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 inappropriate—or 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 couldn’t this also work for dogs?
However, the dog—being much closer to humans and endowed with strong communication abilities—does 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.