28/01/2025
When dog owners fail to address their dog's behaviour problems despite their best efforts or often because of a lack of effort, they're relieved when they consult a trainer who recommends using aversive tools such as e-collars or prong collars. I've often wondered why this is. Is it because it convinces them that the problem isn't their fault? Indeed, if a problem is so severe that it can only be resolved using such tools by an experienced trainer, it can't possibly be the owner’s responsibility.
To better understand why this might be the case, one must consider the psychology of a dog owner who may feel overwhelmed by their dog's behavioural problems. How much does an owner’s emotional state impact their willingness to accept these methods?
When a professional trainer recommends an aversive tool, it often validates the owner's belief that the dog's behaviour is particularly challenging or severe. This can shift the perception of responsibility away from the owner; it stands to reason that if a problem can only be addressed using an aversive tool or technique due to the severity of the issue, it can't be down to the owner's potential lack of skill, effort, or consistency in training. This belief helps alleviate feelings of guilt or failure, providing much-needed psychological relief.
Owners facing behavioural problems often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and emotionally drained. They may have tried positive reinforcement-based or even mildly aversive methods without seeing significant improvement. Aversive tools are usually marketed as providing quick and effective solutions. The promise of faster results can appeal to an owner in crisis, especially if they feel they’ve exhausted all other options.
Naturally, when the trainer they have consulted recommends an aversive tool, owners may assume that this professional, whom they are no doubt paying handsomely, has unique expertise and access to specialised methods. This reinforces the idea that the behaviour problem is beyond the capabilities of a mere dog owner to solve. Owners feel reassured that they’re doing the right thing by deferring to someone who appears confident and experienced, even if the methods are aversive.
Using aversive tools can help externalise the problem. It can shift the focus from the owner’s role in shaping the dog’s behaviour to its inherent problem. Owners may find comfort in believing that the issue results from the dog’s temperament, breed, or specific challenges that require strong measures rather than considering how their actions or inaction may have contributed to the situation.
Almost all dog owners and many "Professional" trainers lack knowledge about the potential risks and long-term effects of aversive tools or simply ignore them. Trainers who recommend these tools focus almost entirely on their short-term effectiveness while downplaying or failing to mention their drawbacks. This selective presentation can make aversive tools seem like the logical solution, especially to an owner desperate for change.
When owners feel they are failing, they may see the recommendation of aversive tools as a validation of their struggles and a pathway to resolving the issue. However, this mindset can often stem from desperation, a lack of education about alternative methods, and a desire to shift responsibility.
Providing owners with information, advice, support, and realistic expectations can help steer them toward more humane and effective training methods.
Our goal should be to help owners develop the skills and confidence to manage their dog’s problem behaviour in the short term and achieve an effective long-term resolution by tackling the underlying cause rather than the outward symptom.
