Tree bark collars that spray citronella or use electric shocks are some of the most common harmful products that “work” causing pain or discomfort. Some of the more secret tools promise to prevent dogs from barking, using ultrasonic or high-pitched sounds that people cannot hear. These products also “work” because, although quiet for people, the sound is uncomfortable or even painful for dogs. Electronic or “invisible” fences “work” to keep a dog in your yard because it depends on the pain to keep it contained. In addition to not being ideal, they pose additional dangers, as many dogs will run through the fence in search of a squirrel, cat or other dog. At this point, dogs may be hurt, but they will be afraid to return to the yard, as they will be shocked or physically punished again when they return home.
What science says
As we learn more about animal behavior, we now know that non-pain based training methods make our pets happier and help them learn better.
“Scientific research on dog training shows that there are risks in using training methods, such as leash collars (often called“ fixes ”), electronic shock collars, alpha rollers or other aversive methods. These risks include fear, anxiety, aggression and a worse relationship with the dog. And punishing a dog for doing something you don’t like doesn’t teach them what to do, ”advises Todd. It is also important to note that, in addition to causing physical and emotional discomfort, punishing your dog is actually a great way to hurt yourself. Using tools that cause pain is like putting gasoline on a fire.
In fact, “59% of the bites in the house come from owners who try to discipline their dogs,” explained Khara Schuetzner, president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers in reference to a 2007 study that examined canine aggression.
Instead, develop a common language
Schuetzner encourages people to think of their dog as a child who speaks a different language. For example, if “the only time the 3-year-old gets your attention is by doing something ‘naughty’ and you punish the child, what are you teaching? The child learns each time you approach him that he is going to do something that causes pain and discomfort. If you do this with your pet, it will begin to associate it with pain and discomfort. ”
Instead of punishing our pets, she explained, we want to develop a common language. By using positive reinforcement, you can change your pet’s behavior and help him develop positive associations with people or things he is afraid of. Likewise, you can teach your pet to do something you would you like that they do, instead of something you don’t do. For example, reward your cat with treats or toys for scratching a cat tree instead of your couch. If your dog is extremely excited to see other dogs, use treats to teach him how to watch him.
If someone promises you that buying your product will correct problematic behavior, it is a good sign that you want to do the opposite. As we said, just as human behavior cannot be changed at the touch of a button, the same is true of pets.
Positive reinforcement is not just for ‘easy’ pets
I often hear pet owners, especially those with large, unruly dogs, advocating the use of tools that cause pain because they say they tried all already. However, the key to success is that positive reinforcement training methods do not force your pet to be corporate, they help you understand what you want him to do, guiding him to make the decisions you want that he takes.