Dog Trainer Warns Owners Are 'Scammed' by Ineffective Methods

Tom Davis says millions are lost on avoidant techniques and medication that don't address core issues.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A leading dog trainer, Tom Davis, has warned that pet owners are being 'scammed' into spending money on ineffective training methods and medication that don't address the root of their dogs' behavior problems. Davis says 'millions of dollars' are lost each year as owners are pushed toward avoidant techniques, treat-based fixes or early medication, while fundamental obedience and accountability are ignored.

Why it matters

Davis' comments highlight the prevalence of questionable training practices in the pet industry, where owners are often sold quick fixes instead of sustainable solutions. This can lead to wasted time, money and frustration for dog owners struggling with behavioral issues.

The details

Davis criticized the industry for sidelining clear communication and structure in favor of shortcuts that offer 'zero sustainable change.' He argued that medication alone cannot fix underlying issues, and that avoidance and treat-based methods are ineffective. Instead, Davis advocated for a 'balanced approach' that rewards good behavior while fairly correcting inappropriate reactions through simple commands and light leash pressure.

  • Davis made these comments on his 'No Bad Dogs' podcast in February 2026.

The players

Tom Davis

A leading dog-training expert and host of the 'No Bad Dogs' podcast.

Whiskey

A four-and-a-half-year-old Pomsky adopted by a Brooklyn couple seven months ago, who exhibits reactivity issues.

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What they’re saying

“Their time, their money, their energy is stripped away from them and sucked out of the valuable time that they have with their dog. And this is a really frustrating thing that I see as a professional, but it's also something that dog owners, like it's a very underground, underspoken thing that dog owners have no idea that they're falling into this unfortunate hole and scam.”

— Tom Davis, Dog Trainer

“You can't run from problems you want the dog to overcome. You're dancing around the actual problem. You haven't told the dog what they're doing is inappropriate.”

— Tom Davis, Dog Trainer

“Avoidance and treats alone are not real training. You're missing the biggest piece.”

— Tom Davis, Dog Trainer

What’s next

Davis encouraged the Brooklyn couple to try his balanced approach, which involves rewarding good behavior while fairly correcting inappropriate reactions through simple commands and light leash pressure. He said he's confident they can make progress quickly with the right structure.

The takeaway

Davis' comments expose the prevalence of questionable training practices in the pet industry, where owners are often sold quick fixes instead of sustainable solutions. His balanced approach, which emphasizes clear communication and structure, offers a potential alternative to the 'scam' of avoidance techniques and medication-based fixes.