13/11/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14uSWvGooZ/
Slip leads. Choke chains. E-collars/shock collars. Compressed air sprays. Rattle cans. Figure of eight slip leads. Grot collars.
When someone tells you these tools don't hurt, or the dog 'doesn't really mind', or they are 'just communication' they are being less than honest with you. And they are being less than honest with you because the reality is (rightly) unpalatable to most caring dog owners.
These are all training tools which use (at best) unpleasant and (at worst) painful stimuli to change a dog's behaviour. All training tools which, in order to be effective, the dog π’πͺπ¨π© find unpleasant, painful or scary. All training tools which some trainers will use on your dog as a matter of course without even attempting a milder alternative first.
When a choice is made to use one of these tools it's because the person making that choice...
1. Doesn't π¬π―π°πΈ that they cause discomfort, pain or the threat thereof; or
2. Doesn't π€π’π³π¦ that they cause discomfort, pain or the threat thereof
It's one thing to genuinely not know about something. We live, we learn and as we learn more we try to do better. But it's another thing entirely to know something and choose to ignore it because the truth is inconvenient.
I'd guesstimate that around 50% of trainers locally use these tools. They aren't the exception and it's not unusual. That's 50% of trainers who either genuinely don't know how these tools work (in which case they don't know enough to be practicing) or 50% of trainers who think threat and/or the infliction of physical discomfort/pain are reasonable things to do to a dog.
So if it matters to you how your dog is treated during training (and it should) do your homework. Don't assume. Ask questions. And educate yourself enough to understand the answers. Because only by asking questions can you ensure you end up with a trainer who matches your own values.
