The The Dog Squad uses a variety of training tools to train dogs. They are not against any tool that helps a dog learn in a positive and humane way.
We sometimes use a combination of training aids and yes we do use treats when called for. We work with a variety of dogs, breeds and ages running the gamut from normal puppy and dog obedience to severe aggression and other behavior problems that are life threatening to the dog.
Because we are not afraid to use an electronic collar when it is appropriate we get labeled by naysayers as "Shock Collar" trainers. The people who use this label want it to sound bad by using the emotionally charged term "Shock" when in reality we never shock dogs in our training method using low level electrical stimulation. Also, we only use the e-collar when it is the right approach. We use treats when it is the right approach and we use other types of training collars when it is the right approach. It is not the tool but our understanding of canine behavior and how to communicate with a particular dog and how to solve a particular problem that is important. It is also as important to use a tool that the owners can use and duplicate the results that we get with the dog. If the owner can't use a pinch collar then regardless of how the dog responds to us it may not work for the owner and their dog.
Recently there have been a rash of articles bashing the use of electronic collars in local and in some national dog publications. As professional dog trainers both Pat and I feel the need to stand up to these false and misleading articles that present hearsay stories, urban legends and misleading pseudo science to espouse their philosophical beliefs about "All Positive" dog training. Some of these trainers denigrate other trainers who use any method other than the "All Positive" approach portraying them as "in-humane", "uncaring" and go as far as calling us "dog abusers".
Renowned author Steven R. Lindsay who has written the most coherent and comprehensive body of scientific knowledge about dog behavior and training, in his "Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Volume Three. In chapter Nine, "Behavioral Monitoring and Electronic Control of Behavior", he debunks many of the so called scientific articles and arguments against the e-collar and writes the following in his concluding remarks:
"When properly understood and employed, ES (Electrical Stimulation) can be effectively used to modify dog behavior without eliciting significant stress or fear. Given the potential benefits of LLES (Light Level Electrical Stimulation) for dog behavior control and the relatively harmless and innocuous nature of LLES, it is nothing short of appalling that so many respected authorities, who otherwise show evidence of intellectual integrity and scientific restraint, have chosen to condemn electronic devices, based on personal prejudice and the hearsay opinions of others. Some outspoken critics appear to lose all perspective and semblance of reasonableness when it comes to electrical training aids, accepting and perpetuating patently emotional and misleading arguments as matters of fact. Individuals who otherwise may strive to shape their opinions and attitudes in concordance with verifiable empirical evidence betray their lax commitment to scientific method when they pronounce sweeping and unsubstantiated generalizations denouncing electronic training aids as inhumane tools that are used to abuse dogs."
Both Pat and Steve know from experience, having worked with over 1000 dogs, that using the e-collar can greatly improve the reliability of a dog's training. Other trainers from across the country report similar results.
Robin MacFarlane from That's My Dog in Wisconsin has trained hundreds of trainers in the use of electronic collars and many more dogs than Pat and I. She and the trainers she has trained are showing similar positive results. She has published a web site called
"The Truth About Shock Collars" that is collecting information from around the USA and the world to help debunk the myths and misinformation from the naysayers and sceptics.
Halloween is just around the cornor! Come and celebrate with us by bringing your dog in costume to our Walnut Creek Class on Saturday October 31st. Best Costume will be awarded a Dog Squad Trek Treat Bag. (Only open to clients of The Dog Squad).
