Some of the things that get under a lot of Positive/Force Free Trainers skins is the buzz words that Balanced/Energy/Dominance-Alpha based trainers use as euphemisms. At this point, I wouldn't mind if they came right out and said what they were really using to control a dogs behaviour; in fact, I would welcome it. Why? Because people would begin to understand what these methods really do to their dogs, and the possible side effects they could create. Since they aren't about to tell the general public what they really mean, I will be happy to educate the public for them.
Various methods are used; I'll talk about the science behind them later (where there is a case for science, and not misunderstanding of science or out right fabrication and spreading of myths), first though, there needs to be some explanation of the words. Balance. Most of the time, when I read this, then read the descriptions that follow, there is usually some method of force, intimidation or pain involved (usually for "correction"). It might be wrapped up in words like leash corrections, stern or loud voice, or pinning the dog to the ground (alpha rolling). I haven't come across any site or explanation that describes the techniques as not using some sort of physical or mental force; if there is, AND they don't use prong, choke or eCollars, I'd like to see it and find out what they do and dissect the method happily in an intelligent debate. Energy, is usually used to mean that the person has some mystical connection with the dogs mental/emotional state; usually this is in conjunction with the three collar types mentioned above. You cannot use Energy to train a dog; you can use psychology, but not mystical mumbo jumbo; I can't even make an argument for this because it's so vague and unprovable it defies logic. Dominance/Alpha. This is used based on a complete misinterpretation of the science involving wolves; the original author of the papers now wishes he hadn't used the terms, as what he meant, was Alpha = Parent; Beta = older pups (usually around 2yrs); Omega = youngest cubs. So just as a Parent human is dominant over their child (they hold all the resources) so is an Alpha. It's a family structure, not some anthropological mockup of dog societies. Again, with this false theory, there is a lot of force, intimidation and fear inducement in the training. Not only is it assigning human values to dogs, but forcing dogs into situations that would be considered potentially lethal situations in the real world (the only time a wolf in a fight alpha rolls another wolf is with intent to kill!)
So if all the above is smoke and mirrors, what are they using? Some of it was mentioned. If we look at leash pops, prong ("pinch") collars, eCollars, choke and slip collars (nylon chokes) they all have a basis in either discomfort (at best) or pain (at worst) (ie. Positive Punishment in Operant Conditioning terms) or after sustained use and then discontinuing use after the dog does the "right" behaviour - relief (Negative Reinforcement). They say that you need excellent timing for these devices to work and that they shouldn't be used by those not proficient in them; yet if you have excellent timing, you don't need them in the first place! (to paraphrase Ian Dunbar). That is the scientific methodology they use, whether they describe it as such or not. Alpha rolls and other dominating maneuvers are merely some form of the above as well. Will the dog learn the correct behaviour that is being targeted? Possibly, yes, I will admit they might (it's the nature of learning theory) but they may also develop a negative emotional connection with the technique, the person using the technique, or perhaps with people in general. Why? The thing that those that use Balance don't either understand, or ignore, is that Classical Conditioning (Pavlov's research performed over a 100 years ago and well established) is always at work.
They neglect it because they are only focused solely on the behaviour, not the emotion. If you change the emotion, you will change the behaviour. The behaviour is there for a reason, it works to accomplish the goal the dog wants. Eliminating the behaviour may work, but the emotional state will stay the same; so the chance of recurrence is ever present, not diminished or extinguished. Change the emotion and the need for the behaviour will no longer be valid; the dog may perform the behaviour out of habit and work it's emotions back up, but that is a management issue that doesn't require the use of force, just compassion and empathy. You don't need to correct a behaviour that is fueled by negative emotions; you need to fix the emotions first. Blaming a hungry thief for stealing bread and locking them up doesn't make the hunger go away.
This for me is still a messaging and communication issue leading the public with false advertising. No one can guarantee the behaviour of another organism. You can adjust the odds in your favour, but you can't make it a sure thing. The public has the right to know that there are people out there that claim one thing, but do something completely different. Reality TV has done nothing to help in this regard. Dog Training is fighting against outdated and erroneous messages coming off TV, the internet and filtered through friends and family who suddenly know what's best for your dog. The public needs, no, DESERVES Consumer Rights protection. They acquire a pet that will be with them for up to 15 years or more and ask someone to come and train the dog (an animal with a not so distant past of being a predator with sharp teeth) without telling them how they plan on motivating the dog or what methods they are really using. Trainers be honest in the way you train dogs; don't flower it up with language that doesn't mean anything or is false. Owners be as harsh in your questions to your trainers as you need to be until you get an answer you understand; if they continue to make you ill at ease or if it is something you would not do to a child, you have the right to walk away.
Suggested reading:
http://eileenanddogs.com/2013/08/12/calm-submissive/
http://muttabouttown.com/2013/08/13/making-force-free-training-the-norm/
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