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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 a 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.
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