Choke Chain Training Collars

Tool: Choke Chain Training Collar

Rating: Unacceptable due to high potential for misuse and/or abuse

Operant Sequence:

Positive Punishment - adding the choke correction to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: snapping the choke chain to stop the dog from pulling on the leash.
Negative Reinforcement - ending the choke correction to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: releasing the choke sensation to increase the likelihood that the dog will stay in heel position (avoidance conditioning)

Use of Tool: Powerful Aversive

Proper Application: To put a choke chain on properly stand facing the dog. Make the letter “P” with the collar and slip it over the dog’s head. When the leash is pulled the chain tightens against the dog’s trachea and neck causing a choking sensation, physical discomfort and/or pain. Proper use of the choke chain involves holding the leash in your right hand with the dog in heel position on your left.

The correction is made with a quick snap-release movement across your body away from the dog. Some believe that the sound of the chain is a correction in itself.

Parameters:

Timing of the correction must be exact for the dog to realize which behaviour will predict the correction and which behaviour will prevent it.

The severity of the correction must match the dog’s level of sensitivity.

The dog must be taught the desired behaviour before being corrected for the undesirable behaviour.

Benefits:

The dog is less likely to back out of the collar because it tightens as the dog backs up. R1

Drawbacks, Risks and Warnings:

Physical

If the collar is tightened for an extended period of time it can cause discomfort, pain, injury and/or asphyxiation..

Too severe a correction can cause injury to the trachea or cause the trachea to collapse.

Too severe a correction or tightening for an extended period of time can cause discomfort, pain, injury to the muscles of the dog’s neck, spinal injury, blindness. R2, brain damage, R3 and even death.

The narrower the collar, the higher the risk to the dog. R4

The higher the collar on the dog’s neck, the higher the risk to the dog. R5

Since an uneducated handler has a 50% chance of putting the collar on correctly, there is a 50% chance that the collar will lock in a choke position.

Because proper use of the choke chain involves good timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity, the risk for abuse is high.

Choke chains have been known to cause irritation, wounds and infection.

If the choke collar is left on the dog when unsupervised, the dog can become caught by the collar and can injure itself, cause de-gloving of the skin on the neck and head, strangulation or even death.

If the choke collar is left on a growing dog the collar will become tighter and tighter and eventually break through the fur and skin causing irritation, wounds, discomfort, pain, strangulation and even death.

If the choke chain is left on while two dogs are playing together, a dog’s jaw can become caught in the chain causing injury to one or both dogs.

If the dog hits the end of the leash, life line or retractable leash with any force it can cause injury.

If positioned too close to the ears, the correction will affect the sensitive nerve bundles that exit just below the dog’s ears.

Due to the factors listed above, it is the opinion of IPDTA members that the risks involved outweigh the benefits.

Behavioural

Choke chain collars have been known to cause fear, submission, aggression, stress, depression and avoidance behaviours.

Improper use of the choke chain is seldom effective in changing unwanted behaviour.

The anxiety caused by the correction can increase aggressive behaviour, the severity and frequency of aggressive episodes.

Psychological

Unwanted associations may be created if the dog pairs up the unpleasant experience with someone or something in the environment at the moment it is choked. For example; if the dog is focused on a child when corrected, it may create an unpleasant association with children. This association can cause fear of the child which could lead to fear aggression.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of the handler.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of anyone or anything in the environment.
In order to effectively stop an unwanted behaviour with as few corrections as possible, the dog’s temperament and level of sensitivity must be known. Since there is no way to know how sensitive the dog is to the physical correction without correcting it, the risk of making a mistake is high. If you start too high and work your way down you can create fear and/or aggression, if you start too low and work your way up you can desensitize the dog to the correction and/or cause habituation; which is the ability to stop reacting to meaningless stimuli through repeat exposure. R6 When this happens you will require higher and higher levels of correction to stop the unwanted behaviour. Therefore, finding the correct intensity of choke risks causing pain, physical harm, damaging the dog’s temperament and/or creating new behavioural problems.

