Professional dog trainer and author Adam Katz gives an independent review of the Sit Means Sit Remote Collar.
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By Margalit Fox Arthur J. Haggerty, perhaps the most famous dog trainer in the United States, who was familiar to legions of dog owners as Captain Haggerty and to legions of dogs as He Who Must Be Obeyed, died on July 3 in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 74 and lived in Jupiter, Fla. A former Army captain, Mr. Haggerty was widely credited with establishing dog training as a respectable profession in this country. For many years, he presided over Captain Haggerty’s School for Dogs, which he founded in Manhattan 45 years ago and later moved to Los Angeles. Mr. Haggerty trained dogs for more than 450 television commercials and more than 150 feature films, including “Eyes of Laura Mars,” “Shamus” and “The Pawnbroker.” He trained dogs for Broadway (“Annie”) and for daytime dramas (“All My Children” and “The Guiding Light”). In all, Mr. Haggerty trained more than 100,000 dogs, his daughter said. He also taught a generation of dog trainers, among them the well-known trainer and author Matthew Margolis. Mr. Haggerty, who used his military title as a marketing masterstroke, cut an imposing figure on television and the lecture circuit. In his prime, he was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 350 A frequent guest on the “Late Show With David Letterman” — he appeared on it more than two dozen times — Mr. Haggerty also played bit parts in several movies, including “Married to the Mob” and “Honeymoon in Vegas.” In the early 1960s, when Mr. Haggerty established his school, dog training academies were almost unknown in the United States. His curriculum, too, went far beyond the usual sitting and fetching. He trained show dogs and sled dogs; stage dogs and screen dogs; bird dogs and rabbit dogs; herding dogs and tracking dogs; patrol dogs and messenger dogs; drug-sniffing, bomb-sniffing and mine-sniffing dogs; guide dogs and avalanche dogs; sentry dogs and attack dogs, among others. His clients included the New York Stock Exchange, where his dogs used to sniff for drugs before the opening bell; the Pinkerton detective agency; the Panamanian defense forces; and a roster of celebrities including Hugh Hefner, Flip Wilson, Liza Minnelli, Brooke Shields, Leona Helmsley and Henry A. Kissinger. Mr. Haggerty’s big blunt exterior belied a soft center, associates said. But he had little patience for the New Age dog-training methods of recent years. These methods, in which trainers “sit down with the owners, hypothesize, talk philosophy and whisper in the dog’s ear kissy face nice-nice and click a clicker,” were almost always ineffectual, he told Dog World magazine in 2003. “Results matter, period,” Mr. Haggerty explained in the same interview. “Take the dog who barks and barks relentlessly. The desperate renter will have to get rid of the dog if the problem isn’t fixed. “And after one session with me — if the owner follows up — the dog lives. Period. End of story.” Arthur Joseph Haggerty was born in Manhattan on Dec. 3, 1931, and grew up in the Bronx. He liked to say that he cut his teeth on a feed pan: his father and grandfather raised and showed Irish setters and Boston terriers. He began training his own dogs as a child. Mr. Haggerty spent nine years in the Army, which he joined in 1951. First came two tours in Korea, where he earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Afterward, he trained military dogs, eventually becoming the commanding officer of the K-9 unit at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1961, Mr. Haggerty founded his academy, originally known as the Tri-State School for Dogs. For many years it was on East 76th Street in Manhattan; in 1991, Mr. Haggerty moved the school to Los Angeles. He retired to Florida in 2004. In the interview with Dog World in 2003, Mr. Haggerty was asked what he wanted his eulogy to say. He came up with this: “He was an annoying and grating individual. But he loved dogs. He saved lives. He got the job done. End of story.”  Toni and Capt. Haggerty taking a break during Fred Hassen's seminar at the Cactus Canine Center in Tucson, Ariz. By Captain Haggerty Capt. Arthur J. Haggerty passed away July 3, 2006. He will be dearly missed. That title is a real grabber! Don’t go away – it matters not if you are opposed or in favor of any of the three subjects. Read on and come away with an educated understanding of these three subjects – positive or negative. This is not a sales pitch. It is a statement of facts – some of which you’ve never heard before. Now that is an interesting combination: Hassen, Koehler and Electric collars. How did they come together? There was an exciting seminar that brought all three together, even if they do not belong together. It was good, informative and turned a number of heads. It was conducted by Cactus Canine Center in Tucson, Ariz. The presenter, Fred Hassen is an interesting personality unto himself. He is a dog trainer in Las Vegas, a town that conjures up all sorts of images and none of them are dogs to my mind. Degenerate gamblers, yes. Dogs, no. How do you teach a slot machine to heel? I had an advantage that many of the participants did not have. I had spent three days in Vegas with Fred as he made his training rounds. I got to see him training dogs and selling his training jobs. Both of these activities fascinated me – the selling and the training. Fred brought himself, Koehler and e-collars together in an electric collar seminar he gave at Cactus Canine Center…
Why shouldn’t these names be lumped together?
