The BC SPCA is asking dog owners to stop using shock collars - also known as electronic or e-collars - as a training tool for their pet.
鈥淲e know that some dog owners turn to aversive training tools, such as shock collars, out of a genuine desire to keep their pet safe,鈥� said Dr. Karen van Haaften, senior manager of behaviour and welfare for the BC SPCA and a board-certified veterinary specialist in behaviour, in a news release.
An example of a dog shock collar. Photo courtesy BC SPCA
鈥淭hey may not be aware that shock collars can cause both physical and psychological pain for their pet and that there are humane, reward-based training options available that are just as, if not more, effective in addressing unwanted behaviours.鈥�
Shock collars work by delivering an uncomfortable electrostatic shock to the dog鈥檚 skin.
鈥淲hile these collars can alter behaviour, there is a growing body of evidence from across North America and Europe that their short- or long-term use is associated with high levels of stress, phobias, fear and increased aggression in dogs,鈥� said van Haaften. 鈥淚n addition, shock collars can causephysical harm, such as an unhealthy increase in heart rate and severe burns to an animal鈥檚 neck.鈥�
Veterinary associations and humane organizations have long recognized that punishment-based training is detrimental to animals, according to the BC SPCA.
鈥淥ne of the most unfortunate, and inadvertent, results of shock collar use can be a breakdown in the bond between an individual and their pet,鈥� said van Haaften. 鈥淎n animal will sometimes associate the pain of the shock with other things in their environment at the time, including their owner. We urge people to seek out one of the many effective, reward-based training options available and to take a stand against harmful tools like shock collars.鈥�
The BC SPCA is asking people to to not use shock collars.
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