The unpleasant experience can cause stress, anxiety, and/or depression, leading to other behavior issues and/or the inability to learn.

Mechanical

Unlike the pinch collar the choke chain does not have limited constriction increasing the risk of abuse.

Limitations:

Excellent timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity are essential to proper use of the choke chain.

Since it takes very little strength to deliver a severe correction, the risk for misuse and abuse is high.

Because human behaviour is often affected by emotions, there is a risk of bad judgement and/or timing on part of the handler.

The dog may not be able to feel the correction if there is too much hair between the chain and the skin.

This tool can only be effective once the dog understands the desired response.

The choke chain is only effective if put on and used properly.

If the collar is too tight it can cause non-stop pain and/or discomfort.

The choke chain collar can only be used during supervised training.

Viable Alternatives

A suitable, well-fitting head halter

Counter-conditioning

Obedience training

Systematic desensitization

Negative Punishment - Remove something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Positive Punishment - Add something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Negative Reinforcement - Remove something unpleasant to increase a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Positive Reinforcement - Add something pleasant to increase a behaviour

Interrupt and redirect

Create a reliable “on-off” switch to put the behaviour on cue

Create other acceptable outlets for the unwanted behaviour

Environmental management to prevent the unwanted behaviour from occurring

References
R1 -Professional Standards for Dog Trainers, Delta Society 2001, Page 20
R2 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 28
R3 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 28
R4 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 28
R5 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 28
R6 -“Habituation” - Excel-lerated Learning, Pamela J Reid Ph.D., James & Kenneth Publishers 1996 Page 37-38
 

Tool: Flat, Non-Slip Collar

Rating: Acceptable when fitted properly and used for safety and identification only. Not acceptable when used as a correction device.

Operant Sequence:

The intended use of the flat, non-slip collar does not include an operant sequence as its purpose is only for safety, when attached to a leash or life-line and/or to hold identification. When used as a correction collar it works with the following quadrants of operant conditioning.

Positive Punishment - adding a pop-release correction to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: adding a pop-release correction with the leash to stop the dog from pulling.
Negative Reinforcement - ending the pop-release correction to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: ending the pop-release correction to keep the dog in heel position. (avoidance conditioning)

Use of Tool: A safety device and/or to hold identification and/or used as an aversive.

Proper Application:

As a safety and identification device, proper application only includes a proper fit, positioning and securing the collar around the dog’s neck. A proper fit includes enough space between the dog’s neck and the collar to be able to insert at least two fingers, but not loose enough to allow escape if the dog were to attempt to back out of it or to increase the risk of snagging.

As an aversive tool, proper use of the flat, non-slip collar involves holding the leash in your right hand with the dog in heel position on your left. The correction is made with a quick snap-release movement across your body away from the dog, without the use of constriction.

Note: The following refers to the use of the flat, non-slip collar as a correction or restraint device.

Parameters:

Timing of the correction must be exact for the dog to realize which behaviour will predict the correction and which behaviour will prevent it.

The severity of the correction must match the dog’s level of sensitivity.

The dog must be taught the desired behaviour before being corrected for the undesirable behaviour.

Benefits:

The dog is not likely to back out of the collar if it is fitted properly.

Since the collar does not constrict there is a much lower risk for abuse.

This is the most comfortable collar for a dog to wear.

Drawbacks, Risks and Warnings:

Physical

If the collar is pulled for an extended period of time it can cause coughing, gagging, vomiting, pain and/or discomfort.
Too severe a correction can cause injury to the trachea or cause the trachea to collapse.

Too severe or an improper extended correction can cause discomfort, coughing, gagging, vomiting, pain, injury to the muscles of the dog’s neck, spinal injury, blindness, brain damage, and even death. ie; when a dog becomes trapped and attempts escape. Proper fit reduces this risk.

If the collar is left on when a dog is unsupervised it can become snagged causing the dog to cough, gag, vomit, with the possibility of causing pain, injury, de-gloving, strangulation and/or death.

The higher the collar on the dog’s neck, the higher the risk to the dog.

