At Medical Mutts, we know that training a successful service dog takes more than teaching commands—it requires understanding how dogs learn, what motivates them, and how to foster a relationship built on trust and cooperation. As part of our commitment to positive reinforcement and evidence-based training, we continuously review the latest research on dog behavior to ensure we’re using the most humane and effective techniques.
A recent study published in Pets (Howell, Diverio & Menor-Campos, 2025) highlights how much pet owners—and by extension, potential service dog handlers—understand (and misunderstand) about dog behavior. Their findings reveal that while public knowledge has improved, some persistent myths could hinder successful training and the welfare of working dogs.
Dominance Theory: An Outdated and Harmful Myth
One of the most enduring myths—found both among pet owners and sometimes within the service dog community—is the belief that dogs need to know who’s in charge. This concept stems from outdated “dominance theory,” which paints dog training as a power struggle for “alpha” status.
Modern research has thoroughly debunked this idea. Service dogs, like all dogs, do not view training as a competition for control. Instead, they thrive when they are motivated through rewards, clear communication, and consistent positive reinforcement (Yin, 2007). This approach is not only more effective but also critical in maintaining the confidence and emotional stability required for a service dog to work reliably in public settings.
At Medical Mutts, we are proud to base our training on scientific principles, using positive reinforcement to build strong, trusting relationships between handlers and their service dogs. This ensures that service dogs learn to perform tasks willingly and joyfully, without fear or confusion clouding their learning process.
The Role of Assistance Dogs International and LIMA Principles
This commitment to humane, science-based training is not just our philosophy — it is also a requirement of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the leading global coalition of nonprofit assistance dog organizations. ADI establishes standards for the training, placement, and welfare of assistance dogs, and only accredits programs that adhere to rigorous ethical and training guidelines.
One of ADI’s key requirements is that all accredited organizations must follow LIMA principles—which stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. This means trainers must always use the most positive, least invasive techniques possible when teaching or modifying behavior. Punishment-based training methods, like those rooted in dominance theory, are incompatible with LIMA and ADI’s ethical standards. This focus on humane treatment ensures that service dogs not only learn their tasks but also enjoy a high quality of life throughout their training and working careers.
Misunderstanding Body Language
Another common misunderstanding identified in the Pets study relates to interpreting dog behavior. Many people believe a “guilty look” means a dog knows they’ve done something wrong. In reality, that look is actually a response to human body language and tone—not evidence of guilt (Horowitz, 2009). Misinterpreting these signals can damage the bond between service dog teams, particularly if handlers feel frustrated or misled by normal canine behavior.
For service dogs, the ability to read and respond to subtle handler cues is essential. Likewise, handlers benefit greatly from understanding their dog’s natural stress signals so they can adjust training sessions or working conditions to keep their dog confident and comfortable (Hall et al., 2021). Educating service dog handlers about accurate, science-based interpretations of behavior is a key part of our work at Medical Mutts.
Service Dog Training Built on Science
Training a service dog is a partnership, not a power struggle. Our positive reinforcement approach not only reflects the latest research in canine cognition and learning, but also respects the unique bond between handler and dog. By rewarding desired behaviors and building on each dog’s natural strengths, we help our service dogs develop the confidence and reliability needed to support their handlers in everyday life.
Whether we’re teaching a dog to alert to medical changes, retrieve items, or provide comfort during moments of anxiety, our commitment to LIMA principles and science-based training ensures each task is clear, stress-free, and enjoyable for the dog. This focus on welfare and positive experiences is central to our training programs.
Conclusion: Education Empowers Partnerships
The recent Pets study reinforces what we at Medical Mutts have long understood: helping owners and handlers understand their dogs is just as important as training the dogs themselves. When handlers learn to interpret their dog’s behavior correctly and use positive, science-backed training methods, they not only get a better-trained dog — they also gain a stronger, more trusting partnership. This trust and teamwork are the foundation of every successful service dog team.
If you’d like to learn more about our science-based approach to service dog training or how our methods align with Assistance Dogs International’s high standards, visit Medical Mutts and see how we help rescued dogs become life-changing service dogs.
References
Howell, T.J., Diverio, S., & Menor-Campos, D.J. (2025). Beliefs About Cats and Dogs Among Pet Owners and Former Owners. Pets, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/pets2010002
Yin, S. (2007). Dominance versus leadership in dog training. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 29, 414–418.
Horowitz, A. (2009). Disambiguating the "guilty look": Salient prompts to a familiar dog behavior. Behavioral Processes, 81(3), 447-452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2009.03.014
Hall, S.S., MacMichael, J., Turner, A., & Mills, D.S. (2021). A survey of the impact of COVID-19 on the training, placement and loss of assistance dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 675504. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28356121/
Assistance Dogs International. (n.d.). ADI Standards and Ethics. Retrieved from https://assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/