FRED HASSEN Fred has an interesting and persuasive background. He is a staff writer for Dog Sports Magazine. Along with his buddy Maddy he has set some world records in competition with top scores in obedience and protection on a consistent basis. Maddy also is the all-time record holder in the highest obedience score in NAPD history. Fred is out there with a weekly radio show in Las Vegas is always ready to speak about dogs. With five busy trainers he sells an off-leash obedience course to Las Vegas residents. Yes, people live in Las Vegas. The attendees at Cactus Canine Center were fascinated with Fred’s presentation. The real attention getter was Fred using the collar on a spooky Great Pyrenees. Instant success was produced with this white giant and everyone sat up and took notice. Fred uses the e-collar from jump-street and follows through with the entire program. When I visited Fred in Las Vegas I saw a man confined to a wheelchair. He was in pitiful shape with very little control over his own movements. The man was one step above Stephan W. Hawking. In this, his first lesson, he had a young Doberman coming alongside his wheel chair when called. The dog showed more control responding to the man than the man had over himself. The dog was working off-leash, which is the only training that Fred will sell. CACTUS CANINE CENTER Cactus Canine Center was started in 1975 as a not-for-profit Koehler based training club. The spark plug then and now is Pam Green. Back then there was a “difference of opinion” on how dogs should be trained with another group They didn’t agree with the Koehler method so Cactus Canine Center became an off shoot of that group. The original group is no longer in existence. There is an old saying, “Nothing succeeds like success.” This organization is separate and apart from Pam’s full-time business of Kennel Comfort in Tucson, AZ a full-service boarding, grooming and training operation. Pam is one of the coterie of Koehler-based trainers that follows his well laid out ten lesson obedience course. WILLIAM KOEHLER The seminal “The Koehler Method of Dog Training” first published in the early sixties came up with a doable step-by-step process for training group classes. Forty years ago 99% of the dogs were trained in group classes. The courses then were longer than they are now. They often ran 10 to 14 weeks. This is no longer true unless you are a Koehler acolyte. Koehler’s purpose was turning out competitive off-leash dog that could leave his last class and march into the obedience ring and get a CD degree in three shows. This single-minded dogmatic approach produced results—again, again and again. Now to Koehler and e-collars. He tested these collars for Tri-Tronics in the mid to late seventies. Understand that this firm was first starting out at that time. The collar was still quite primitive, as compared with today. Bill Koehler certainly was familiar with e-collars but the rapid improvements occurred in the last decade and he passed away in 1993. What is a Koehler trainer? You can’t just read his book and call yourself a Koehler trainer. There is a strong and strict criterion in order to be a Koehler trainer. It is administered by Tony Ancheta at www.koehlerdogtraining.com. You must:
The name Koehler is pronounced “Koaler” on the east coast and “Keeler” on the west coast. “Keeler” was Bill Koehler’s preferred pronunciation of his name so that in turn makes it the preferred pronunciation. The correct German pronunciation as in Wolfgang Koehler the great German ape expert would sound more like “Kurhler” (slur, do not roll the “r”). “Cool-er” is another very rough approximation. The problem is in the umlauted “o” with two little strikes or dots over the “o”. An impossible sound that is transcribed by adding the letter “e” after the umlauted vowel. E-COLLARS Now I know that there are those out there that are adamantly opposed to e-collars. I do feel that anyone claiming to be a trainer should have a working knowledge of the subject. How can you be opposed to something if you know nothing about it? How can you discuss something intelligently if you aren’t knowledgeable in the subject matter. These collars will not go away. They are here to stay. Don’t take the ostrich’s approach. Should you prefer the citronella collar remember it is an electric collar, too. It is electrically keyed with the dog’s barking. A quick story about a citronella collar and an Australian Shepherd that outsmarted it. When the dog wanted to bark he would immediately do a spin and back flip to avoid the citronella spray. The most important advance in e-collars is the range of stimulation that can be adjusted from the transmitter. Not all collars have this capability. This is all-important to my way of thinking. An area that is open to improvement is developing a true philosophical approach to using the collar. This is a very individual thing. I can see different approaches emerging currently. There are a number of different brands of e-collars with different capabilities and limitations. Basically the more you pay the better the product, generally speaking. Which one is right for you? Everyone is different and has different needs. If you asked Fred Hassen he’d say Tri-tronics. That is his favorite and he is a Tri-tronics dealer. Do a bit of study before plunking down your hard-earned dollars. To give you an idea as to cost and sophistication it is possible to get a collar with SIXTY different levels of stimulation in the $325 price range. Now I think that is overkill but better 60 than one. This gives you an idea as to the versatility of these collars. No matter what you feel about e-collars you are not going to stop their onslaught. I recently had a customer that picked one up in a pet shop in the $125 price range. The current R.C. Steele catalog has four pages dealing with electric training devices. What are you prepared to say when asked about the subject? You don’t have to like them or use them.but you SHOULD know about them. The Chinese classic The Art of War spoke about the advantages of knowing your “enemy”. Is the e-collar your friend or enemy? About the author: Captain Haggerty started using remote collars nearly 40 years ago. At that time he didn’t particularly care for them. The improvements in the ensuing years has caused him to fall in love with them – but he still doesn’t use them on all dogs. By Suzanne Eviston
I also found that letter very interesting. I can’t keep my mouth closed about this one – rather one-sided it appears. I appreciate reading these types of things and these types of discussions. Bring them on! Many people are misinformed about e-collars and this article is a typical type of article seen by people who know little about it and really don’t understand it. Many of these studies are inaccurate/flawed because the application of the collar is flawed. Just because someone has “DVM” behind their name does not mean they know what they are talking about – especailly – when it comes to dog training methodology. Are you kidding me? Most of them would not know how to teach a dog to heal! Vets are not dog trainers and many of them have limited understanding of behaviour as well. Having just returned from the international working dog breeder’s conference and sitting for 4 days long through dozens of presentations of studies on genetics, behaviour, diet and performance, I think you have to understand that these vets are sometimes more scientist than animal people. It was clear to me