Why you should ditch the electric collar

Research from around the world proves that the use of an electric collar (also called an electric shock collar, or ESHO) to train a dog does more harm than good. That is why in a number of countries this “device” is prohibited by law. What’s wrong with an electric collar for dogs?

In the photo: a dog in an electric collar. Photo: google

In 2017, representatives of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Ethology stated that the use of an electric collar in dog training is unacceptable, and put forward a proposal to ban the sale and use of these devices in all European countries. In 2018, the Journal of Veterinary Behavior published an article by Dr. Sylvia Masson, which explains why you should stop using electric collars.

Why do people use electric collars when training dogs?

Electric collars are quite often used in dog training as a positive punishment for “bad” behavior. They are also often used as a negative reinforcer: the dog is shocked until it obeys the human command. Many electric collars are now time-limited, so they are less likely to be used as negative reinforcement.

The article discusses three types of electric collars:

1. “Anti-bark”, which is activated by sound and automatically shocks the dog when it barks.
2. Electric fences equipped with underground sensors. When the dog crosses the border, the collar sends out an electric shock.
3. Remote-controlled electric collars that allow a person to press a button and remotely shock a dog. This is the so-called “remote control”.

The article states that there is no credible evidence that the use of ESHO can be justified. But there are many reasons to abandon these devices. There are much more effective methods of training, at the same time less risky.

It further recommends that the sale, use and advertising of electric collars be banned in all European countries.

There are several reasons why people continue to use electric collars:

• “They told me it worked.”
• “I want fast results.”
• “I have tried ESHO on myself, and I believe that it is harmless” (this does not take into account the differences between the sensitivity to the electric shock of a dog and a person).
• “I was told that the risk is minimal compared to other ways of learning.”
• “It’s cheaper than going to a trainer or a dog behaviorist.”

However, none of these reasons stand up to scrutiny. Moreover, the use of an electric collar is a direct threat to the welfare of the animal, as has been previously established in studies of aversive (violent-based) training methods.

In the photo: a dog in an electric collar. A photo: google

Why is the use of electric collars ineffective?

People who believe that the use of ESHO is cheaper than the services of a specialist will then pay more for the elimination of the harm that electric shocks have caused to the dog’s psyche. The use of ESHO results in behavioral problems such as aggression, fears or learned helplessness. Timing issues (and most owners, especially inexperienced ones, have them) exacerbate the situation and increase the risk.

Studies show that the use of electric collars when training a dog increases the level of distress and makes the dog more fearful of exercise. The dog forms bad associations with the trainer, the place where the classes are held, as well as with people and dogs that are just nearby or pass by at the moment of the electric shock.

In addition, there is not a single study proving that the use of ESHO is more effective. On the contrary, a number of studies provide conclusive evidence that positive reinforcement leads to better outcomes. For example, one study looked at the use of an electric collar when training a dog to call (a popular request from owners). There was no benefit from the ESHO, but the welfare of the animals was damaged.

So, while people give various reasons for using an electric collar, there is no evidence to support these myths (there is no other way to call them).

Unfortunately, the Internet is full of information about the wonders of electric shocks. And many owners are simply not aware that there are, for example, methods such as positive reinforcement.

However, the situation is changing. Electric collars are already banned in Austria, the UK, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and parts of Australia.

Whether you want to help your dog, train it, or modify its behavior, choose a good trainer who uses positive reinforcement.

Photo: google

What you can read about the use of electric collars in dog training

Masson, S., de la Vega, S., Gazzano, A., Mariti, C., Pereira, G. D. G., Halsberghe, C., Leyvraz, A.M., McPeake, K. & Schoening, B. (2018). Electronic training devices: discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE). Journal of Veterinary Behavior.