Shock Collars: Abuse or Beneficial?
Traditional dog training relies heavily on averse stimuli, such as shock collars. Luckily, in recent years, there has been a surge of positive reinforcement dog trainers. Here, I’d like to discuss 2 articles I found interesting on the debate of positive reinforcement vs averse training: a 2006 study on the use of shock collars and the impact they have on dogs and a 2004 study on the effectiveness of training methods. The results of both suggest that dogs who learn by positive reinforcement are just as obedient as dogs who learn through shock collars; however, the dogs taught through averse methods had higher stress levels even when the shock collar was turned off.
First, Let’s talk about the basis of all dog training: operant conditioning. All you need to know about it is that it’s a learning process by associating an action with a consequence of that action. Aversive stimuli use this in 2 ways: through negative reinforcement and positive punishment. Negative reinforcement uses aversive stimuli until the desired response is performed. This can look like training a dog to heel with a choke chain. This often teaches escape or avoidance responses, such as freezing. Positive punishment uses aversive stimuli when a behavior is performed to suppress that behavior. An example of this is smacking a dog for jumping up on you. Positive reinforcement looks a lot different compared to the above tactics. An example of reward-based methods is when a dog is given something they desire to complete a behavior. This looks like giving your dog a treat for going and laying down on their bed when you ask them to.
So, what are shock collars? They are collared devices that give off electrical stimulation. These are marketed for general obedience to deal with aggression, predatory behavior, toilet training, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. There are 3 types of shock collars used:
Remote controlled
Automatic in response to barking
Activated at boundary line (such an invisible fence)
All of these give off different intensities and durations depending on what the trainer/owner chooses. Shock collars have been very controversial over the years, and for good reason. Opponents of shock collar use say that there are possible welfare implications from incorrect use and potential abuse. Many owners shock their dogs too late after they’ve done an undesirable behavior, which can cause the dog to see a different environmental cue as the reason why they were shocked. Trainers also often shock dogs right after saying a command but don’t give the dog enough time to think. Boundary shocks can also be associated with oncoming neighbors and dogs, which will cause the dog more distress. Inappropriate levels of shock can traumatize a dog, and they can also learn to endure the shock and ignore it.
In 2004, Schilder and colleagues compared 2 groups of dogs in obedience: dogs who used shock collars and those who did not. In both the learning and relaxing phases of the test, the dogs with shock collars showed more fear than the dogs who were taught with force-free methods. Not to mention that with avoidance learning, the responses from being shocked can likely be long-lasting and resistant to extinction and counter-conditioning.
Another problem with shock collars is finding the right level of pain/discomfort to suppress behavior. Too much and the dog can potentially shut down and be altered emotionally. Too little and the dog will ignore it. Some more drawbacks are the risks of creating aggression or reinforcing a fearful response. It’s well documented across species that aversive measures can cause increased aggression (Heacock et al., 1975; Hutchinson, 1973). Even with snake-proofing, dogs will often attack the snake rather than withdraw. Not to mention that while using a shock collar, many issues with the product can arise: damage to wiring, worn-out batteries, improper fitting collar, and receiver problems. Not to mention you need to keep in mind the temperament, location of shock, thickness of hair, level of moisture on the skin, and more to determine the intensity of the shock, which makes it a random shoot on what will be enough but not too much.
Using a shock collar can make your dog react emotionally in a few ways. These dogs can be yelping, struggling, biting, freezing, withdrawing, hiding, running to the owner, cowering, trembling, and/or defecating/urinating. Wounds can also arise from the use of shock collars, such as lesions from high-intensity shocks, wet weather issues, and close-fitting collars for long periods. The last of which can cause skin irritation and contact necrosis.
In the end, shock collars have the potential to do a lot more harm than good, even with seasoned averse method trainers. Positive reinforcement training not only brings out just as obedient dogs, but they are happy to listen and respond to your cues and commands.
