HDN: A Quiet Training Revolution

The Evolution of Humane Training:
From Balanced Training to the Hierarchy of Dog Needs

Dog training has come a long way, and thank goodness for that. Gone are the days when leash jerks, prong collars, and shock devices were the go-to tools for "fixing" behavior. Today, we know better, and we do better. Science-backed, humane training methods are leading the way, prioritizing not just obedience but a dog's emotional and physical well-being. We’re not just asking, How do I get my dog to listen?—we're also asking, How do I help my dog feel safe, confident, and understood?

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey—one that started with "balanced training" (using both reinforcement and punishment), moved through the Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) framework, progressed to the Humane Hierarchy, and now embraces the Hierarchy of Dog Needs (HDN), which puts an even greater emphasis on agency and consent in training.

From Balanced Training to LIMA: A Step in the Right Direction
For a long time, the training world operated under the assumption that dogs needed both rewards and corrections to learn. Trainers used leash pops, slip chains, and prong collars because that was just "how things were done." Then came the rise of balanced training, which combined positive reinforcement with aversive tools like shock, prong, and choke collars. The idea was that a "balanced" approach made for a well-rounded dog. But as we started digging into the science, we learned that punishment-based training doesn’t just cause stress and fear—it can actually make behavior problems worse.

In response to these findings, the dog training industry moved toward LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive)—a principle that encourages trainers to use the gentlest, most effective methods possible. This was a big step forward, but LIMA still left the door open for aversive tools when deemed "necessary."

The Humane Hierarchy: Refining Our Approach

Enter the Humane Hierarchy, a structured decision-making framework adopted by organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). This model refined LIMA by creating a step-by-step process for choosing training interventions, prioritizing humane and effective techniques first.

The Levels of the Humane Hierarchy

1. Health, Nutrition, and Physical Well-Being
   Before addressing behavior, we have to rule out medical issues. Pain, illness, or poor nutrition can cause behavior problems that no amount of training will fix.
   
   
2. Antecedent Arrangements (Managing the Environment)
   The simplest solution is often just setting the dog up for success. If a dog barks at passersby, closing the blinds or using window film can reduce the trigger.
   
   
3. Positive Reinforcement (R+)
   The heart of ethical training—rewarding good behavior so it happens more often. Sit instead of jump? Yes, please. Treats, toys, play—whatever makes your dog’s tail wag.
   
   
4. Differential Reinforcement, Negative Punishment (P-)
   Teaching an alternative behavior while removing reinforcement for unwanted ones. If a dog jumps up for attention, ignoring them until they sit helps them learn a better way.
   
   
5. Negative Reinforcement (R-)
   The gray area. This involves removing something unpleasant to encourage behavior, like stopping forward movement when a dog pulls on a leash. It works, but it’s not ideal.
   
   
6. Positive Punishment (P+)
   The last resort. Using aversive corrections like leash pops or verbal scolding can damage trust, increase fear, and often lead to unintended consequences.
   
   The Humane Hierarchy was a huge improvement, but the conversation didn’t stop there.

The Hierarchy of Dog Needs: Beyond Training, Toward Well-Being

Training isn’t just about shaping behavior—it’s about supporting a dog’s whole well-being. Enter the Hierarchy of Dog Needs (HDN), developed by Linda Michaels, M.A., which builds on the Humane Hierarchy by considering not just training techniques but also emotional fulfillment, social bonds, and cognitive needs. This model brings two groundbreaking concepts into the conversation: agency (the ability for dogs to make choices) and consent (allowing dogs to participate willingly in interactions and training).

The Hierarchy of Dog Needs Consists of Five Key Levels:

1. Biological Needs – A dog can’t learn if they’re hungry, sick, or stressed. Proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a comfortable environment are foundational.
   
   
2. Emotional Well-Being – Dogs experience emotions just like we do. They need social connection, safety, and consistency to thrive.
   
   
3. Social Needs – Just like people, dogs need relationships. Positive interactions with other dogs, people, and their environment build confidence and resilience.
   
   
4. Force-Free Training & Behavior Modification – The gold standard. Training should be cooperative, using positive reinforcement and fear-free handling.
   
   
5. Cognitive Needs, Consent, and Agency – The pinnacle of modern training. Dogs should have opportunities to make choices, engage in problem-solving, and say no when they’re uncomfortable.

Why This Evolution Matters

Each shift in the way we train dogs has been a step toward greater understanding, compassion, and respect. Moving from Balanced Training to LIMA, from LIMA to the Humane Hierarchy, and now to the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, we are finally seeing dogs for who they really are—not just as animals to be controlled, but as thinking, feeling beings who deserve to be heard.

At See Spot Behave, we believe training is more than just teaching commands—it’s about building trust and partnership. When we listen to our dogs, respect their choices, and create an environment where they feel safe and confident, we see real progress. If you’re ready to embrace a training approach that puts your dog’s well-being first, we’d love to help.

Further Reading:

• The Hierarchy of Dog Needs – Linda Michaels, M.A.; you can see the large format of the pyramid here.
• Positive Reinforcement is More Effective at Training Dogs than an Electronic Collar, Study Shows
• The Humane Hierarchy of Behavior Change  and LIMA – Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (CCPDT)