Shock Collars-Dispelling the Myths

The internet is rife with debate over the use of electronic training collars in dogs. Those who oppose it argue that this type of training should be banned, citing pain caused to the animal, the potential for misuse of the product, and the possibility of the development of anxiety and other psychological disorders. People who use these types of collars, however, argue that there is no pain involved, and that, when used correctly, there are no negative psychological effects. Before exploring this further, it might be helpful to know exactly what these collars are.

Electronic training collars are used primarily for three types of training: anti-bark training, field and hunting activities, and perimeter control. In all three cases, the dog will wear a collar fitted with two small probes. These probes emit a very small current to serve as a brief correction mechanism. In addition, the collar is designed to issue electronic beeps and vibrations as warning signals to the dog when it is in danger of being corrected. The anti-bark collar, for example, is only activated at the moment the dog barks, and can be removed after a few uses. Field and hunting activity training is similar, only the current is controlled by the trainer. When a dog is misbehaving, ignoring commands, or out of recall range, the trainer can issue a warning beep, a vibration, or a short static correction. Perimeter control is slightly different in that it functions automatically, sending signals to the collar to beep or vibrate as the dog begins to violate the preset perimeter. When the dog has gone too far into or away from the perimeter, the collar will emit a static correction.

In order to determine for oneself whether this system will work for you and your dog, the facts should be reviewed per individual argument. The primary argument is that the electric collars cause pain. The issue with this argument is that pain is a relative perception. Most good trainers actually try the collars on themselves prior to using it with their dogs. They, and others, have found that the correction issued by the collar is essentially equal to or less than a static charge; the same as you would get after shuffling your feet across the carpet, and then touching a metal doorknob. The sensation is surprising, and uncomfortable, yes- but it cannot exactly be described as painful, and certainly the effects cease immediately.

Furthermore, when used correctly, the collar only need be used for any particular training a small number of times before lasting results are achieved.
Another major argument is fairly insulting to most dog owners, and that is that the training collars could be misused through human error, anger, or even sadism. While this may be true, the same could be said of virtually anything: leashes, standard collars, toys, sticks, and so on, could all be misused by an irresponsible owner. The theory that we should be operating under, however, is that most dog owners are responsible, and would not do anything to mistreat their dogs.

A final, but major argument is that electric shock collars cause permanent psychological damage to a dog. The fact of the matter is that dogs are subjected to hundreds, if not thousands, of natural static charges in their lifetime. Although these natural charges may consistently occur from the same objects, types of objects, or situations, dogs rarely if ever develop fear or anxiety related to the charges. In the Northern part of the country, especially during the winter months, people with carpeting in their homes find that they are constantly shocking their dog on the nose when they touch. These types of natural static are approximately the equivalent of what an electronic training collar issues. Although this is rarely stated, the static charge simply serves as a surprise, which redirects the dog's attention. This is how the real training takes place: by interrupting undesired behavior with a mildly unpleasant and surprising sensation.

All of this, of course, is provided that the training collars are used correctly. Although the effects of misuse of these types of collars are well-documented and factual, there are very few trainers who misuse the products. In addition, this could be said of any training method: conducted improperly, poor approaches to training your dog can result in physical or mental harm, or both. This is why it is imperative to study a training method thoroughly, seek expert advice, and make decisions based on facts.