As a certified behavior consultant (CDBC) and certified dog trainer (ADT-IAABC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and as a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT) and AnimalKind accredited by the BCSPCA, I feel it's my ethical responsibility to speak out on a recent study about the use of shock collars. This blog will explain why focusing on how well a training method works misses the bigger, more important point: hurting dogs isn’t okay, no matter the results.
1. Welfare Cannot Be Measured in Just Five Days
The study in question measured shock collar effectiveness over just five days. While it showed some behavior change, five days is far too short to measure the true impact on a dog's emotional and mental health. What happens to these dogs weeks, months, or even years after the training? Welfare is a long-term concern that can’t be gauged by looking at short-term behavior changes. Dogs are sentient, conscious creatures, and we must think about their overall well-being, not just how quickly we can get them to 'behave.'
2. Efficiency vs. Ethics: The Real Question
Yes, the study found that shock collars can be 'effective' in changing a dog’s behavior when used by professionals. But that’s not the real issue. The question isn’t whether shock collars work—it’s whether we should be using pain and fear as training tools in the first place. During the study, dogs cried and yelped in response to the shocks. Do we really want to cause suffering just because it might change a behavior?
3. The Use of Shock Collars to Train Predatory Behavior
One of the areas where shock collars are often used is in controlling predatory behavior, such as chasing. But this approach raises significant ethical concerns. As a certified instructor of Simone Mueller’s Predation Substitute Training (PST), I’m well aware of the challenges in managing predatory behaviors and chase drives in dogs. However, I also understand that many dogs don’t experience true predatory urges. Instead, they exhibit what we call 'pseudo-predation,' where chasing is more of a coping mechanism for frustration, stress, or anxiety. This often stems from unmet genetic or breed-specific needs or even trigger stacking (where stressors build over time until the dog reacts). Using a shock collar on these dogs doesn’t address the underlying issue—it simply suppresses the behavior. These dogs need positive outlets for their natural drives, not pain and fear. Shock collars may suppress the chase temporarily, but they make these already stressed and anxious dogs even more miserable.
4. Only for Professionals? The Hidden Warning
The researchers themselves said that shock collar training was only safe and effective when used by professionals in a controlled environment. They even stated that regular dog owners shouldn’t try this at home. If shock collars are too dangerous or complicated for most people to use, why are we even talking about them as an option? This kind of research sends a mixed message to the public, adding confusion rather than clarity.
The High Price of Punishment
There’s no argument that punishment can change a dog’s behavior. But the cost is far too high. Punishment-based training methods, like shock collars, cause pain, fear, and stress. These methods often lead to:- Long-term fear and anxiety- Suppressed behavior (the dog doesn’t learn, it just stops showing the behavior out of fear)- Increased aggression or reactivity- Damaged relationships between dogs and their owners.
Dogs deserve better. They rely on us to protect them, guide them, and teach them in ways that respect their emotional well-being. Humane, positive reinforcement training methods are not only effective but also allow us to build trust and strengthen our bond with our dogs.
In Conclusion: Dogs Are Not Machines
At the heart of this issue is a simple truth: dogs are sentient beings. They feel fear, pain, and joy. Training isn’t just about how quickly we can make a dog sit or stay; it’s about building a trusting, loving relationship. When we cause harm in the name of 'quick results,' we fail our dogs. It’s time to move beyond discussions of efficiency and focus on what truly matters—our dogs' happiness, safety, and well-being.
Some of the Scientific Sources about Adverse Effects of Aversive Tools and Techniques
[IAABC Position Statement on Animal Training](https://iaabc.org/about/position-statements/)
[CAPDT Position Statement on Humane Training](https://capdt.ca/position-statements/)
[BCSPCA Position Statement on Animal Training](https://spca.bc.ca/programs/services/leaders-in-our-field/position-statements/position-statement-on-animal-training/)
[Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Statement on Humane Training of Dogs](https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/humane-training-of-dogs/)
[AVSAB on Aversive Dog Training Practices](https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-11-01/veterinary-behaviorists-no-role-aversive-dog-training-practices)
[Study on Stress Levels and Aversive Methods](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159117302095)
[Study on Aggression and Aversive Methods](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787817300357)
Krisztina Harasztosi MSc
CDBC, ADT-IAABC, PST-CI, CBATI-KA
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Accredited Dog Trainer
Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer
AnimalKind accredited by BCSPCA
Photos: Some of my recent clients` dogs and my dog in those pictures. They do not deserve pain and fear!
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