through presentations of studies and test trials that they don’t understand the side of dogs that we do. Many presented studies with control groups yadda yadda but had not even thought of the simple factors that would wildly affect the results. Factors that we would easily think would be important. Once such example was a scientist from Sri Lanka named Eranda Rajpaksha that presented a one year study “Comparison of performance between imported and locally bred landmine detection dogs in Sri Lanka.” He presented an excellent study based on the Sri Lankan breeding program of German Shepherd dogs with the conclusion that the imported dogs were better quality workers and had a higher percentage of success in the work and completion of the mine dog training program. However, my first question was “Who trained the dogs that were bred in Sri Lanka?” The answer “Sri Lankans”. #2 “What was the difference in the stock used?” None: both German working line dogs. #3 “What was the training background/knowledge base of the Sri Lankan trainers?” The answer I’m sure you can imagine was that the Sri Lankans had less knowledge/training/ability to train the dogs and give them the foundation that the German trainers with many years experience did, before the dogs left Europe. Of course the outcome was that the Sri Lankan bred and raised dogs did more poorly than the imports. The study while appearing to be “whole” to this scientist was flawed just based on one factor that he simply did not understand after all “dog training is dog training isn’t it?” As you well know, there are cases where e-collars just save the lives of dogs. Traditional applications of this tool were improper and people continue to misuse it today. Many still are not up to date on the new style of application of these tools. The old training style truly was a “shock” the dog application. It is not so anymore when properly used. The methods we used to train police dogs in the 80s have changed drastically, just like our sidearms and police tactics. If we were doing a study on police tactics today, but the tactics used were out of date, how applicable would the results be to policing today? The letter: No, I have not changed my opinion and it is that there is never any reason for pets to be shocked as a part of therapy or treatment. If anything, I have strengthened this opinion. There are now terrific scientific and research data that show the harm that shock collars can do behaviorally. At the July 2005 International Veterinary Behavior Meeting, held in conjunction with the AVSAB and ACVB research meetings, data were presented by E. Schalke, J. Stichnoth, and R. Jones-Baade that documented these damaging effects (Stress symptoms caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs (Canis familiaris) in everyday life situations. Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, Papers presented at the 5th Int’l IVBM. Purdue University Press, 2005:139-145. [ISBN 987-1-55752-409-5; 1-558753-409- 8]). So what is this vet’s experience with e-collars. Such a strong letter, yet what is her background in training animals? Working dogs? I am sure it is available somewhere, I just wonder. Do people blindly read this and accept it for what it is without questioning her background? You must ask this before blindly accepting these statements. Studies can be so misleading! Stress symptoms are caused in some traditional non-ecollar training as well. It all comes down to the user and the type of application of the training style. What did these researches do as far as “shocking” these dogs? Use old style methods? What type of training did they have? What style of E-collar work are we talking? It is just all “bagged” into “shock” it seems. Of course bad applications would cause a lot of stress! This follows on the excellent work done by Dutch researchers, in cooperation with their working dog groups and trainers, that showed that working/patrol dogs were adversely affected by their ‘training’ with shock, long after the shock occurred (Schilder MBH, van der Borg JAM. Training dogs with the help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2003;85:319-334). I would love to read this. However, what kind of e-collar training were these people doing? How were they trained? If the training work these people were doing was flawed, so would the study be! New methods and techniques come along and I see great progress in the use of this tool, but the general public – including exceptional trainers – still do not use this tool properly or understand how to use it. Even dogs that are raised properly and trained properly can benefit from the use of e-collars. It really is an excellent tool that can bring so much to training and so much to the control of dogs that are unruly. While proper foundation is the key, it is not always present so we sometimes have to fix problems, especially with imported patrol dogs. My girlfriend Shannon Malmberg www.zendogtraining.com is one of the top, if not THE top, pet dog trainer in the lower mainland area of British Columbia. Almost all of her clients come from cookie dog and “positive” feel good trainers who mean well but just can’t use these methods to fix severely problematic or dangerous animals. Their “last chance” person is her and she is the E-collar woman extraordinaire!! Her pet clients do not leap off the ground, scream in pain or leave stressed out. E-collars are a tool that can be very helpful and effective when used properly, just like a leash. A leash can be abusive in the wrong hands as well. For the breed, Suzanne Eviston  Toni's dog Stuff hanging out and having fun with a client. By Toni Drugmand The Veterinarian on “shock collars”In an article in PET WORLD Magazine entitled “Vets on Behavior Proclaim, Never use shock collar: How to choose a dog trainer,” author Steve Dale quotes veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall.