I dont get it... I really dont. As you all know, I am a dog trainer and behavior counselor that uses whats called Positive Reinforcement training methods. Just to clarify, this doesnt mean that I dont use "punishment". Of course I do... but not in the same as what I call old fashioned training methods.
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"Old fashioned" methods tend to use what an animal would find fearful or intimidating - jerking a choke chain to get them to stop pulling or barking, or in one of the worst cases, an electronic shock collar to get them to stop barking (or running off etc...). All I can say right now is "OH MY GOD!!!" How does "shocking" an animal get them to "learn" anything, except maybe not to trust humans! Is this not abuse?
Would we do this to humans for every day life teachings??? (Yes, there is something called electroconvulsive therapy for humans who suffer from severe depression and other psych related and neurological disorders, but it is applied in well monitored clinical settings using very strict guidelines...not willy nilly)
I received a call the other day from a young woman who has a "reactive" dog. She told me she tried prong collars, choke chains, squirt bottles, and physical punishment... (hmm, I was hoping she would be able to figure out on her own why her dog developed this reactivity)... Anyway, she then said her sister uses an electronic collar for her own dog - and that one of the younger kids got hold of the remote that delivers the shock. The child was having fun just pushing buttons, but didnt realize what the device was for. Can you picture what this poor animal went through? Does this seem like a good idea for training - or for anything else? Maybe a pacemaker or defibrillator, but that would be about it.
Im simply shocked myself that our society 1) uses these items 2) allows anyone to buy one... You wouldnt keep a loaded gun out in the open with children around (I hope), so why would you use something as dangerous as a shock collar...?
Something for this inquisitive canine dog mom to ponder...
