Some people think this is the correct way to "train" a dog unfotunatly. It was the way i was told to train my Clover and consequently it killed her spirit for Obedience work (I did not severly correct but if the dog lagged i was told to pull her up, and to yank on the chain when she forged ahead)

It would not hurt to send ESPN an email regarding your concerns i am sure they will get many emails about the program.