“”You wouldn’t send your children off to a school where they use shock, so why would you send your dog there?” As a professional dog trainer for 20 years, I am one of three people certified in Arizona as a Remote Collar training specialist with the “No Limitations” School for Dog Trainers. At our school, DOG-ON-IT Training! we have success story after success story with our training method, which uses remote electronic training collars. In the past five years I have personally schooled hundreds of clients with their dogs in the use of this training tool. The purpose of this article isn’t to create a deeper wound into the emotional reactions this topic can bring out, but to give some balance and other insight into this heartfelt subject. Having first-hand experience with the “No Limitations” remote collar training system that our school uses, Dr. Kathryn Allen, a small animal veterinarian in Phoenix who graduated from Cornell Veterinary School in 1988, states that the overall emphasis of the article is that “shock” collars are punishment devices and not only painful but cause damage both emotionally and physically. Dr. Allen explains that prior to her introduction to remote collars last year, in all her years of practicing veterinary medicine, she had no first hand experience of witnessing any ill effects of shock collars. She never once saw a dog come in wearing a “shock collar” and she never saw any evidence of a collar causing damage to a dog. She has one personal friend, an MD, who uses a remote training collar and is pleased with his results. I met Dr. Allen in an interesting way. She phoned me one day at my office, told me who she was and that she wanted to meet me. Dr. Allen said that she heard controversial things about me, although clients had told her good things about me as well. She told me she wanted to meet me for herself. I remember being impressed that this veterinarian was at least interested in giving me a chance to demonstrate my training to her. Dr. Allen states that in the 12-14 months since she has known me, she has now personally seen approximately 100 dogs training in remote electronic collars. She wants to make it clear that although the training collar could be used as a punishment device, she has not witnessed this in the training she has seen. She has attended two remote collar seminars, several classes and visited to observe Fred Hassen and Alfredo Rivera of “Sit Means Sit” Dog Training in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their school is the largest and most successful remote training company in the world. Their emphasis is on ’successful’, and not ‘unsuccessful’ remote collar training. Dr. Allen states that the use she has witnessed has been motivational and instructional rather than corrective. “When you first use the collar, you start at the level of 0, no stimulation at all, and work your way up until you get some kind of reaction, but not a yelp and definitely not a punishment level.” Dr. Allen says you use it to teach with, not as a punishment. She also states that the training she has witnessed might include some correction applications for behaviors like excessive barking or aggressive behaviors. She feels these are not a problem because it alleviates the potential of someone otherwise needing to get rid of his or her dog. Dr. Allen says, “It doesn’t change the dog’s overall demeanor when used this way, and within seconds the dog is back to normal.” On the day that I met with Dr. Allen, I walked in at lunchtime. I went into the back room where Dr. Allen and her staff were completing a surgical procedure. Dr. Allen was polite but busy and I sat down and waited for her to finish. Without looking up from her patient Dr. Allen asked me if I wanted to know what she had heard about me. I replied “yes ,” she went on to say that she had heard I used shock collars, killed a dog and broke a dog’s hip. Laughing at these remarks, I responded gently that the allegations were indeed false. Dogs are an emotionally charged subject when it comes to the topic of anything that might harm them. It never completely surprises me when I hear someone speak out against me especially without any first-hand experience with my training. I believed the remarks had come out of a local rescue organization that used to refer to me, but quit when they learned of the training I was doing using the electronic collar. After giving Dr. Allen and her staff some general information on the training that I do, she reluctantly agreed to work with me. Having a fear aggressive problem in her own dog, a puppy she had been given as a gift, she felt she had explored other techniques which had not proven successful and that it was worth trying in a final effort before placing the dog. She told me that she really wouldn’t understand it unless she saw it and tried it herself. This was the only way she would feel comfortable referring clients to me for training. Dr. Allen, in about a 12-month time frame, went from almost no exposure of remote electronic collar training, to a rather high volume of first-hand experiences with this method of training. She witnessed training in all kinds of environments and under all sorts of distractions. Dr. Allen readily admits that initially she was not as open as she might have seemed. Honestly, she says, she was looking for problems. “When you are a veterinarian, and the primary understanding of these collars is that they are cruel, it can be risky to come out in public in support of them.” Dr. Allen’s description of her training with this method is that it focuses the dog, helps get their attention and is extremely motivational. The first thing the dog learns is to come to you which is not something he would want to do if he were being punished. Dr. Allen has no problem with treats and lots of praise. She used both with the remote collar training of her dog. Dr. Allen also states that she knows of no documented evidence showing remote collars or any electronic training aid to be harmful. She thinks the concept of cruelty is propaganda and that it is politically correct to hate “shock collars” if you are an animal lover. Dr Allen goes on to state, that rather than take the time to educate themselves and make an independent decision, it is easier to go with popular opinion. In general most people are afraid to go against the grain. If there are experts currently publishing on the problems with remote collars, she would like access to that information. In fact, Dr. Allen wonders why this “expert” information is not widely available. The one circumstance where remote collars can be problematic, according to Dr. Allen, is when they are used without proper training. Many pet retailers sell collars allowing consumers to use them without proper training. This can lead to confusion and poor results. Because of this, Dr. Allen always recommends using the collar in conjunction with professional training. Dr. Alfred Austin, a University of Davis graduate from Carefree Arizona, and his dog trainer wife Ann Austin of Animal Actors, received a copy of this same article written by Steve Dale on “shock collars.” Following are some remarks from both Dr. Austin and Ann Austin referencing this article: Practicing Veterinary