Why Should You Refrain From Using Shock Collars?

Discover why refraining from shock collars is crucial. Prioritize your pet’s well-being and explore effective and humane alternatives.

Electronically controlled shock collars for dogs are currently legal in the U.S. and many other countries around the world. But what are shock collars? How do they work? Using a shock collar on your dog is comparable to using a stun gun on a human being. It’s painful, leads to severe physical and emotional damage, and does not teach your dog to be obedient nor make it understand what actions are leading to pain.

So, the question remains, are shock collars cruel? Yes, they might be in many cases. Here are some of the reasons for not using a shock collar to train your dog.

How Do Shock Collars Work?

Shock collars are primarily used to train dogs. The collar is made up of a transmitter and receiver, fitted on the dog’s neck. When the dog does something that is not desirable, the transmitter sends an electric shock to the receiver, which acts as a deterrent.

Pet owners who want their dogs obedient without the need for daily training sessions or verbal commands use shock collars.

What Does the Study Suggest?

Research conducted by the University of Bristol found that shock collars can hurt the mental health of pets and their owners, leading to reduced activity levels, increased stress, and even accidents with the potential for injury.

This study suggests that there may be unintended consequences of using electronic training devices like shock collars. They should be used as the last resort when all other training methods have been unsuccessful.

Downsides of Using Shock Collars

Shock Collars Can Cause Skin Burns

Some people claim that these collars are effective for training dogs because they work by giving the dog a small electric shock whenever he does not obey commands. 

And the same people frown upon when asked the question – are shock collars cruel? But some studies have shown that not only do these shocks put pressure on your dog’s neck, but they also cause other problems such as burns on their skin.

They Can Make Pets More Aggressive

A shock collar has been associated with increased aggression in some dogs, which can be dangerous if owners are unaware of the side effects. Additionally, these collars have been known to malfunction and administer shocks at unintended times.

As a result, there have also been reports of injuries to humans if they contact the dog while wearing the collar. The use of shock collars may also make it difficult for children or others to approach an animal, as it can make them afraid.

Shock Collars Are Less Effective Than Humane Training

Shock collars are a topic of much debate and controversy in the pet industry. While some believe that shock collars are more effective than humane training methods, others believe that is not the case.

Shock collars are electric, and they emit a high voltage shock to the dog when they misbehave. A humane trainer uses rewards instead of punishments to teach the dog how to behave.

Don’t Work on Stubborn Pets

Shock collars must be avoided as they cause physical pain that is difficult to control. Additionally, they may not even work on particularly stubborn pets since they will simply ignore the painful stimuli. When you want to train your pet, the better method is to use positive reinforcement and not resort to harmful shock collars.

Stay Within the Law

The United States of America law states that shock collars should not be used as an automatic correction device; they should only be used with animal trainers. The law does not prohibit using these devices in certain situations, and it is up to you whether you would want to use them or not.

Final Words

So, “are shock collars cruel?” It is not an easy choice because it can be excruciating for the dog while learning. Using shock collars on animals is associated with a severe and inhumane form of punishment. If you have any questions about using shock collars, consult your veterinarian first before deciding about it.      

Additional Resources 

1. ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking – The ASPCA discusses the ethical concerns and potential dangers associated with shock collars, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement training methods.
2. Humane Society: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/dog-collars – The Humane Society provides insights into the controversy surrounding shock collars, highlighting potential risks and advocating for humane training alternatives.
3. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB): https://avsab.org/positive-reinforcement-is-more-effective-at-training-dogs-than-an-electronic-collar-study-shows/ – AVSAB’s position statement on the use of punishment in animal behavior management, including shock collars, citing potential adverse effects on pets’ well-being and behavior.
4. PETA: https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/caring-animal-companions/dogs/electric-fences-shock-collars/ – PETA’s perspective on shock collars, emphasizing the physical and psychological harm they can cause to animals, and advocating for positive reinforcement training methods.
5. The Kennel Club: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/electric-shock-collars/ – The Kennel Club campaigns against the use of shock collars, highlighting the importance of responsible training techniques that prioritize the welfare of dogs.
6. International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP): https://www.theiacp.org/resources/law-enforcement-code-of-ethics – The IACP’s code of conduct emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement and humane training methods while discouraging the use of aversive tools like shock collars.
7. RSPCA Australia: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/is-the-use-of-electronic-dog-collars-legal/ – RSPCA Australia outlines concerns associated with the use of electronic collars for dogs, including potential physical and psychological harm, as well as the need for more effective and humane training methods.
8. The Bark: https://www.thewildest.com/dog-behavior/shock-collar-ban-new-york – The Bark magazine provides insights into the controversy surrounding shock collars, discussing their effectiveness, ethical implications, and potential risks to canine well-being.
9. Victoria Stilwell Positively: https://positively.com/dog-training/positive-training/positive-reinforcement/ – Victoria Stilwell advocates for positive reinforcement training methods as an effective and humane alternative to aversive techniques like shock collars, promoting a better bond between dogs and their owners.
10. ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815910300248X – This scientific article discusses the potential welfare implications and behavioral effects of shock collar training on dogs, providing empirical evidence on the subject.