If you have worked with me, you know I use a light touch on all dogs. I try to be smarter, not harsher. I’ve spent over 25 years coming up with and testing more non-aversive tools than you could probably ever dream up. Yet, as every good highway has guardrails against danger, sometimes you need to install some guardrails, in the form of course corrections, for the safety of your dog and others. Having guardrails isn’t the same as condoning animal abuse.
A parent or schoolteacher that doesn’t provide guardrails for their kids is a bad person. Same thing with dog ownership.
I have complete distain for those who would rather let dogs be only partially trained and not prepared for the dangers of the real world. The rule of thumb is 15% of dogs are lost every year, some make it back, some never return. It is selfish to not prepare when training, and selfish if you are too worried about the criticisms of others (who won’t have to pay any price if something bad happens to your dog). You get a dog? You have an obligation to be humane and to consider the overall welfare of your dog and others.
Don’t feel guilty about being a good dog owner.
Plan accordingly.