Many of us have been there with our own dogs: We and our dogs were vulnerable and struggling, and we were pressured to use tools on our dogs that can and do cause physical pain and trauma.

I was there, too, as a dog guardian, and that is why I became a force-free dog trainer and behavior consultant. I saw the damage and trauma caused by shock collars and other tools designed to cause pain when used correctly, and I am wholly committed to never using pain, force, or fear on any dog no matter the behavior issue.