When dogs behaviour becomes challenging, we can totally sympathise that the mental burden this can have on owners is huge.
You may feel like you have tried everything, and still nothing is working and in desperation you find a trainer using aversive therapies such as shock collars who gets good, quick results on 'difficult' dogs. It is definitely worth doing some more research before going down this route, as some dogs may experience more mental health issues if used inappropriately and by inexperienced owners and trainers not working within evidence base.
Below is some literature surrounding aversive techniques. They conclude that these techniques work no better than positive behaviour modification and they can be actively damaging to your dog who is already struggling to navigate the world around them.
Do aversive-based training methods actually compromise dog welfare?: A literature review
Aversive-based methods are correlated with indicators of compromised welfare in dogs. *Studies have a number of limitations
The reviewed studies included surveys, observational studies, and interventions. The results show that using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. In addition, while positive punishment can be effective, there is no evidence that it is more effective than positive reinforcement-based training. In fact, there is some evidence that the opposite is true.
The ABTC considers that regulation of practitioners in the training and behaviour sector is the only means by which standards can be set and maintained. The use of aversive training techniques and equipment should be banned and pet owners encouraged to use reward- based training techniques.
We assessed the efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars compared to training with positive reinforcement.
There was no difference in the number of verbal cues used in each group, but Control 2 used fewer hand and lead signals, and Control 1 made more use of these signals than E-collar group. These findings refute the suggestion that training with an E-collar is either more efficient or results in less disobedience, even in the hands of experienced trainers. In many ways, training with positive reinforcement was found to be more effective at addressing the target behavior as well as general obedience training.
“Aversive tools such as electric stimulation (shock), prong, or training (choke) collars that require pulling and jerking to work, hitting and scolding can increase anxiety and therefore increase the risk of biting; in addition, they are likely to lead to treatment failure”
Ref: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN-DIRECTED AGGRESSION IN DOGS.
Ilana R Reisner, DVM, PhD
The Welfare Consequences and Efficacy of Training Pet Dogs with Remote Electronic Training Collars in Comparison to Reward Based Training.
This study investigated the welfare consequences of training dogs in the field with manually operated electronic devices (e-collars).
During preliminary studies there were negative changes in dogs' behaviour on application of electric stimuli, and elevated cortisol post-stimulation. These dogs had generally experienced high intensity stimuli without pre-warning cues during training.
These findings suggest that there is no consistent benefit to be gained from e-collar training but greater welfare concerns compared with positive reward based training.
To find a professional or paraprofessional who can guide you, have a look at the following:
Veterinary Surgeons found who are Specialists in Behavioural Medicine
In this Veterinary Voices UK 'On Air' podcast episode, veterinary behaviourist Sophie White explores dog on human aggression.
According to Sophie White, a veterinary surgeon from Veterinary Behaviour Support, many dog bites occur because we fail to understand the warning signs.
Sophie also discusses how some common training techniques which have been popularised by social media and TV shows can actually increase dog aggression.
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