The Kennel Club in calling upon the Government and Scottish Parliament to introduce an outright ban on the use of electric shock collars as devices to train a dog. Subjected to an electric shock, a dog will respond out of fear of further punishment, rather than from a natural willingness to obey. In order for the devices to serve effectively as a training tool, the dog has to perceive the shock as painful - moreover if the dog does not respond, the punishment has to escalate, creating further potential for abuse.
A number of research studies have found electric shock collars to be unnecessary in the training of dogs. These collars can cause negative behavioural and physiological changes in dogs and are open to misuse by users of them. Often owners may not even know how to use one of these collars. When a dog gets shocked, it has no idea what has caused the pain and reacts fearfully. It is likely to associate the pain with something in its immediate environment rather than with its own behaviour at the time, which is why it is common for dogs to attack other dogs, their owner or another animal or person close-by at the time of the shock.
Dogs with behavioural issues are a problem. But we have to ask ourselves why some dogs problems. Not properly trained in puppyhood, lack of leadership, abuse, disrespect, selfishness, congeniality. Dogs want to please. Dogs love unconditionally so why should pain be inflicted on them?
