As a dog owner or trainer, choosing an effective training method for your dog can feel overwhelming, much like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark. This task becomes even more daunting when considering contentious tools like choke, prong, and shock collars. This post aims to illuminate these devices' ethical dilemmas, their potential impacts on your dog's well-being, and how they compare to more scientifically proven effective alternatives.
Understanding Choke, Prong, and Shock Collars
Choke, prong, and shock collars deliver discomfort or pain and modify a dog's behaviour. While some people seek quick fixes with these tools, it's vital to understand their functioning and potential consequences. As the saying goes,
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Ethical Considerations
In the UK, there's a growing awareness of animal welfare. Organisations like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and The Kennel Club oppose using aversive tools, and the UK government plans to ban shock collars in England starting in 2024, following Wales' ban in 2010. Scotland has also issued guidance advising against their use. Advocates argue these collars cause unnecessary suffering, and outside of a controlled laboratory, it is impossible to control what the dog associates the discomfort with precisely, making them an unreliable training tool. Behaviourists in the UK increasingly emphasise humane, scientifically backed methods such as positive reinforcement training. Building a relationship based on trust and respect is far more rewarding than one grounded in fear.
Physical and Psychological Impacts
In addition to the psychological harm, The Kennel Club notes these devices cause physical injuries such as musculoskeletal injuries, tracheal harm and nerve damage from choke chains and prong collars, while shock collars have burnt a dog's skin when abused.
Beyond physical harm, these tools can cause psychological damage, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and aggression. Research shows a correlation between aversive methods and heightened reactivity, which can damage the bond between dogs and their owners and create a vicious cycle where the dog's perceived "problematic" behaviour is met with an increase in the discomfort inflicted by these tools to see any result in suppressing behaviour, instead, exacerbating the issue. It's like trying to put out a fire with lighter fluid.
Imagine constantly being reprimanded at work without knowing why—it's bound to lead to confusion and anxiety.
These risks raise the question: Why use these tools when far safer, more effective alternatives are available?
Eryn talked about this on This Morning.
Why Some Trainers and Owners Use These Collars
Despite the controversies, some trainers and owners continue to use choke, prong, and shock collars due to a lack of awareness about their effects or a belief that they are more effective for specific behavioural issues. However, this perspective often overlooks the countless resources evidencing the 'fall-out' of suppressing a behaviour rather than getting to the route source and treating that as such instead of causing lasting harm.
The Case for Positive Reinforcement
The adverse effects of aversive training methods are apparent, but thankfully, humane and more effective approaches are available. Positive reinforcement techniques, which reward desired behaviours, are increasingly seen as the gold standard. In the UK, organisations like Dogs Trust promote training programmes focused on positive reinforcement, which fosters a stronger bond and reduces the risks of fear, stress, and aggression. Just as people thrive on encouragement and rewards, so do dogs, highlighting its benefits for both dogs and owners.
Training methods using food, nose work, hunting skills, meeting the dog's natural needs, using a variety of items, including toys, and praise create a positive learning environment, encouraging the dog to repeat behaviours that earn rewards.
Imagine how we learn as humans: we thrive on encouragement and rewards for a job well done rather than fear of punishment. Dogs are no different.
Success Stories
Many UK dog owners have switched to positive reinforcement and seen remarkable improvements in their dogs' behaviour.
Take, for example, Charlie, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel who struggled with lead pulling and reactivity towards other dogs. His owner initially used a figure of 8 slip lead. When this stopped 'working', they moved on to a prong collar on the advice of a trainer. Still, Charlie's reactivity worsened, and he became increasingly fearful.
After consulting with Eryn, a certified behaviourist, Charlie walks calmly on the lead attached to a non-tightening buckle collar and has become more confident in social settings. It was easy for his owners to teach this once they understood why Charlie had been pulling. Now, they enjoy long walks without Charlie or his owners feeling pain or discomfort. In Charlie's case, he didn't have the opportunity to practice his natural skillset appropriately, such as searching for specific scented items in various environments. He also underwent physio to help with pain discovered in his neck, where he had yanked and pulled against the figure of 8 slip lead. Then, the prong collar, he had pulled many muscles and ligaments. As he was a working cocker, this was masked as 'excitement' and being overly excited. As soon as the Vet and the physio had treated Charlie's pain, he was calm and could focus on his training. He is a different dog. To effectively address behaviour issues, choose a behaviourist who works on veterinary referrals and collaborates with a certified physiotherapist. This holistic team approach helps identify the source of the behaviour problem, allowing them to implement a successful treatment and training or behaviour modification plan.
It's like trading in a stressful, high-stakes job for one that you love working alongside a supportive team—you work harder and feel better doing it.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Your Pet
Understanding the negative effects of aversive training methods is crucial for any responsible pet owner or trainer. Opting for positive reinforcement techniques ensures a healthier, happier, and more harmonious relationship with your canine companion. As awareness grows, it's vital to advocate for training practices that prioritise the well-being of our beloved pets.
For more resources on humane training methods, consider enrolling in local positive reinforcement dog training classes, consulting a certified behaviourist registered with the IAABC, CCAB, or APBC for expert advice, or exploring online courses that emphasise positive reinforcement. Making informed choices today can lead to a more compassionate and practical approach to dog training, benefiting both pets and their owners for years.
Let’s prioritise our pets’ health and happiness by making kind, informed choices that will benefit them for years to come.
If you’re ready to switch to more humane methods, why not contact a UK-based certified behaviourist or check out online courses focused on positive reinforcement? As The Kennel Club puts it: A well-trained dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog makes for a happy owner.
You can book a consult with Eryn, who is a certified trainer and behaviourist, here
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