Should you use a shock collar for dog training? Our clients often ask if it helps to address behavioral issues such as resource guarding or reactivity. But there are negative consequences to using shock collars for dog training. Let’s discuss why Beyond the Dog never uses shock collars for dog training for our Dallas dog training clients, as well as our clients nationwide.
Can aversive training methods like shock collars work?
The short answer is shock collars can seemingly work well with immediate results. Particularly to stop reactive dogs from barking or lunging.
Unfortunately, this will often treat the symptoms of the problem behavior, while masking the underlying causes. This can be especially dangerous if shock is used to treat behaviors at people or other dogs.
Classical conditioning is always at play. You can easily eliminate the barking or lunging, but now have a dog who associates the presence of the other person or dog with something unpleasant or painful.
You may have a dog who appears to have it together, but in reality, you could have a dangerous situation waiting to happen.
What Does Research Say About Shock Collars?
While the effects of using shock collars aren’t shown on the surface, the effects are shown in scientific research. Research has shown spiked levels of the stress hormonse cortisal, which remains high for extended periods of time after the use of shock. The data has shown that aggressive behavior is elicited by shock, which can lead to behavioral problems.
For more information on the aversive effects of using shock collars, we recommend reading our article on “Does it matter how you train your dog? The effects of aversive training techniques on wellbeing”. Our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, wrote this article based on more than twenty years of successfully treating aggressive behavior in dogs.
What training methods does Beyond the Dog use?
We only use humane training methods, following the guidelines of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. We never use shock (electronic) collars, prong collars, or choke chains.
Beyond the Dog uses science based training methods that are based on classical conditioning and positive reinforcement. Behavior modification is the most effective method in treating aggressive behavior in dogs.
If needed, we will give consequences in the form of timeouts, leash pressure, and other non-painful, humane alternatives.
We have successfully treated many behavioral problems with these humane training methods, including many dogs who have become aggressive because of the use of shock. For more information on our training methods, we recommend checking out our blog on “Does behavior modification work with dogs?”.
We are here to help
Would you like help addressing your dog’s aggressive behavior?, or do you have any other behavioral concerns or would like to teach you dog high level obedience commands? You can contact our Pet Behavior Team for a free consultation, where we can chat with you and provide a personalized recommendation that meets your needs. We recommend you check out our puppy training blog or our TikTok channel.
Beyond the Dog Dallas offers personalized one-on-one training sessions, including training at your home and neighborhood. We also provide in home training for clients in Houston, Tampa Bay and Sarasota. As well as offer board-and-train programs, and virtual training programs for clients nationwide.
We use scientifically proven training methods, backed by over 20 years of hands-on experience. Beyond the Dog Dallas is led by our co-founders, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
