Force-Free Care: Our Promise to Every Dog
At Forever 5, we believe every dog deserves kindness, patience and a chance to rebuild their life without fear.
That’s why we are a proudly force-free rescue; every dog is supported with humane, science-led methods that honour their emotional and physical wellbeing.
What “Force-Free” Means to Us
Why We Choose Force-Free Care
What This Looks Like in Practice
Our Commitment to Dogs and Guardians
Staff & Volunteers: Trained in safe, force-free handling and welfare-focused care
Adopters: Supported with tailored advice on continuing positive methods at home
Community: Open, transparent advocacy for kind, ethical treatment of dogs
Together, we help dogs heal, rebuild confidence, and thrive in loving homes.
Welfare: Many dogs entering rescue are already vulnerable. Harsh methods add fear, stress, and anxiety.
Safety: Fear-based techniques can trigger aggression and increase bite risk. Calm, kind methods keep everyone safe.
Real Progress: Positive approaches build trust and long-term behaviour change – not just short-term suppression.
Reassurance: Adopters and supporters expect modern, humane care. They deserve to know that fairness and kindness are at the heart of our work.
Professional Standards: We work closely with vets, trainers, rescues, and other organisations.
A clear, force-free policy demonstrates our commitment to best practice, safety, and welfare.
Force-free isn’t just an approach; it’s a standard we uphold and advocate for.
✔️ We Use:
Flat collars, harnesses, long lines
Calm, safe behaviour guidance
Choice, space, and slow introductions
❌ We Do Not Use:
Choke chains, prong collars, e-collars
Head collars, spray collars, or leash jerks
Scruffing, intimidation, or physical corrections
Dogs are never harmed, frightened, or forced into compliance.
Simply put, it means we never use fear, pain, or intimidation to control behaviour.
Instead, we create safe environments where dogs feel secure, confident and able to learn at their own pace.
Our approach includes:
Positive reinforcement and reward-based training
Humane management to prevent unwanted behaviours
Understanding a dog’s individual needs and adapting to them
Respecting canine body language, signals, and consent
Evidence-based, modern training methods
No dominance, “pack leader”, or punishment-based techniques
We believe learning should feel safe, not scary.
Forever 5 – Force-Free, Always
Because every dog deserves a life shaped by compassion, not coercion.