The Ethics of E-Collars & Prong Collars
Why OOTP is Against the Use of Electronic Shock Collars
A shock collar or remote training collar is any of a family of training collars (also called e-collars, Ecollars, or electronic collars) that deliver electrical stimulation of varying intensity and duration to the neck of a dog (they can also be applied to other places on the dog's body, to achieve various training effects) via a radio-controlled electronic device incorporated into a dog collar. Some collar models also include a tone or vibrational setting, as an alternative to or in conjunction with the shock (Wikipedia)
These collars are often misused and overused. Even when used by a professional, a positive alternative could have been used to the same effect without longstanding repercussions for 99% of behavioral cases. Let's look at those repercussions and other reasons to avoid the use of an electronic shock collar.
Reputable Organizations’ Stances on Electronic Collars
The AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) has released a position statement on e-collars (also known as electronic collars or shock collars) used in dog training. The statement is as follows:
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The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) believes that e-collars have the potential to cause physical and psychological harm to dogs and that their use in training is unnecessary. Positive reinforcement training methods, which involve rewarding good behavior and building a bond of trust and respect with your dog, are a more effective and humane approach to training. The use of e-collars should be avoided, as their use can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs and can damage the bond between the dog and their owner."
Read the entire paper here
The ASVAB's position statement on e-collars is in line with the position of many other animal welfare organizations and veterinary associations, who advocate for the use of positive reinforcement training methods instead of punishment-based methods like e-collars. The statement emphasizes the potential for harm to dogs and the importance of creating a positive training environment based on trust and respect.
Some organizations that advocate against the use of e-collars.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
The British Veterinary Association (BVA)
The Kennel Club (UK)
These organizations share a belief in the importance of humane, effective, and science-based dog training methods that prioritize the well-being of the dog. They argue that positive reinforcement training methods, which involve rewarding good behavior and building a bond of trust and respect with your dog, are more effective and humane than punishment-based methods like e-collars.
It can psychologically and physically damage your pup…
Psychological, pathological, and Physical Repercussions.
The use of e-collars has shown to escalate Canine communicators to aggressive levels. A study in New Zealand {1} showed one or two shocks can lead to aversion to the target for years following. This study also showed electronic collars can eliminate an unwanted behavior in as little as one event. In addition, numerous cases of overuse and settings has caused pain even up to death.
In May 2022 in San Francisco a dog died due to complications following a session with a trainer using an electronic shock collar.
This is an extreme case of misuse, but it can happen and has happened nonetheless. In addition, avoidance methods can begin to generalize causing an avoidance to trying anything new that is not known to illicit punishment or reward. Studies in numerous countries have also shown and prove that positive training is just as effective at the end result. At One of the Pack, we believe the drawbacks of electronic shock collars do not outweigh the benefits. When done correctly, positive and aversive training can have the same outcome and benefits. The drawbacks to positive training are that it is harder, as it requires much more consistency and patience while aversive training punishes your dog at the literal push of a button.
You are responsible for the care, feeding, and actions of your dog. An out-of-control pup can cause a whole lot of damage and can cause wide range of issues.
In recent years, there has been a vast and expanding amount of research that can empower pet owners to understand and handle the potential hazards of managing your willful dog without the use of an E-Collar. By asking the right questions and being well-informed, pet owners can take proactive steps to ensure a safe and positive relationship with their furry companions.
Dale RA, Statham S, Podlesnik CA, Elliffe D. The acquisition and maintenance of dogs' aversion responses to kiwi (Apteryx spp.) training stimuli across time and locations. Appl Anim Behav Sci. (2013) 147:107–11. 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.04.006 Google Scholar
