Shock and Prong Collars

The science and ethics, with sources cited:

We do not allow any dogs in our care to wear shock collars (also called “e-collars”) or any other sort of punishment-based collar. We also discourage any dog owner from using these products. This includes any collar that pinches, vibrates, chokes, makes a noise, or sprays odors at the dog. They are called “aversive” because they work based on any animal’s natural aversion to pain, annoyance, and choking.

Studies have shown that aversive devices are not any more effective for training than “positive” fear-free methods. However studies have also shown that use of aversive tools can cause lasting fear, stress, and emotional problems. Dogs may respond more quickly and strongly to punishment type methods, just as any one of us will react when someone hits us or yells at us. That quick response makes us think the method worked. But the only thing we actually learn from getting hit or scared is to avoid whoever did it, and to consider that person -and whatever they’re holding- a potential threat from that point on. It cannot teach us what else we could have done to avoid that threat.

  • Shock, prong, and choke collars work by causing pain or annoyance.
  • Pinch and prong collars are sold on the premise that mother dogs “train” their puppies by biting. In reality, moms only nip out of frustration, not to teach good behaviors.
  • Even the lightest buzz or gentlest pinch is still punishment since it serves to remind the dog that you could hurt them worse.
  • The resulting startle response temporarily blocks the brain’s ability to learn, and it has a stronger effect in cases where the dog has fear or anxiety.
  • Repeated punishment causes frustration and helplessness. This leads to fear, distrust, and behavior problems like aggression or reactivity.
  • Punishment only offers a dog one negative option: avoid getting punished. It doesn’t show them any choices we actually want them to make, so it sets them up to fail.
  • When we reward specific behaviors, the dog will want to repeat those behaviors, giving them a way to succeed. Ask me for help!

Citations:

A small puppy sits and looks cute but it has a shock collar on, and the remote control is shown nearby