Lets Talk Shock Collars!
You may have noticed over the past month there has been a lot of discussion and praise around England banning the use of shock collars come February 2024. They have been banned in Wales since 2010, with the possibility of a fine should you be caught using one.
Just now in Scotland, there is on-going lobbying to achieve an outright ban as their use is only ‘condoned’ by the government.
WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
Shock collars, also know as e collars, are devices that are used to punish a dog for unwanted behaviours. While they may appear to provide immediate results, they do not address the underlying emotional response that has resulted in the undesired behaviour.
I’ll admit that the marketing for these devices can be enticing. With tag lines like; ‘anti bark collar’ and ‘vibration collar’ it’s easy to see why people, at their wits end, may be tempted to use them. Especially as, with a quick google search, there are plenty of advocates supporting their use.
There’s a small fact though that has largely been ignored for years - these devices can cause more harm than good.
THE FALLOUT!
What is now being spoken about more openly, is the long term psychological damage, including fear and anxiety, that the use of these devices can have on our beloved pets. Not only could it cause them to be sensitive to things around their necks (like a normal collar) They can also cause increased reactivity toward anything in the immediate area the devices are used.
Dogs will largely feel confusion when they are being shocked, the pain they feel has no clear association. This could ultimately lead to a dog with heightened frustration levels, exacerbating any behavioural concerns. The devices could also have a detrimental impact between the dog and the owner. The dog will associate the owner being present when they feel pain, this in turn can make training more difficult in the long term.
WHY CHOOSE FORCE-FREE TRAINING INSTEAD?
Force free training, also known as positive reinforcement training, is a humane and scientifically proven approach that focuses on rewarding desired behaviours instead of punishing unwanted ones. Studies have shown positive reinforcement is more effective during training, as the dog has a clear indication of what is expected of them. It emphasises building a strong bond of trust and cooperation between the dog and owner, leading to happier and more confident dogs. Which in turn means the dogs are more willing to engage in training sessions.
Ultimately for me, It’s about finding what motivates your dog and then repetition and consistency while you train. Plus sprinkle in a little fun - none of us like to be bored!
ANYTHING CAN BE AVERSIVE FOR A DOG!
Although it is true that anything has the potential to be found aversive by a dog. By creating positive associations during training and not using fear or pain throughout, we’re making it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Shock collars, by design, are not effective unless they are being used.
Here at Gems Canine Academy I use a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. Continually monitoring your dog for any sign of distress signals, and adapting training sessions accordingly. It all comes down to looking at dogs as the wonderfully unique, sentient beings that they are and utilising what they find reinforcing. For example, some dogs may be motivated by food, while others it may be toys or praise.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was talking to my husband recently about how alienated people that use these devices must be feeling. Nobody (I hope) uses any sort of equipment with their dog with the sole intention of causing fear or pain. We all love our pets and do what we feel is best for them. There’s often so much conflicting information online that you don’t know where to go for advice.
So, If you’re reading this and are wondering how you can transition away from shock collars, please reach out. Sessions with me are a safe space, where you will be free from judgement.
Until Next Time
Gem
XOXO
I’ve linked some peer reviewed studies below. There are many, many more should you wish to do further research on this topic.
https://europepmc.org/article/MED/32793652
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00508/full