medicine since 1968, Dr. Austin and his wife Ann were both disappointed at the emotional argument the article supports without giving any documented proof of its allegations. The article presents its argument, according to both Austins, by stating that the idea of a dog wearing a shock collar could be likened to keeping our pets away from sharp knives and other objects, including poison. It states that in some countries these collars are considered illegal because they are so bad. Allegations are made that these collars are used solely for punishment; they cause fear, aggression and nervousness in dogs and are harmful overall. Since Ann Austin has been a training dogs and instructing dog-training classes for more than 40 years, she has seen training techniques come and go. Trends and fads peak and fade she says. Four summers ago, when attending a “No Limitations” seminar on remote collar training with Fred Hassen in Los Angeles, Ann found a better approach to her conventional methods and restructured all her classes to include a remote electronic training collar. When asked why the switch, Ann says that the new training method is easier. Easier on the dogs, easier on the people. She also says that she is able to teach her students more in less time and they come out with a higher level of training than with prior methods. She also states that the dogs are indeed happy! Dr. Austin states that Ann’s clients are learning faster and getting more done in less time. When asked if Dr. Austin in his nearly 40 years of practicing veterinary medicine had seen dogs that had been “damaged by shock” as Dr. Overall is quoted in Dale’s article, Dr. Austin claimed that he had never seen one. Dr. Austin went on to state, however, that he has seen lots of dogs ruined because they had not been trained. Dr. Austin did concur that he could understand where a dog could be confused or become nervous if training with electric stimulation was not done with someone with education and skill on the application. He went on to say that the same confusion, nervousness and other negative responses could be said not only of someone who used a training collar incorrectly, but with any other training tool as well. He feels that it isn’t the tool, but the training that goes with the tool. He then again states, that although it is possible, he has honestly never seen a dog ruined, mistreated, injured or hurt by what is being called shock in all the years he has been practicing. Dr. Austin states that when training a dog with all positive methods like the ones being expressed in Dale’s article, that he simply doesn’t know how a dog is supposed to learn when you have no way of telling the dog that certain behaviors are wrong. We have lots of ways of telling a dog he is right with positive methods, Dr. Austin states, but nothing to show him something is wrong. Dr. Austin also continues to state that wrong and right aren’t concepts dogs know anything about. It is not a natural part of their understanding and he believes it is our job as the dog’s caregiver to educate and help them learn so that we can keep our canine companions safe and offer them the most freedom possible. Fred Hassen, originator of the “No Limitations” remote collar training system, when asked his opinion on this topic, in a short phone interview stated; “Obviously, what Dr. Allen and Dr. Austin are saying is common sense. We have many vets throughout the country who feel the same way, because they have seen the results of many of our trainer’s clients. The comments in Steve Dale’s article referencing Dr. Overall’s opinion certainly did not surprise me, and would be expected from someone not versed in the success of a tool, any tool. I’m sure if I wrote an article on the effects of people not versed in using a veterinarian’s scalpel correctly it would read similarly. My only comment to Steve Dale’s article quoting Dr. Overall on shock collars would be that my first assumption is that Dr. Overall probably does not have much experience in “successful” remote collar training. On the other hand, you won’t see me commenting on veterinarian medicine either; I’m not a vet. I say leave the specialties to the specialists.” “Our organization does not sell collars to anyone without training, and I am very aware that many, many people are uneducated on this topic. Our top priority at ‘Sit Means Sit’ Dog Training and in our ‘No Limitations’ School for Dog Trainers is making it very clear how to help the dog through every teaching phase so both the dog and the client are successful with the training. My solution is that professional dog trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and anyone else should become more educated on how to achieve successful training, no matter what the tool is. Makes for interesting debate though, doesn’t it?,” said Hanssen. Phoenix Zoo Veterinarian Kathy Orr is a new client to remote collar training with two large Mastiff puppies at close to 100 lbs. Having trained dogs with conventional leash training in the past, Dr. Orr is no stranger to dog training, earning both a champion and obedience CD title on her last Mastiff dog. Having a very busy veterinary schedule with her work at the Phoenix Zoo, Dr. Orr was concerned that she had allowed her puppies to get too big before starting their training. She remarked to me that she could hardly get down the street with them on walks. When I asked Dr. Orr via e-mail how training was going after her second or third lesson she responded, “The main endorsement I can give so far are the rapid results, and my puppies still like me and are having a good time! I think it is important to have guidance from an experienced trainer like you, because I can see how the collars could be misused by someone who doesn’t understand how and when to use the impulses. But that is true of any training method. There are schools where children have been psychologically damaged by verbal abuse” In another article titled “A Buzz about E-Collars. Do Electronic Collars, Shock or Stimulate Dogs? Are they Cruel and Unnecessary or Valuable Training Tools? WDJ Airs the Debate.” Editor and Chief of this publication, Nancy Kearns, makes some interesting points. Although Nancy Kearns makes the point clear that the Journal’s position is opposed to the use of electronic training collars, she offers information that gives the reader the opportunity to think and make open minded decisions on the topic. Says Kearns, “the enduring popularity of these collars makes it clear that many people see nothing wrong with the collars. Lots of