It has been suggested that dog training that utilizes a reward-based approach can promote a healthy relationship between dogs and their owners, but that aversive-based dog training methods may harm dog welfare and the human-animal bond. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing dog owners' decisions regarding dog training methods in the United States. A questionnaire was designed and implemented to assess dog owners’ training knowledge, perceptions, and practices. A convenience sample of 385 dog owners residing in the United States completed a survey promoted on social media. Descriptive analysis was performed for all data. Most respondents planned to or had already participated in training classes with their dogs. Most participants reported knowing enough to educate their dogs but would reach out for help with behavioral problems, advanced training, and puppy classes. The owners considered the stressfulness and reliability of training methods to be more important than how quickly the results were achieved. Participants preferred less stressful training methods, and the specific method used was most important when choosing a dog trainer or school. Dog owners indicated that the most important behaviors for their dogs to learn were recall, being calm at home alone, and good manners around people and other dogs. This study is the first assessment of dog owners in the United States and their knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding dog training
