In training and behaviour, it is important to understand the difference between learned helplessness and compliance, as they may look similar on the surface, but have very different causes and welfare implications. Compliance occurs when an animal understands what is being asked and chooses to perform the behaviour, often because it has been clearly taught and consistently reinforced. A compliant animal is engaged, responsive, and able to offer behaviours willingly. For example: a dog that sits calmly when asked because it has learned that sitting earns praise or a treat is showing compliance. The animal remains curious, confident, and capable of making choices. Learned helplessness, on the other hand, develops when an animal is repeatedly exposed to situations where their actions have no effect on outcomes—especially when those situations involve unavoidable discomfort or stress. Over time, the animal may stop trying to respond at all, appearing passive or “well-behaved,” when in reality it has learned that nothing it does matters. For example: a horse that stands motionless during training because previous attempts to move or resist resulted in pressure or punishment may appear compliant, but is actually shut down.The key difference lies in the animal’s emotional state and ability to choose. A compliant animal can still offer behaviours, explore, and communicate. An animal experiencing learned helplessness often shows signs such as low energy, lack of initiative, reduced responsiveness, and difficulty learning new tasks. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ethical training. Compliance reflects learning built on clarity and trust, while learned helplessness reflects a loss of agency. Trainers who rely heavily on aversive methods risk suppressing behaviour rather than teaching it, mistaking emotional withdrawal for obedience. Recognising the difference helps ensure animals are not just quiet or still, but truly learning, coping, and thriving. Ethical training prioritises science based methods that support confidence, choice, and long-term well-being.