Dog training is far from being an easy task. Without the right tools and guidance, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. How can we help a dog understand that certain behaviors are inappropriateâor even forbidden?
For many years now, electric shock collars have emerged as a supposed solution. Based on the same principle as electric fences used to contain cattle or sheep, some argue: why couldnât this also work for dogs?
However, the dogâbeing much closer to humans and endowed with strong communication abilitiesâdoes not function in the same way as other animal species. Its learning mechanisms, emotional sensitivity, and relationship to humans are fundamentally different.
Here, I will present simple, common-sense arguments showing why the use of this type of tool is not a good idea at all, neither for effective education nor for the well-being of the dog.