Since a proper correction requires good timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity, there is a risk for abusive application.

Some collars have been known to cause irritation, wounds and infection and therefore the material the collar is made from is a factor.
If the collar is not adjusted as a dog grows the collar will become embedded in the dog neck, becoming tighter and tighter causing irritation, wounds, discomfort, pain, strangulation or even death.

If the collar is fitted too loosely and left on while two dogs are playing together, a dog’s jaw can become caught in the other dog’s collar causing injury to one or both dogs.

If the dog hits the end of the leash, “life-line” or retractable leash with any force, it can cause injury.

If positioned too close to the ears, the correction can affect the sensitive nerve bundles that exit just below the dog’s ears.

If the flat, non-slip collar is not fitted properly the dog could back out of it and escape.

Behavioural

Improper use of flat, non-slip collars have been known to cause fear, submissive aggression, stress, depression and avoidance behaviours.

Improper use of this collar is seldom effective in changing unwanted behaviour.

The anxiety caused by improper use or severe corrections can increase aggressive behaviour, the severity and frequency of aggressive episodes.

Psychological

Unwanted associations may be created if the dog pairs up the unpleasant experience of the correction with someone or something in the environment at the moment it is corrected. For example; if the dog is focused on a child when corrected, it may create an unpleasant association with children. This association can cause fear of the child which could lead to fear aggression.
The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of the handler.

The unpleasant experience can also create fear and distrust of anyone or anything in the environment.

In order to effectively stop an unwanted behaviour with as few corrections as possible, the dog’s temperament and level of sensitivity must be known. Since there is no way to know how sensitive the dog is to the physical correction without correcting it, the risk of making a mistake is high. If you start too high and work your way down you can create fear and/or aggression, if you start too low and work your way up you can desensitize the dog to the correction and/or cause habituation; which is the ability to stop reacting to meaningless stimuli through repeat exposure. R2 When this happens you will require higher and higher levels of correction to stop the unwanted behaviour. Therefore, finding the correct intensity of correction risks causing pain, physical harm, damaging the dog’s temperament and/or creating new behavioural problems.

The unpleasant experience can cause stress, anxiety, and/or depression, leading to other behavior issues and/or the inability to learn.

Limitations:

Excellent timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity are essential to proper application of a flat, non-slip collar correction.

Since human behaviour is often effected by emotions, there is a risk of bad judgement and/or timing on part of the handler.

The dog may not be able to feel the correction if there is too much hair between the chain and the skin.

This tool can only be effective once the dog understands the desired response.

The flat, non-slip collar is only effective if fitted and used properly.

If the collar is too tight it can cause non-stop pain and/or discomfort.

Viable Alternatives

Counter-conditioning

Obedience training

Systematic desensitization

Negative Punishment - Remove something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Positive Punishment - Add something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Negative Reinforcement - Remove something unpleasant to increase a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Positive Reinforcement - Add something pleasant to increase a behaviour

Interrupt and redirect

Create a reliable “on-off” switch to put the behaviour on cue

Creating other acceptable outlets for the unwanted behaviour

Environmental management to prevent the unwanted behaviour from occurring

Note: When the flat, non-slip collar is fitted properly and used correctly, or used to hold
identification, the IPDTA finds it acceptable because it comes with minimal risk.

References
R1 -Professional Standards for Dog Trainers, Delta Society 2001, Page 19
R2 -“Habituation” - Excel-lerated Learning, Pamela J Reid Ph.D., James & Kenneth Publishers 1996 Page 37-38
 

Tool: Head Halter; Gentle Leader ®, Promise ™ System, Easy Way Collar ™, Halti Brand head halter

Rating: Acceptable when fitted properly and used following the criteria described in these research findings. Not acceptable when used for punishment.

Operant Sequence:

The intended use of the head halter does not include an operant sequence as its purpose is for safety only, when attached to a leash or life-line and/or to control the movement of the nose, head and neck of an otherwise powerful dog. However, some dogs find the feel of the head halter and the pressure caused by tightening around the nose and/or neck unpleasant, in which case it becomes an aversive. When used as an aversive it works with the following quadrants of operant conditioning.