people swear by them—including some professional trainers, veterinarians and experienced competitors in canine sports. Dr. Phyllis Giroux has all three of the above-described credentials. She graduated from Michigan State University as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has a Masters degree in Animal Behavior. She later became a certified Canine Animal Chiropractor and has been active in purebred dog events since 1974, earning many obedience titles and working certificates. The article goes on to state “Dr. Giroux wholeheartedly advocates the use of electronic training collars. Recently, she and (Jack) Jagoda completed the first in what they anticipate to be series of instructional videotapes on the subject of training dogs with the help of electronic training collars. Produced in association with Pet Safe, maker of remote training systems, the videotapes will demonstrate and explain the trainers’ methods and philosophies. Dr. Giroux was kind enough to forward a copy of the first tape prior to its official release so that we could review it.” “We found the tape to be very professionally produced, concise and informative. The training advice offered demonstrated by Giroux and Jagoda was sound and reasonable if you’re not opposed to the use of electronic training collars, which we still are.” Another article, “The Facts About Modern Electronic Training Devices: Today’s Technology Is Surprisingly Subtle, More Effective”, released by Radio systems at the 2004 North American Veterinary Conference, gives some of the following information. In a survey of veterinarians and technicians from the 2003 North American Veterinary conference, the article states these professionals (veterinarians and technicians) “…found a generally positive attitude about the use of electronic training devices, with 80 percent of professionals stating that they would recommend them in many cases.” In the same article the Tuskegee University Study finds no lingering adverse effects of bark collars. In 2003 a four-week study of shelter dogs conducted by Janet Steiss, D.V.M. Ph.D. “At the conclusion of the study, Dr. Steiss and her team concluded that electronic bark collars were not only effective in controlling excessive barking, but that they also did not cause any lingering adverse physiological effects.” Quoted in the same article is Randall Lockwood, Ph.D. Vice President for Research and Educational Outreach, Humane Society of the United States.“We recognize that older products were often unreliable and difficult to use humanely. But we feel that new technology employed by responsible manufactures 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.” In conclusion, by sharing professional opinions, other writings and the thoughts of several experienced veterinarians who have active practices and see dogs all day every day, it is difficult to come to the same conclusions that Steve Dale shares with his reader on the detriment of electronic collars. Many veterinarians along with other professional trainers view these as positive training tools. Although the remote training collar might not be within your comfort zone for personal use, my hope is that the information included would give readers the prompt to investigate and make an educated decision on their own.  There are no "bad dogs" with good training. by Fred Hassen Since training people to use electronic collars is something that I do as a profession, I am constantly asked questions such as, “”Doesn’t the dog become Collar wise?”; or “”Shouldn’t I just use it when a problem arises that cannot be fixed by other methods?”. Since collar conditioning is a completely different subject, let’s assume for argument’s sake that the dog is either “collar conditioned” already, or going through the process presently. The first fact that is important to accept is REINFORCEMENT NEVER ENDS! The quicker we accept this, whether we are using an ecollar or not, the better off you will be. My dogs never leave the house without an ecollar on. Is it because they will not perform without it? Certainly not. Dogs are trained to be off leash, correct? I would assume that the dog is smart enough to recognize that the leash is no longer connected, yet habit is established. If you have ever watched a trained dog walking down the street with its owner and it had on a choke chain, you certainly do not see the owner tugging at the leash every second. With an e-collar, it does not mean that you are pushing buttons every second either. Let’s stop for a second so I can make an analogy. In the work force, people who have been at their jobs for any length of time, obviously know their job pretty well. Whether it is cooking French fries at McDonalds or working for an accounting firm, you would know your job pretty well after a while. Even in those instances, they do not just fire all of the managers and let you pick up your check under the door every Friday. Someone is still there to constantly oversee the operation to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Without that, the organization would fall apart quickly. Dog training is no different. I’m sure your dog was “trained”how to “sit” a long time ago. Now, whether he always does it when asked—– well, that’s another matter. O.K., now that we have accepted that reinforcement never ends, we can move on. The reason that the e-collar is kept on when moving outdoors, is because as you step outside the house a lot of factors enter into the picture that you have no control of. Loose dogs, cats, kids on bikes, trucks driving by with dogs in the back and people playing Frisbee are just a few. When your dog is 50 yards away from you and he is creeping on a “down” command, a few variables enter into the picture. To correct the dog, the time that it takes you to get back there slows learning tremendously. Also, it is very hard to not get emotional about it because you want it to cease immediately, thus further creating another bad habit of yelling at the dog. Another thing that happens is when you are finally able to correct the dog, it has moved and gotten away with a far distance before the correction can be applied. Obviously, a drop on recall or while moving can be brought about much quicker, and with much less corrections and stress on the dog. While using an e-collar, these problems can be dealt with immediately, and unemotionally. If the level needs to be moved up or down to suit the correction, it can be without any elevation in the voice. It’s as if you are right there correcting him, without the yelling. He is, in