24/10/2024
*Stepping onto my soapbox for a moment—please bear with me!*
I was quite triggered today after watching a video of a so-called dog trainer showcasing their dog wearing an e-collar (also known as a shock collar). There are so many social media trainers out there nowadays, promoting the supposed benefits of e-collars and prong collars (pinch collars). Many of them sound very convincing, and their slick videos give them a false sense of credibility. But here's something to keep in mind, especially for my fellow South Africans: both of these tools are illegal to use here in South Africa, and you can be reported to the SPCA for using them.
Let’s delve into why these trainers advocate for aversive tools. They work by causing discomfort or pain—let’s not beat around the bush. Otherwise, what’s the point? One of the common arguments is that these collars allow off-lead freedom, and trainers like myself—positive reinforcement trainers, or as we’re often called, “cookie pushers”—can’t effectively train high-drive breeds like Malinois or Dobermanns to be reliable off-lead. This is absolutely *not* true. Many evidence-based trainers have successfully trained these breeds without the need for aversive methods.
Another emotional argument is that force-free trainers would rather euthanise a dog with severe behavioural problems because our methods supposedly can’t address aggression. This is, once again, completely untrue. I have personally worked with dogs that are reactive or aggressive without resorting to shock or prong collars. I also know many trainers who specialise in dealing with fear, aggression, and reactivity in dogs through humane, evidence-based approaches. No accredited dog behaviourist (who should always be consulted in extreme cases) would recommend such harmful tools. Euthanasia is something that is only considered as a last resort, when it’s in the best interests of everyone involved—the dog, the handlers, and society at large. It’s not something anyone takes lightly.
I’d also like to address the use of medication for behavioural issues. There seems to be a growing movement against the use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication (which, by the way, should always be prescribed by a veterinary behaviourist) in dogs with severe behavioural problems. Yet somehow, it’s deemed acceptable to use tools that cause physical pain, but not medication alongside a humane behaviour modification programme? Many dogs can eventually come off medication, while others may need long-term support, but would you ever suggest “snapping out of it” to someone suffering from severe depression? Or worse, would you suggest shocking or choking them until they “get over it”? Of course not! So why would we do this to our dogs?
I’ll be honest—there was a time when I subscribed to some of these outdated methods. I once believed in alpha rolls and choke chains. But after doing my research and completing a dog behaviour course, I came to understand just how harmful these practices are. They create no trust between you and your dog, and while they may stop behaviour in the short term, they don’t address the underlying causes. Over time, this can lead to more serious issues, such as frustration, increased aggression, or even attacks on other dogs or handlers.
Now, I’ve learned how to properly read my dogs' body language and meet their needs. I’ve built an environment of trust and respect with my dogs. I no longer buy into the simplistic and ridiculous idea that my dogs are trying to dominate me. I’m far more impressed by seeing happy, well-balanced dogs than by so-called “obedient” ones, because it shows me that the owners have taken the time to build a strong bond of trust and understanding. The most impressive thing of all, though, is seeing a happy dog and handler who enjoy whatever discipline or activity they’re doing together.
Below is a photo of my 6-month-old Dobermann puppy in a highly distracting environment with dogs he’s never met before. A bit of “proof” that these tools aren’t necessary—and as I’ve said, they aren’t humane either.