Positive Punishment - pulling on the leash to cause tightening to the nose and/or neck and restriction of movement to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: adding tightening to stop the dog from pulling.
Negative Reinforcement - ending the tightening to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: ending the tightening in order to maintain heel position (avoidance conditioning)

Use of Tool: A safety device and/or an aversive.

Proper Application:

As a safety device, proper application includes a proper fit, positioning and securing the head halter. The Gentle Leader, Promise System and Halti are properly secured with the neck strap tight enough that you cannot fit one finger between the dog’s neck and the collar, as snug as a neck tie. R1 The nose strap should rest between the corners of the dog’s mouth and the eyes and fastened into place with the adjustable clasp located under the dog’s chin. If fitted properly the nose strap should not be able to reach the fleshy part of the dog’s nose, nor ride up into the dog’s eyes. R2

The Easy Way collar is properly secured with the Nape Loop fastened comfortably behind the dog’s neck with the Nose Loop positioned comfortably around the muzzle between the nose and eyes, so that the Nose Loop cannot be pulled over the nose. R8

When the dog pulls on leash the Gentle Leader, Promise System and Halti will tighten around the dog’s nose and neck as well as pull the dog’s head toward the handler. Proper procedure includes gently drawing the dog into position then immediately loosening the leash.

The Easy Way collar works with the dog’s balance. Since the leash is attached to a ring behind the dog’s head pulling on the leash throws the dog off balance, forcing it to relax into a loose leash.

Parameters:
The leash must remain loose in between corrections for the dog to realize which behaviour will predict the correction and which behaviour will prevent it.  The dog must be taught the desired behaviour before being corrected for the undesirable behaviour.

Benefits:

The head halter “has a calming effect on some dogs.” R3

Since the head halter has limited constriction there is a lower risk for abuse than those tools that have unlimited constriction.
Some dogs adjust to this device quickly and find it comfortable.

Much like the use of a head halter on a horse, the head halter controls the dog’s strength by controlling the movements of the dog’s head.

Unlike a collar, the head halter does not constrict the dog’s airway.

By controlling the movement of the dog’s nose, bites can sometimes be avoided.

The head halter can provide light touch control over otherwise powerful dogs.

The head halter can make it easier to maintain the dog’s attention.

The head halter can provide those with limited strength such as; children, seniors and the disabled the ability to control otherwise powerful dogs.

The Easy Way collar has a fleece-lined Nose Loop that allows for additional comfort because it will not rub or ride up on the dog’s face. R9

Since the leash is attached to the Easy Way collar behind the dog’s head as opposed to under the chin, it eliminates the possibility of choking and twisting of the head and neck. R10

The Easy Way collar has an additional strap and clasp that can be attached to the dead ring on a flat collar for additional safety by way of preventing escape should the Easy Way collar come off. R11

Drawbacks, Risks and Warnings:

Physical

There is a high risk of escape if the head halter is fitted too loosely.

The Halti brand head halter does not have an adjustable clip under the chin. Because of this it is difficult to get a proper fit, the nose strap is more likely to be pulled over the nose and/or push up and into the eyes also increasing the risk for escape.

The head halter can cause pain and/or discomfort if fitted too tightly.

The head halter can cause chaffing above the dog’s nose and behind the head.

The dog can injure itself if it attempts to remove the head halter with its paws or by rubbing its face on the ground.

Some dogs are highly resistant to the head halter causing distrust in the handler, fear, avoidance behaviors, escape attempts and/or aggression.

Some dogs are traumatized by the head halter.

Some dogs never adjust to the head halter.

Harsh corrections have been blamed for causing distrust in the handler, fear, avoidance behaviors, escape attempts, aggression and/or spinal damage.

If the collar is pulled for an extended period of time it can cause pain and/or discomfort.

If the head halter is left on when a dog is unsupervised, it can become snagged causing pain and/or injury.

Since proper use is different from the use of a collar the risk for misuse or abuse is high.

