Tuesday Training Byte: E collars and training

E collars is a softer way of saying shock collars. Most trainers that offer board and train use these tool. Some will have you buy the "training collar" from them for use in a class. There are two primary dog trainer certifications: APDT (Association for Professional Dog Trainers), and CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers). These organizations offer a strict code of ethics, training and testing certification program for dog trainers. Both REQUIRE the trainers to use force-free methods and no punishment based training (ie. Shock collars). The American Kennel Club will not permit a dog on the dog show grounds with a prong collar or a shock collar. Further, to test for the Canine Good Citizen or any obedience, rally, or agility title, the dog must not be wearing a shock or prong collar.

Organizations that train service dogs use the methods required of APDT and CCPDT trainers, so only kind methods using positive reinforcement. Trainers who use shock collars may appear to get quick results. The shock, buzz, or vibration creates fear in the dog and is punishment based. If you want to build a bond and trust with your dog, positive reinforcement is the way. I realize that many hunters use the e collar in training a forced retrieve, but I am talking about most pet owners. Most mammals cannot truly learn when they are in fear. I have only used a shock collar on one dog years ago. This particular dog came from a neglect case and had been punished when he did not come when called. I used every positive trick and method to get the dog to come. I even let him drag a ling line and if he wouldn't come when called I would send my male Rottweiler to go fetch the line and bring the dog back. We lived on a busy highway and the dog would bolt the gate or door and head to the highway in a flash. As a last resort, fearing that he would get hit by a car, I had him on the long line as he bolted. I shocked once, which gave me just enough time to grab the end of the line and reel him in as I said "Come!", when he was lavished with praise and treats. He learned with one shock that when I called him to come, and knelt down, life would be wonderful once he came. Barring this type of emergency situation when positive and consistent training could not overcome his mistreatment and fear instilled by his previous owner, I would not use a shock collar to fix problem behaviors of any kind. I am happy to say that this dog never had any more problems for the remaining 11 years of his life with us. A prong collar should not be the go to methods to correct basic misbehavior. A good trainer (especially with the above certifications) will know how to get happy and good behavior without pain or fear. Before you send your dog off for training, ask for their certifications and if they use a training collar (prong or e collar). Happy training!

Photo from a youtube video