e-collar controversy - Page 1

some are for and some are against.  i happen to like having this tool in my toolbox.  proper use is key as with any type of training equipment.  i would like your feedback on this video.  even if you are against, you will be entertained.

joe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc_5SPdDz9I

 

 I personally do not like training collars of any type - but I have a special kind of dislike for the E-collar. Sure their is a time and place for everything, but I feel the E-collar is over-used and almost always used incorrectly. I don't think they should be for sale to the general public. But that will likely never happen. 

 I portray a clear message to my dog by using positive reinforcement. I do operant conditioning with them - I enforce the behaviors I want to see and ignore the ones I don't want to see. Obviously in dangerous situations, this isn't always an acceptable way to deal with the dog. I would never risk the safety of my dog or others for the sake of following a method. Sometimes counter-conditioning can really help dogs with behavior issues. I have seen this work on overly fearful and/or aggressive dogs in the past. In the case where the dog is biting people unwarranted I would call a behaviorist right away! I have personally never dealt with this situation, so I can only offer theory. Hypothetically, I would make sure the dog was contained safely. This means a muzzle, well fitting flat collar, leash and possibly a fence! I would then attempt to decipher WHY the dog was biting people. After that I would try to figure out what triggers the dog to react. I would then come up with a formula to teach the dog to access other behaviors before biting. I would teach him stress reduction techniques. We would work on OB and trust building activities on a regular basis. Ultimately, I would want to teach the dog the appropriate way to react to the situation. To me, my relationship with my dog is of the utmost importance. I'm not at all saying those who use training collars and aversive methods have poor relationships with their dogs - this couldn't be farther from the truth. But to me, it's more important to encourage trust, then it is to encourage results. 

I'm no expert on +R, I've only started ACTUALLY learning about it (I've been using this method for a long time, just never cared to look up the terminology or look beyond what I needed to know for my dogs). So my answer may well be backassward, but their are many well-respected ethologists and trainers who often use these methods (+R) to train troubled dogs. Including dogs with territorial aggression and possessive aggression. You may want to look into them for a more accurate description of how to deal with an aggressive dog without using aversion.

My dogs know I'm the most important person in the room from experience. I control all resources, I always interact with them positively. They're well trained and very happy animals.

As I said before. In an emergency situation, I would never risk my dogs safety for the sake of being positive. If my dog is biting someone, or being bit you can bet your ass that I'll stop the situation any way I have to....even if that means physical altercation.


I'm not trying to be preachy or anything. I'm not trying to force my method onto anyone. Just offering a different take I guess. 

ETA: I AM NOT doing this method any justice at all. If you would like more information from people who DO know what they're talking about - check out; Jean Donaldson, Brenda Aloff, Turid Rugaas, Patricia McConnell, Kelly Dunbar.