Since proper use requires good timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity, there is a risk for abusive application.

Some head halters have been known to cause irritation, wounds and infection.

If the collar is left on while two dogs are playing together, a dog’s jaw or paw or nail can become caught in the other dog’s collar causing injury to one or both dogs.

If the dog hits the end of the leash, life line or retractable leash with any force it can cause injury including, but not limited to, spinal injury.

If positioned too close to the eyes, the head halter push into the eyes causing pain and/or discomfort and/or injury to the eye including blindness.

The head halter may be difficult to fit on dogs with a short nose.

The head halter may be dangerous when used on dogs with “inherent breathing difficulties.” R4

The head halter may be dangerous when used on dogs with “cervical damage.” R5

Dogs with short coats are more prone to irritation on the sensitive skin on top of the muzzle. R7

Behavioural
Improper use of the head halter has been known to cause fear, submission, aggression, stress, depression and avoidance behaviours.
Improper use of the head halter is seldom effective in changing unwanted behaviour.

The anxiety caused by improper use or severe corrections can increase aggressive behaviour, the severity and frequency of aggressive episodes.

Dogs prone to aggressive behaviour may become aggressive when the halter is put on. R6

Psychological

Unwanted associations may be created if the dog pairs up the unpleasant experience of the correction with someone or something in the environment at the moment it is corrected. For example; if the dog is focused on a child when corrected, it may create an unpleasant association with children. This association can cause fear of the child which could lead to fear aggression.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of the handler.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of anyone or anything in the environment.

The unpleasant experience can cause stress, anxiety, and/or depression, leading to other behavior issues and/or the inability to learn.

Limitations:

A desensitization program is often necessary to help the dog habituate to this piece of equipment.

Excellent timing and reflexes, coordination, awareness and sensitivity are essential to proper application of a head halter correction.

Since human behaviour is often affected by emotions, there is a risk of bad judgement, and/or timing on part of the handler.

This tool can only be effective once the dog understands the desired response.

The head halter is only effective if fitted and used properly.

If the head halter is too tight it can cause non-stop pain and/or discomfort.

Viable Alternatives

Counter-conditioning

Obedience training

Systematic desensitization

Negative Punishment - Remove something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Positive Punishment - Add something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Negative Reinforcement - Remove something unpleasant to increase a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Positive Reinforcement - Add something pleasant to increase a behaviour

Interrupt and redirect

Create a reliable “on-off” switch to put the behaviour on cue

Creating other acceptable outlets for the unwanted behaviour

Environmental management to prevent the unwanted behaviour from occurring

References:
R1 - Promise, The Natural Behavior Management System, Dr. Robert K. Anderson and Ruth E. Foster, Professional Animal Behavior Associates 1989, Page19
R2 - Promise, The Natural Behavior Management System, Dr. Robert K. Anderson and Ruth E. Foster, Professional Animal Behavior Associates 1989, Page20
R3 - Professional Standards for Dog Trainers, Delta Society 2001, Page 19
R4 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 26
R5 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 26
R6 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 26
R7 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001 Page 266
R8 - New Trix Instruction Sheet and website at www.newtrix.ca
R9 - New Trix Instruction Sheet and website at www.newtrix.ca
R10 - New Trix Instruction Sheet and website at www.newtrix.ca
R11 - New Trix Instruction Sheet and website at www.newtrix.ca
 

Tool: Pinch or Prong Collar

Rating: Unacceptable due to high risk for misuse and/or abuse

Operant Sequence:

Positive Punishment - adding the pinch to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: pulling on the pinch collar to stop the dog from pulling on leash.
Negative Reinforcement - ending the pinch to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: ending the pinch to keep the dog in heel position (avoidance conditioning).

Use of Tool: Powerful Aversive

Proper Application: The pinch collar is opened by removing one link, then wrapped around the dog’s neck. It is then fastened by replacing the missing link. The collar should fit with the prongs facing the neck, snug enough for the prongs to lightly touch but not push into the skin. When the leash is pulled or tightens, the prongs push against the skin and muscles of the neck causing physical discomfort or pain. Unlike the choke chain and slip collar, the pinch collar has limited constriction. It takes minimal effort to create a powerful correction.

