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Why I Like My Shock Collar
I have been using the E-collar since 2004 and have successfully trained over 1500 dogs using the so called "Shock Collar". About 60% of my clients choose the training device after being educated on how to properly use it to train their dog.
Recently I have been personally attacked by opponents of the e-collar and feel that I need not only to defend my clients and the use of an effective and humane training tool but also to debunk the myths that they are spreading.
I was recently at a dog park working with a client on recall (come) when a woman walked up to us and told us that "Shock Collars" were not welcome in this dog park. She also, that night, posted a review on Yelp that stated that we were just shocking our dogs for no reason. Yelp thankfully took the review down for violating their guidelines for reviews.
Then recently I got a comment on my YouTube page from a woman stating that she wanted to put the collar me.
And it goes on. These kind of attacks don't normally upset me but they have picked up recently and the meanness has increased.
I believe it is happening because of the success e-collar trainers from around the country are having over the "All Positive" methods. The popularity of the tool is growing.
I believe there is an increasing amount of frustration among some of the "All Positive" trainers who are not having the same kind of success with dealing with aggression problems, serious behavior problems, impulse control issues and off-leash obedience.
I use many different approaches and tools when I train.I use treats, clickers, training collars, e-collars, etc. I do not attack other trainers, approaches or tools. I see many talented trainers using Treats, Clickers, Pinch Collars, Halties, etc. The need to attack a training tool without understanding the underlying learning principles shows me a lack of openness and a lack of confidence in their own training methods.
There has to be room for many training approaches and philosophies and we should not have to be intimidated by the "Training Police" who think they have all the answers and know the "Right" way to train our dog(s).
Steven Lindsay, one of the most respected Dog Behavior and Training Authors, in his Book, "Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 3", states the following about training dogs with an e-collar:
"A combined approach incorporating both positive and negative reinforcement optimizes training efforts. Optimization results in a rapid increase in performance reliability and fluency over a wide range of motivational and environmental conditions.
First and foremost, electronic training provides efficient means to enhance attention and impulse control under adverse environmental and motivational conditions requiring close timing of aversive stimulation, especially when the dog is off leash. The e-collar can be effectively used to induce a dog to perform more reliably under challenging situations in which it is most likely to hesitate, refuse, or disobey..."
He goes on to say, "Given the potential benefits LLES (Light Level Electrical Stimulation), 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."
I do not have any personal animosity towards any other trainer or their approaches. I welcome their contributions, feed-back and input. I believe we can all learn from each other. There is no room for personal attacks when we are all trying to do the same thing. Helping owners and their dogs get along better and enjoy each other's company.
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