The use of electronic collars, also referred to as "e-collars" or "shock collars", for dog training is a 'controversial' subject in the dog training community. ( although not controversial in science) research has revealed that e-collars can cause significant stress and fear in dogs, with long-term negative consequences on their behaviour and welfare.
One study published in the "Journal of Veterinary Behaviour" found that dogs trained with e-collars showed higher levels of stress hormones compared to those trained using positive reinforcement methods. Additionally, the study revealed that e-collar-trained dogs were at a greater risk of developing behavioural issues such as aggression and anxiety.
Another study published in "Applied Animal Behaviour Science" found that dogs trained with e-collars were more likely to develop fear and aggression towards both humans and other dogs. A further study in the "Journal of Veterinary Behaviour: Clinical Applications and Research" discovered a link between e-collar use and increased behavioural problems such as fear, anxiety, and aggression.
As a result of these findings and others, many animal behaviour experts and organizations have expressed their opposition to the use of e-collars for training dogs.
trainers will argue for the use of e-collars with the theory of learning which is fundamental in understanding animal behaviour, including that of dogs. This branch of psychology explains that animals, including dogs, learn through trial and error, responding to stimuli.
Operant conditioning, a crucial aspect of learning theory, explains how behaviour can be shaped and modified through reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcement involves increasing a behaviour through positive consequences, such as treats or praise, while punishment involves decreasing a behaviour through negative consequences, such as a shock from an e-collar.
Although punishment can be effective in the short-term for stopping unwanted behaviours, it is not essential for dogs to learn new behaviours or change their behaviour in the long-term. In fact, the use of punishment can have adverse effects on a dog's behaviour and well-being, causing fear, anxiety, and aggression. And the outcome is often not as good as or reliable as outcomes using reward-based methods.
Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, has been proven to be a more effective and ethical way of training dogs. When dogs are rewarded for desirable behaviours, they are more likely to repeat these behaviours in the future, and when combined with management techniques not practising unwanted behaviours, positive reinforcement-based training has no known negative side effects or impact on the dog's well-being. A study in the "Journal of Veterinary Behavioumanagementr: Clinical Applications and Research" found that positive reinforcement-based training methods resulted in increased obedience in dogs and a reduction in problematic behaviours, compared to punishment-based methods.
In conclusion, e-collars can cause significant stress and anxiety in dogs and scientific studies have shown that their use can lead to long-term negative effects on their behaviour and well-being. Positive reinforcement training is a more effective and humane method for training dogs, producing better results while promoting the animal's happiness and welfare.