Parameters:

Timing of the correction must be exact for the dog to realize which behaviour will predict the correction.

The severity of the correction must match the dog’s level of sensitivity.

The dog must be taught the desired behaviour before being corrected for the undesirable behaviour.

Benefits:

Has limited constriction.

Takes little effort for handlers with limited strength.

Distributes even pressure around the neck.

Takes less skill to use than some other collars.

Drawbacks, Risks and Warnings:

Physical

The metal prongs allow for a high potential for causing pain and/or physical injury.

Has been known to cause irritation, wounds and infection.

If the collar is left on the dog when not supervised, the dog can become caught by the collar and can injure itself, cause de-gloving of the skin on the neck and head, cause strangulation and even death.

If two dogs are playing together, the dog’s jaw can become caught in the chain causing injury to one or both dogs.

If the dog hits the end of the leash, life line or retractable leash with any force it can cause injury.

If positioned too close to the ears, the correction will affect the sensitive nerve bundles just below the dog’s ears.

Behavioural

Pinch collars have been known to cause fear, submission, aggression, stress, depression and avoidance behaviours.

The anxiety caused by the correction can increase aggressive behaviour, the severity and frequency of aggressive episodes.

Psychological

Unwanted associations may be created if the dog pairs up the unpleasant experience with someone or something in the environment at the moment it is shocked. For example; if the dog is focused on a child when corrected, it may create an unpleasant association with children. This association can cause fear of the child which could lead to fear aggression.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of the handler.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of anyone or anything in the environment.

In order to effectively stop an unwanted behaviour with as few corrections as possible, the dog’s temperament and level of sensitivity must be known. Because there is no way to know how sensitive the dog is to the physical correction without correcting it, the risk of making a mistake is high. If you start too high and work your way down you can create fear and/or aggression, if you start too low and work your way up you can desensitize the dog to the correction and/or cause habituation; which is the ability to stop reacting to meaningless stimuli through repeat exposure. R1 When this happens you will require higher and higher levels of correction to stop the unwanted behaviour. Therefore, finding the correct intensity of shock risks causing pain, physical harm, damaging the dog’s temperament and/or creating new behaviour problems.

The unpleasant experience can cause stress, anxiety, and/or depression, leading to other behavior issues and/or the inability to learn.

Limitations:

Goals must be achieved with as few corrections as possible.

Excellent timing is essential for the dog to associate the correction with the unwanted behaviour.

Since it takes very little strength to deliver a severe correction, the risk for misuse and abuse is high.

Because human behaviour is often affected by emotions, there is a risk of bad judgement and/or timing on part of the handler.

The dog may not be able to feel the correction if there is too much hair between the prongs and the skin.

This tool can only be effective once the dog understands the desired response.

Links have been known to come loose resulting in an escaped dog.

Putting the collar on the dog requires strength and good vision.

If the collar is too loose, contact will be concentrated on one particular area which can result in too much pressure to one spot on the dog’s neck.

If the collar is too tight it can cause non-stop pain and/or discomfort.

The pinch collar can only be used during supervised training.

The size of the links must be appropriate to the size of the dog.

Viable Alternatives

A suitable, well-fitting head halter (ie: Gentle Leader)

Counter-conditioning

Obedience training

Systematic desensitization

Negative Punishment - Remove something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Positive Punishment - Add something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Negative Reinforcement - Remove something unpleasant to increase a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Positive Reinforcement - Add something pleasant to increase a behaviour

Interrupt and redirect

Create a reliable “on-off” switch to put the behaviour on cue

Creating other acceptable outlets for the unwanted behaviour

Environmental management to prevent the unwanted behaviour from occurring

References:
R1 - “Habituation” - Excel-lerated Learning, Pamela J Reid Ph.D., James & Kenneth Publishers 1996 Page 37-38
 

Tool: Shock Collar Products

Rating: Unacceptable due to high potential for misuse, abuse and/or malfunction

Operant Sequence:

Positive Punishment - adding the shock to decrease the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: shocking the dog to stop the barking.
Negative Reinforcement - ending the shock to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. ie: ending the shock to keep the dog in heel position (avoidance conditioning).

