The Dog Training Divide: Let’s Talk About the Four Quadrants and Fear-Based Tactics

Unpacking the Four Quadrants of Dog Training, Dispelling Myths, and Finding Clarity for You and Your Dog

Let’s talk about dog training. It’s a topic that stirs up strong opinions and, sometimes, a lot of unnecessary drama. Recently, a chart created by Shay Kelly and paired with a response from Zak George, an extreme positive-only advocate, has been making the rounds online. The chart compares the four quadrants of operant conditioning to types of men, linking certain training methods to toxic masculinity and abusive behavior. It’s eye-catching, sure—but is it helpful or accurate? Not really.

Here’s the statement and accompanying chart:

Thank you, Shay Kelly, for this strikingly relatable chart. In animal behavior, the four quadrants often come up in discussions about training methods. Some trainers argue for ‘balance,’ using all quadrants, but this graphic lays bare the human implications and ethical considerations of such an approach. The overlap between toxic masculinity and the justification for harm under the guise of control is undeniable here. For many, this will be a lightbulb moment, illustrating how some methods prioritize domination over logic and empathy. Women, especially, may find this resonates deeply, as it mirrors broader societal patterns of male violence and control.

A quick review of the quadrants here: In dog training, the four quadrants break down like this: Positive Reinforcement (R+) adds something good to encourage behavior (like giving treats, play or access to a desirable environment/situation), Negative Punishment (P-) takes something good away to discourage behavior (like ending playtime), Positive Punishment (P+) adds something bad to stop behavior (like leash pops and shock collars ), and Negative Reinforcement (R-) takes something bad away to encourage behavior (like releasing pressure from a prong collar or shock collar). This chart shows how those concepts feel when applied to humans, and why we might not want to use them all." 

-Zac George

If you’re a dog owner who feels overwhelmed by these debates, let’s unpack this together. My goal isn’t to take sides or create division, but to offer some clarity, counter harmful fear-based narratives, and encourage thoughtful conversations about dog training. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who’s “right”—it’s about what’s best for your dog.

The Quadrants: What They Are and Why They Matter

Let’s start with the basics. In dog training, the four quadrants of operant conditioning are tools we use to shape behavior. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1.Positive Reinforcement (R+): Adding something good to encourage behavior (like treats or playtime).

2.Negative Punishment (P-): Taking something good away to discourage behavior (like ending a game if the dog jumps).

3.Positive Punishment (P+): Adding something unpleasant to stop behavior (like a leash correction).

4.Negative Reinforcement (R-): Removing something unpleasant to encourage behavior (like releasing pressure from a training collar).

These quadrants are neutral concepts—just ways of describing how behavior is influenced. They’re not moral frameworks, emotional experiences, or value judgments. But Zak George’s commentary, paired with Shay Kelly's chart, attempts to reframe them as something far more dramatic.

Breaking Down Zak George’s Response

Zak’s written response to the chart is passionate, but it leans heavily on fear-based rhetoric and emotional manipulation. Here’s where his argument misses the mark:

1. Anthropomorphism Is Misleading

Zak’s response attempts to tie the quadrants to human emotional experiences, like “toxic masculinity” or “domination.” This is a classic case of anthropomorphism—projecting human emotions and societal constructs onto dogs. The reality is, dogs don’t think like humans. They don’t interpret a leash correction as “violence” or a vibration collar as “manipulation.”

For example:

•A leash correction (P+) is simply a brief, clear signal: “Don’t pull on the leash.” It’s not about harm or control—it’s about communication.

•Releasing pressure (R-) from a prong collar once the dog stops pulling teaches them how to resolve discomfort. This isn’t cruelty; it’s clarity.

Dogs are focused on cause and effect, not abstract concepts like power dynamics. Framing training techniques in this overly emotional way doesn’t help anyone—it just muddies the waters.

2. Vilifying Tools Creates Fear, Not Solutions

Zak’s stance paints all tools and techniques outside of positive reinforcement as inherently harmful. Tools like prong collars or vibration collars are described as cruel, with no acknowledgment of their potential benefits when used responsibly. This one-sided view leaves dog owners feeling guilty or judged for exploring balanced training methods.

The truth is, these tools are not abusive. They’re neutral. Their impact depends entirely on how they’re used. Demonizing these tools ignores their value and leaves owners without viable options for addressing challenging behaviors.

3. Fear-Based Rhetoric Shuts Down Conversations

Zak’s commentary isn’t designed to educate—it’s designed to evoke guilt. By equating training methods to abuse or control, it discourages open dialogue and creates a moral hierarchy where positive-only training is seen as the only ethical choice. This approach doesn’t empower dog owners; it isolates them.

The Problem with Fear Tactics

Let’s pause for a moment and reflect. Fear-based tactics, like those in Zak’s response, are incredibly effective at making people doubt themselves. But is that helpful? Not really. When dog owners feel scared to explore balanced training methods, it doesn’t improve their relationship with their dog—it just leaves them stuck.

Here’s why fear tactics don’t work:

1.They Oversimplify Complex Issues: Training is nuanced. Every dog is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for every situation.

2.They Shut Down Education: Instead of encouraging owners to learn how to use tools responsibly, fear tactics vilify the tools altogether.

3.They Create Guilt: No dog owner should feel ashamed for trying to find what works best for their dog. Guilt doesn’t lead to better training—it leads to frustration and confusion.

The Quadrants Are Tools, Not Emotional Frameworks

Here’s the heart of the matter: The quadrants of operant conditioning are tools. They’re not about domination or control—they’re about communication. Balanced trainers don’t use all quadrants equally or indiscriminately. Instead, they apply them thoughtfully, based on the dog’s needs and the situation.

1. Dogs Thrive on Clarity

Dogs need clear, consistent feedback to understand what’s expected of them. Balanced training provides this clarity. Positive reinforcement (R+) is often the foundation, but other quadrants, like P+ or R-, can offer critical feedback that helps a dog learn safely and effectively.

For example:

•A leash correction stops a dog from lunging into traffic.

•Releasing collar pressure shows the dog how to find comfort.

These aren’t acts of cruelty—they’re acts of communication.

2. The Goal Is Understanding, Not Control

Balanced training isn’t about dominating your dog. It’s about teaching them how to live safely and happily in a human world. Positive-only methods are fantastic for many scenarios, but they’re not always enough—especially when addressing instinctive or dangerous behaviors. The goal is always to create a positive, stress-free experience for both the dog and the owner.

Why Balance Matters

Here’s the truth: Balance in training doesn’t mean using every quadrant equally. It means being open to all tools and techniques, using them responsibly, and prioritizing the dog’s well-being. It’s about finding what works—not clinging to a rigid ideology.

The Benefits of Balanced Training:

•Empathy: Every dog is unique, and balanced training recognizes that.

•Clarity: Dogs thrive when they understand what’s expected.

•Education: Balanced trainers focus on teaching owners how to use tools humanely and effectively.

Let’s Focus on Education, Not Fear

At the end of the day, dog training isn’t about following someone else’s rules—it’s about helping your dog succeed. Fear-based rhetoric, like Zak George’s response, doesn’t foster education or understanding. It creates division, guilt, and confusion.

So here’s my takeaway: Let’s move past the fear tactics and focus on what really matters—your dog’s happiness, safety, and ability to thrive. Whether you’re using treats, tools, or a combination of methods, the goal is the same: a stronger, more joyful relationship with your dog.

And that? That’s something we can all agree on.