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Shock Collars
- the shocking truth
From an APBC press release
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors condemns the
widespread use of devices which deliver electric shocks to dogs for the
purpose of training or curing behaviour problems. Their potential for
accidental misuse is high and they could easily cause considerable and
unnecessary pain and distress to the animal.
A dog experiencing an unpleasant shock to the neck 'out of the blue' will
associate the sensation with whatever the dog happens to be focusing on at
the time. Used incorrectly, this could be an area, object, another dog,
the owner or even a child. Unwanted side effects could easily occur when
the dog being shocked becomes afraid of being in that area, or it could
become afraid of, and as a result, potentially aggressive towards owners,
children, other dogs or strangers.
In inexperienced hands, it may take many repetitions of administrations of
the shock before the punishment is finally associated with the unwanted
behaviour, and several more before the dog learns how to avoid the shock
by performing the 'correct' action. Not only is this inhumane, but can set
up a series of fears which can cause associated behaviour problems in
future.
In addition, it is possible that the device may be triggered by external
influences, or malfunction, which may result in delivery of repeated
shocks, particularly in those devices which are designed to be triggered
by barking and are put onto dogs left alone for long periods.
Sophisticated methods of punishing dogs are not necessary in order to
train them to behave appropriately. Such methods are often used as a quick
fix by the inexperienced. Humane methods which rely on an sound
understanding of the dog's mind are more effective for training or
bringing about a lasting cure for behaviour problems. Results may take
slightly longer to achieve, but the process benefits from being less
stressful for the dog, free from the risk of side effects, and improves
rather than spoils the relationship between dog and owner. In the long
run, they will result in a happy, confident dog and satisfied owner.
Only in a handful of cases, where all else has been tried and failed, and
when the condition is potentially life-threatening, can the use of such
devices ever be justified, and, only then, in the hands of an experienced
behavioural specialist who is capable of accurate timing.
Owners of problem pets need to be made aware that the unwanted behaviour
can be altered with understanding and advice and that a 'quick fix'
approach which involves inhumane methods of punishment can do more harm
than good. |