Use of Tool: Powerful Aversive

Proper Application: The collar holds a receiver unit in the form of a small box with metal studs that rest under the dog’s chin, against the skin of its neck.

Remote Controlled Shock Collars A hand-held remote controlled transmitter allows the handler to trigger an electrical charge, this shocks the dog through the metal studs on the receiver. Some units include the option of a tone button, which is used as a warning that a shock will follow if the behaviour continues.

Sound Activated Shock Collars These collars are triggered by the dog’s own bark as the sound activates a microphone on the receiver itself to trigger the shock.

Invisible Fence Shock Systems These systems consist of an emitter, a receiver collar and an antenna wire that is buried in the ground around the perimeter of the containment area. Flags visually mark the perimeter until the dog knows and no longer crosses the boundary. The emitter is plugged into a regular household power outlet and generates a low frequency radio signal. As the dog approaches the boundary, the emitter emits a warning beep. If the dog crosses the line, it receives a shock.

Parameters:

Timing of the shock must be exact for the dog to realize which behaviour will predict the shock.

Timing of the warning must be exact for the dog to realize how to avoid the shock.

Benefits:

If timed correctly, the unpleasant, painful or frightening stimulus of the shock frightens the dog, making it less likely to perform the behaviour, to avoid the shock.

If timed correctly, the tone that predicts the shock may prevent the dog from exhibiting the unwanted behavior and eliminating the need to shock the dog.

The remote control gives the handler the ability to make corrections at a distance.

Once the dog shows avoidance behaviour towards the flags of the invisible fence system, they can be moved to other areas where the owner does not want the dog to go.

Unlike remote-controlled systems, the collar triggered by the dog’s bark and the invisible fence are not dependent upon human timing and therefore consistency is more likely.

Drawbacks, Risks and Warnings:

Physical

The electric shock emitted causes an unpleasant sensation with a high potential for causing pain and/or physical injury.

Even low levels of shock have been known to cause irritation, infection and burns.

With invisible fence system a dog may be injured by animals or people crossing the boundary and entering the dog’s territory rendering the dog cornered.

Because the shock itself is an electrical charge it can affect the central nervous system of the dog.

Dogs prone to heart problems could experience complications due to this electrical charge.

With the invisible fence system dogs who escape the territory are in danger of being hit by cars and other environmental dangers.

Since dogs have a higher level of saline in their systems than do humans, the effects of shock will be more severe on a dog than that felt by a human.

Behavioural

Shock equipment has been known to cause fear, submission, aggression, stress, depression and avoidance behaviours.

During a study of the behavioral effects of shock equipment, dogs have responded by “lowering their ear and tail positions, giving high sounding yelps, flicking their tongues, squealing, displaying avoidance behavior, and occasionally exhibiting redirected aggression. These responses suggest that the shocks are painful, because these behaviors are associated with pain, fear and stress in dogs.”

The anxiety caused by the shock can increase aggressive behaviour, the severity and frequency of aggressive episodes.

With the invisible fence system, if the dog crosses the boundary it is unlikely to re-enter the territory for fear of being shocked, hence the dog is trapped outside of the boundary.

Some dogs learn that if they run back and forth across the barrier, they can wear out the batteries.

Psychological

Unwanted associations may be created if the dog pairs up the unpleasant experience with someone or something in the environment at the moment it is shocked. For example; if the dog is focused on a child when shocked, it may create an unpleasant association with children. This association can cause fear of the child which could lead to fear aggression.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of the handler.

The unpleasant experience can create fear and distrust of anyone or anything in the environment.

In order to effectively stop an unwanted behaviour with as few shocks as possible, the dog’s temperament and level of sensitivity must be known. Since there is no way to know how sensitive the dog is to shock without shocking it, the risk of making a mistake is high. If you start too high and work your way down you can create fear and/or aggression, if you start too low and work your way up you can desensitize the dog to the shock and/or cause habituation; that is the ability to stop reacting to meaningless stimuli through repeat exposure. When this happens you will require higher and higher levels of intensity to stop the unwanted behaviour.

