04/23/2025
Why We Don’t Use E-Collars—And Why You Shouldn’t Either
E-collars, or shock collars, are often marketed as quick-fix tools to suppress unwanted behavior. But these devices rely on pain, fear, and discomfort—not communication—and can cause serious long-term harm to your dog’s emotional well-being.
The science is clear:
• A 2020 study by China et al. found that dogs trained with aversive methods, including E-collars, showed significantly higher levels of stress (cortisol levels, lip licking, yawning, and avoidance behaviors) than dogs trained with positive reinforcement.
*(China, L., Mills, D.S., & Cooper, J.J., 2020, “The effect of training method on stress-related behavior, physiology and learning ability of dogs in a training context,” Scientific Reports)
• In 2017, the University of Lincoln concluded that E-collar training is less effective than reward-based methods and poses welfare risks.
*(Cooper, J.J. et al., 2014, “The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward-based training,” PLOS ONE)
• The European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) both oppose the use of electronic collars due to the risk of increasing aggression, anxiety, and confusion.
Training should never be about fear or force. Positive reinforcement builds trust, clarity, and lasting results—without damaging your relationship.
Want to learn how to train your dog without causing harm? Reach out. We’re here to help guide you and your dog toward confidence, trust, and teamwork.