treats or praise
- verbal reprimands — spoken scolding given to an animal
- physical correction — using touch or force to change behavior
- moral standing — degree of ethical importance given to an animal
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might an owner's ethical orientation influence the daily life of a pet?
- What strategies could encourage more owners to use positive methods when training?
- Do you think the study's findings would be similar in other countries? Why or why not?
Related articles
Ice storm damages power systems in eastern US
A massive winter storm with ice and freezing rain is hitting the eastern United States and has cut electricity for more than a million customers. Officials, utilities and researchers are working to restore power and study grid resilience.
Light tool measures activity inside living brain cells
Researchers developed a bioluminescent calcium sensor called CaBLAM to record activity inside living brain cells without external light. The tool works in mice and zebrafish and enables long recordings that avoid damage from bright light.
