The Facts About Modern Electronic Training Devices

Today’s technology is surprisingly subtle, more effective

Electronic canine training devices have existed for over thirty years. The misconceptions and apprehension surrounding their use is rapidly dissipating through new, improved technological developments and case studies which examine their performance and safety. The technological advances implemented in this new generation of electronic training devices developed at an astonishing rate, and the result is a more reliable, versatile product. Persons outside the electronic training device industry may not be aware of recent advances, or the uses of electronic training devices.

This white paper was created to provide the latest information for a thorough understanding of the effectiveness and application range of today’s generation of electronic training devices. The use of electronic training devices is one of many different options available for a wide variety of behavior modification issues. This paper does not explore alternative options, but focuses on the value that can be achieved by properly using electronic training devices to correct undesirable behavior or modify behavior in general. Sales of electronic training devices continue to grow steadily, as new models are demanded and accepted by consumers who make educated decisions, and who report positive results.

Relinquishing pets to shelters because of behavioral problems is a growing crisis across the nation. “...death from behavior problems is the leading cause of pet mortality,” according to Nicholas Dodman, Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and author of the books The Dog Who Loved Too Much and The Cat Who Cried for Help.⁴

According to Public Broadcasting Service’s Nova Online — Animal Hospital, “Many of the pets brought to shelters are surrendered there because of behavior problems that their owners believe to be permanent. Approximately 70 percent of these animals end up being “put to sleep,” making death

from behavior problems the leading cause of pet mortality, ahead of trauma and disease. It is estimated that between five and 10 million dogs and cats come to an untimely end in the nation’s shelters and pounds each year—a veritable holocaust. To put these figures into perspective, at least three times as many dogs are destroyed annually because of behavior problems as die of cancer, another leading cause of death. With dogs and cats, the problems range from aggression and house soiling to fear and anxiety-based

conditions, including various compulsive behaviors.”⁵ It is our intent to explain why the use of modern electronic training devices can be beneficial in reducing behavioral issues that may cause relinquishing of pets to shelters and how they can be used to improve the human-pet bond.

In the 30+ years since the first “shock collars” became widely available in the United States, these increasingly popular behavioral training devices have been refined to produce more effective results in a proven humane manner, easily adaptable for each pet. While the technology behind modern electronic training devices has come a long way, a few veterinarians and consumers continue to harbor misconceptions about these products and their effect on dogs, based upon their impressions of first-generation devices which were manufactured using outdated technologies and from misleading information from other sources. To the contrary, recent clinical studies offer conclusive evidence that the proper use of modern electronic training devices does not lead to adverse physiological or behavioral effects on dogs. Today’s advanced electronic training devices offer improved reliability, versatility and safety features that are state-of-the-art, and result in technology that is responsive to behavioral issues—a factor which can enhance the pet ownership experience, strengthening the bond between pets and their human companions.

This paper presents case studies, conclusions and informed opinions on the risks versus benefits of electrical training devices. Findings are presented from researchers at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine,

international canine behavior experts, practicing veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, professional dog trainers, sport dog enthusiasts and persons who have tested and observed the effects of electronic training devices on dogs in shelters and laboratories, in the field and in other real-world settings.

This literature illustrates that a wide range of credible experts believe that the average dog owner with basic knowledge of training techniques can effectively and humanely use electronic training devices for behavioral modification, obedience training and containment needs.

Myths About Electronic Training Devices

“We recognize that older products were often unreliable and difficult to use humanely. But we feel that new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that can be and are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.” ⁶

Veterinarians and Technicians are concerned about the overall well-being of their patients and they understand that many pet behavioral issues are directly attributable to the alarming rise in shelter populations and euthanasia statistics. Veterinary professionals are in a unique, credible position to proactively educate dog owners about behavioral health, thus it is necessary for them to be aware of the latest tools that dog owners may employ to help their pets succeed as valued, permanent family members. In many cases, electronic training devices enable the owner to resolve even the most severe or challenging behavior problems, thus reducing the dog’s likelihood of relinquishment to a shelter, or abandonment.

This paper will dispel many myths about electronic training devices, including assertions that:

·  They make dogs aggressive

Or, conversely:

·  The devices work only on aggressive dogs

·  They “shock” the dog

·  Electronic collars can cause burns (see “Suggested Additional Reading” for websites that help dispel this myth)

• Dog owners must be expert trainers to use the devices

Uses for Electronic Training Devices

A review of current literature from canine behaviorists, psychologists, and veterinary researchers suggests that many behavioral problems other than aggression, fears and anxiety-related behaviors may be addressed by the appropriate use of electronic training devices. Since each dog is different, just as no two people are alike, it is recommended that in many cases a combination

of training methods may be employed for optimal success. It may also be discovered that electronic training devices are not ideal to correct certain behavior issues. No dog training method provides a blanket solution for all behavior issues.

Origin, Evolution and Popularity of Modern Electronic Training Devices

Electronic training devices are known by many monikers—most notably and most graphically incorrect as “shock collars.” Other terms include “electronic collars,” “e-collars,” and also “remote trainers,” when used in a generic sense. The preferable and more accurate term “electronic training device” recognizes that while the products do incorporate a degree of electrical or more accurately “static” stimulation, the term “shock” is a misnomer for today’s technology. “First, at low levels, the term shock is hardly fitting to describe the effects produced by electronic training collars, since there is virtually no effect beyond a pulsing tingling or tickling sensation on the surface of the skin. Second, the word shock is loaded with biased connotations ...third, the e-stimulus or signal generated by most modern devices is highly controlled and presented to produce a specific set of behavioral and motivational responses to it.”⁸

The distinctions between first-generation products and today’s devices will be explored throughout this paper.

The first electronic training devices were used by outdoors enthusiasts to train their hunting dogs. When the products proved effective and popular with sport dog owners, leading manufacturers expanded their product lines and reduced the cost to make the devices accessible to companion dog owners. Today there are at least eight major manufacturers of electronic training devices marketing their products globally at retail outlets, through mail order catalogues, and online.

As the benefits to owners and pets have become more widely known, sales of electronic training devices have grown steadily from approximately 200,000 units in 1996 to more than 2 million

units today. Unit sales of electronic training

devices are projected to reach 5 million annually by 2014 —indicating acceptance of and satisfactory results achieved by a rapidly growing number of consumers worldwide.⁹