Training Without Conflict Podcast Episode 68: Will Bangura
Nov 14, 2025
Behavior consultant Will Bangura shares his journey from using aversive methods to embracing positive reinforcement for dog training. He discusses the ethical implications of training techniques and the importance of understanding fear and punishment. The conversation dives deep into handling severe behavioral issues, like noise sensitivity, with innovative approaches like noise-canceling headphones. Both trainers highlight the need for better regulation in the industry and emphasize maximizing welfare without losing effectiveness. A powerful dialogue on evolving training philosophies!
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Change The Emotion Not Just The Behavior
- Will Bangura shifted from balanced to force-free because counterconditioning changed dogs' emotional states rather than suppressing behavior.
- He argues suppression via aversives often returns because underlying fear or motivation wasn't addressed.
Keep Triggers Below Threshold
- Avoid setting dogs up to fail; keep triggers below threshold and manage antecedents before training.
- Use counterconditioning and differential reinforcement to reshape responses progressively and safely.
From Keeler To Counterconditioning
- Will started training at nine with compulsion-based methods and later integrated positives and e-collars into his balanced approach.
- He spent decades using prong collars and e-collars before moving fully to force-free work.