Ep.15: The Dark Side of R+ | Unpacking Coercion in Dog Training with Karishma Warr

Can positive reinforcement be... coercive? 🤯 In this episode, I sit down with dog behavior expert Karishma Warr (@transformbehavior) to explore the often-unspoken power dynamics that can show up even in the most well-intentioned training. We talk about choice, consent, emotional pressure, and how to recognize when your dog is simply complying — not healing. If you're interested in truly ethical, relationship-based training that goes beyond surface-level R+, this is a must-listen. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• What coercion really means in a positive reinforcement context

• How basic rights and fundamental needs of pet dogs don't need to be worked for

• The 3 pillars of coercive relationships with our dogs: Deprivation, High-Stakes, and Authoritarian

• How power dynamics and pressure can show up even in “force-free” training

• Genetic coercion in dogs and its impact particularly on "high-drive" breeds

• The evolution of dog training, and how simply using rewards in training is not enough

CONNECT WITH KARISHMA WARR
Instagram: @transformbehavior
Website: www.transformbehavior.com

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY CIPOLLETTI

Instagram: @co_regulatedk9s
Website: www.coregulatedk9s.com

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