effect, causing the correction on himself. HE caused the collar to turn on. People would say, “Well this may create a shy, timid, inhibited dog.” Quite the opposite. Electronic collars are used on hunting dogs on a daily basis. They may want their dog to lie down at 200 yards away because a deer is running, or to come back to them in that instance. It is no different than you or I wanting our dogs to lie down at a distance because a cat, or a dog or a mailman is passing. The only difference being that if he doesn’t, we can reinforce immediately. If he does – great! The dog at least gets another repetition in that he must comply immediately, or it could cost him his life. If electronic collars made a hunting dog too scared to do its task or diminish it in any way, hunters and field trial people certainly would not be using them on a daily basis, and having them as an integral part of their training program. Field trials are definitely among the most difficult of all dog sports. They demand precision and speed at great distances and in “non-patterned” formats that make it all the more difficult. Our Las Vegas K-9 unit recently went to electronic collars about two years ago. They just took “top dog” and “top agency” at the Western States Canine Trials, and obviously the dogs are not allowed to perform with e-collars on. Recalls become quicker, smoother and very happily performed because the dog knows exactly what is expected. “Out” commands have meaning everywhere and anywhere and on anything. I would definitely recommend that you attend an electronic collar seminar and make up your mind for yourself. All you need to bring with you is your pair of eyes—– the rest will take care of itself.  We are very proud of Kathy and John Ryan's accomplishments with their Labrador Retreiver puppy named Rocky. Rocky is now 8 months and has his Canine Good Citizen certificate. He is a recent full graduate of our program and is in training as a therapy dog. by Fred Hassen I’d like to address a subject that is often brought up by trainers and handlers: “How does the dog perform without the collar on? Many people are under the mistaken belief that it’s the collar that makes the dog perform (or fail to perform). Another misunderstanding that we often hear is, “My dog knows when the collar is on, and when it’s not. Let’s explore some of these thoughts. I prefer to make a leash analogy, so that the many people who are familiar with a leash can better understand. First and foremost, I’d like to say that there are many types of e-collar trainers that use many different approaches to dog training. This fact alone makes it virtually impossible for people to say things like, “The collar causes this or that. There are many different leash trainers as well, and we all know that we can’t group “PetSmart” training with a lot of other training methods, just because they all use a leash. So much of dog training involves the approach of the trainer. I have always been influenced by the understanding that “reinforcement never ends.” You should always be in a position to reinforce your rules. This is consistent with the adage that a lot of you are familiar with: “Never give a command that you can’t enforce.” Now the problem arises when you press the button. The dog can do a lot of different things when that button is pressed. He can run, lay down, try to get away, jump up and down, or any other number of things other than the behavior you commanded. I’ll even go so far as to say that you will probably see the dog attempt one, some, or all of these maneuvers at some point in time. That doesn’t sound very encouraging does it? Let’s assume that the dog has a leash on for the first time, and we will take the electric collar out of the picture. Let’s say that you have a long line on the dog, and you call the dog to you and get the dog moving toward you with the long line should he choose not to come. This particular dog hasn’t had a line on before, and doesn’t know what a leash tug means. Let’s take it even one step further, and assume that the dog does know what the leash means. That knowledge alone is not going to guarantee that the dog will come every time you apply a leash tug. If there is enough distraction, it may take a few tugs, or even one hard tug. I think we can all relate to that, and if you can’t…and you need to show me your 100% obedience score in all of your trials, because your dog knows and complies with all of the commands that are asked of it.  Stetson heeling at the PSA Trial (Protection Sports Association). Back to my original point with the leash. You tug on the leash once. There are a few dogs around, your dog is distracted, and the dog decides not to come. You have to work the dog through this. I doubt that you’d just blame the dog’s disobedience on the leash. We’ve all tried to place a dog in a sit, and had that dog try to scoot away. Trainers certainly don’t look at that and think, “ Well, I’m never going to put his butt down again.” These same misbehaviors can and certainly do happen with an e-collar. People educated with the collar just know how to fix the misbehavior immediately, and teach the dog how to eliminate that option and come one step closer to performing the requested action. I don’t think any leash trainer in his/her right mind will try to tell you that when you are training a dog to “sit” that the dog will never attempt anything else. I’d even go so far to say that a good trainer would tell you that the dog might still try it next week, next month, net year. You must still see to it that the dog “sits” and constantly show the dog that sitting is the only response to your “sit” command. There are simply no guarantees that the dog isn’t going to try something like that at some point, whether he “knows” the command or not. Many handlers will put some type of choke chain or “fur saver” on the dog to signify to the dog that the dog is now “working” despite what people may say, or try to convince you – that alone does not put the dog on “automatic” pilot. If you think it does, I’d like to see the 100% obedience scores at all of trials with the fur saver on. Ask a working handler of a guide dog for the blind if just putting the harness on their dog is enough to take care of anything that may come up. Ask if their dog has ever missed a command, or been distracted. Well, dogs sometimes still don’t comply with the working chain on, and it’s being enforced! Having trouble with your “call off? Why don’t you just put your fur saver on the dog, so he “knows” he’s “ working,” and he’ll stop on a dime from now