About unterHUNDs

Why we write in English

Our research library is written for dog trainers, behavior consultants and veterinary professionals worldwide.

We don't conduct our own studies. Instead, we read published research, examine the methods and reliability of its findings, identify its limitations and explain what the evidence means for everyday work with dogs.

Our articles cite the scientific literature and distinguish between what studies actually show, what remains uncertain and where interpretation begins.

For dog owners, our guides translate scientific findings into understandable explanations and practical advice.

How we train

We build the behavior we want through positive reinforcement. Our training focuses on motivation, cooperation and creating conditions in which dogs can learn without fear or intimidation.

Where appropriate, we may briefly withdraw access to something rewarding, such as interrupting an ongoing game in response to a particular behavior. When this reduces the future occurrence of that behavior, it is known as negative punishment in learning theory.

We do not deliberately cause pain, startle dogs or use intimidation as training methods.

That rules out, for example:

• Startle-based methods such as spray collars, training discs or water pistols
• Equipment and techniques that rely on pain or physical force, such as prong collars, choke chains used for corrections, electronic shock collars or leash jerks
• Intimidation and physical confrontation, such as muzzle grabs, alpha rolls or scruff shakes

German animal welfare law also sets limits on training methods. Section 2(5) of the Dog Welfare Ordinance (Tierschutz-Hundeverordnung) prohibits prong collars and other painful means in dog training. Section 3, sentence 1, No. 11 of the Animal Welfare Act (Tierschutzgesetz) prohibits the use of certain devices involving direct electric current when the specified legal conditions are met.

Our own training standards go further than these specific legal prohibitions: we do not use any of the methods listed above.

Our group classes have no more than six dog-and-owner teams. This allows us to give every team individual attention and adapt the training to the needs of sensitive dogs.

unterHUNDs is listed as a participating dog training school with the Initiative für gewaltfreies Hundetraining (Initiative for Force-Free Dog Training). We support its position paper and follow its code of conduct for dog trainers.

Who is behind it

unterHUNDs is run by Michael Sauerwein and Mario Raczek.

Michael writes the research articles and works as a dog trainer and behavior therapist. He holds the official permit required for commercial dog training under Section 11 of the German Animal Welfare Act.

Michael is also approved to run the certificate-of-competence courses required under Saarland's police ordinance on protecting the public from dangerous dogs (Polizeiverordnung über den Schutz der Bevölkerung vor gefährlichen Hunden im Saarland). The approval was granted by the town of Merzig (Kreisstadt Merzig) on 23 October 2024.

He also publishes a book series on dog behavior and training through unterHUNDs Verlag.

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Training trainers

The unterHUNDs Trainerakademie provides professional education for aspiring dog trainers, combining scientific foundations with practical training. Experienced members of our training team also contribute to the practical education of future trainers.