Therefore, finding the correct intensity of shock risks causing pain, physical harm, damaging the dog’s temperament, and/or creating new behaviour problems.

The unpleasant experience can cause stress, anxiety, and/or depression, leading to other behavior issues and/or the inability to learn.

With an invisible fence system a dog may be traumatized by animals or people crossing the boundary and entering the dog’s territory.

Mechanical

Equipment has been know to malfunction and remain stuck in shock mode.

Equipment has been known to malfunction delivering high voltage shocks.

Equipment has been known to be triggered by electrical signals such as; ham radios, radio transmitters, televisions, cell phones, microwaves, power surges, other remote products and by sounds such as barking dogs, vibrations, the dog’s own ID tags and other noises.

Power surges can cause the collar to malfunction and cause a severe shock.

Dogs wearing shock equipment during a thunder storm can be electrocuted if lightening hits the wet ground.

Inconsistent current may occur from low batteries.

Some collars have only one setting of duration of shock.

Inexpensive collars are more likely to malfunction and not activate consistently, and may deliver inconsistent shock intensity.

Some collars have an inbuilt ability to automatically increase the shock level if the dog continues to bark. This in itself is abusive.

Different brands of collar may not have consistent shock intensity, this can lead to misuse and/or abuse when changing products.

Shock equipment is inexpensive and easy to access, therefore the risk of misuse and abuse is high.

Limitations:

Goals must be achieved with as few shocks as possible.

Exact timing is essential for the dog to associate the shock with the unwanted behaviour.

Exceptional training and behaviour expertise is essential to properly use this tool, the risk for misuse and abuse is high.

Human behaviour is often affected by emotions, therefore there is a risk of bad judgement and/or timing on the part of the handler due to his/her reaction to the dog’s behaviour.

The dog may not be able to feel the shock if there is too much hair between the metal studs and the skin. Therefore, shaving the fur may be necessary.

This tool can only be effective once the dog understands the desired response.

Invisible fence systems cannot be used for dogs with fear or aggression problems because outsiders can freely enter the dog’s territory.

The invisible fence system is not effective without proper set-up and training.

Viable Alternatives

Remote controlled citronella systems

Remote controlled vibration systems

Startle techniques

Counter-conditioning

Obedience training

Systematic desensitization

Negative Punishment - Remove something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Positive Punishment - Add something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Negative Reinforcement - Remove something unpleasant to increase a behaviour (Extremely Limited - ie; "Ah Ah" - must not cause fear or pain)

Positive Reinforcement - Add something pleasant to increase a behaviour

Interrupt and redirect

Create a reliable “on-off” switch to put the behaviour on cue

Creating other acceptable outlets for the unwanted behaviour

Environmental management to prevent the unwanted behaviour from occurring

Note: The severity of any positive punishment or negative reinforcement technique must be suitable for sensitivity level of the dog and only used on dogs with confident and resilient temperaments. It is the united opinion of the IPDTA that anything that causes fear or pain is not acceptable.

Note: As a research experiment, a shock collar designed for sensitive and small dogs was brought in to an IPDTA meeting. We set the collar at its lowest setting, one out of a possible ten. Each one of us held the collar with both prongs against the palm of our hand while the trigger was pressed. All members yelled in surprise, some claimed it was painful and all refused to be shocked a second time. Due to our research and experience, we have voted unanimously that shock equipment is not only unacceptable and un-necessary, it can be abusive.

References:
R1 - Professional Standards for Dog Trainers, Delta Society 2001
R2 - Guide to Humane Dog Training, American Humane Association 1998-2001
R3 - Research Review by Erica Wagner, Ph.D, of article “Training Dogs with the help of the shock collar: short and long term
behavioral effects.” from an issue of Applied Animal Behavior Science, Schilder, M.B.H. and van der Bord, J.A.M.