on… You get my point. The electric collar is no different. In fact, if it was the collar that was making the dog work, nobody would ever have to apply stimulation. They’d just condition the dog, put the collar on, and life would be one big 100% at obedience trials. There would also be no need for adjustable levels on the remote for stronger distractions. Why would you ever have to raise the level of stimulation? I thought the dog “knew” that the collar was on; he’d certainly never ignore it. I’d like to relate a funny story from one of my clients. The client requested a “dummy collar” from me. Those of you not familiar with “dummy collars” (and incidentally they are appropriately named; you may want to try putting a “dummy fur saver” on a dog to see it that works any better), they look, feel, and weigh the same as a real e-collar. After explaining all of this to him, he replied, “I know, I know, but I still want to use one.” You know how that goes. He was using it in the backyard so the dog wouldn’t dig while he was gone. He figured that he’d go to work and when the dog started to dig, the dog would think, “whoops, I better not do that because my collar is on” even though there was no reinforcement. I got a “dummy collar” for him, and a few weeks later asked him about it. I found his answer humorous, and very appropriate. He replied, “It’s not going very well. The dog knows it’s a dummy collar” Doesn’t the dog ever get trained, and not need the collar?” To this I respond: Next time you run into someone who has worked at their business for 10 years or longer, or who owns their own business ask them, “Why do you still have managers and enforce rules and watch the situation? Why do you still suspend people and get on them about being late?” Don’t they know their jobs yet? In summary, I advise that the collar be worn whenever the dog leaves the house. You can’t control the outside environment, but you can control your dog. Not being in a position to enforce is not going to change the fact that reinforcement never ends. I would suggest that you call Tri-tronics and ask if there are any seminars with their “prostaff” scheduled in your area. You wouldn’t advise a new client to just “go buy a leash” and expect them to figure out how to train their dog. Would you be willing to accept the responsibility of whatever they applied when they just went out and bought a leash? I know I wouldn’t. The e-collar is no different. That is common sense with any training tool. Please consider attending a seminar from someone who knows what they are doing and can answer your questions. Get educated, and have a happy training session!  Toni's dog "Stuff," performing a sit, stay. Toni Drugmand is certified with honors as a remote collar specialist in Arizona. The remote collars we refer to today are collars that allow you to handle a remote hand-held device that emits a mild pulse of electronic stimulation under your control. It is a pulse that is very mild and can be adjusted up or down in strength. Electronic dog training collars have been around since the 1950s. Modern advancements and evolving technologies have seen these training tools improve immensely over their earlier relatives. Some of our greatest advantages when training with this tool is there is no arguing with your dog, nor raised voices. You will no longer have to pull hard or jerk on your dog’s neck through a leash to get his attention. You are able to make adjustments through your remote collar if necessary, but there is no yelling required or allowed in our training programs. This training system becomes not only immediate, but also non-personal or threatening to your dog. He feels more in control of his own actions as he learns to gain self-control around temptations and understand what you want him to learn. Your dog learns to come back when called, almost from his first training lesson, and your ability to gain off leash control is almost instantaneous. Along with our training program we feel remote collar training is a valuable tool and helps our students gain immediate results over imperative pet issues such as: learning to come when called, not running out the door, chasing cars and knocking over people. Many other behaviors are addressed and solved quickly such as biting the kids, for puppies and chewing, barking or digging problems. Modern medicine today uses many EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulator) therapies. Today’s remote collar features can be compared to modern modalities in the physicians world most commonly understood as pain control therapy to aid and enhance the healing of injuries. These more modern electronic devices are familiar to anyone having used a Ten’s unit chiropractic EMS, or other forms of electronic muscle stimulation for acupuncture treatments. Less familiar to the general public are the human studies that show effective treatment with electrotherapy for anxiety and for enhanced learning. These are not painful treatments and science shows the value of this technology. Amazing, safe, gentle and effective are the comments most often heard from our hundreds of satisfied clients. Our training approach teaches our clients how to quietly and effectively get the dogs attention. The remote training collar that adjusts easily allows us to individually help set our communication line up so that we can be effective specifically for your dog’s needs in his given environment, which may change with distractions and outside stimulation factors. The instruction we provide to our clients to help them be as effective with their dog’s training as we are is among the greatest advantage allowing us a superior means of communication. As more of the dog population is educated about the versatility of this training, we see the popularity of this approach to training rise. People discover they can have more freedom with their pets and bring them into distracting and public places knowing they have a controlled and obedient pet. Police canines, K-9 search and rescue trainers and service dogs for the disabled are beginning to increase in numbers as these training tools help them reach faster results and attain higher standards for their specific needs. The positive attributes the remote training collar gives us with proper training are endless. It truly makes learning easier on the dog.  The appropriate use of electronic training devices can help resolve issues such as pulling on the leash. Today’s technology is surprisingly subtle, more effective“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.” In the 30 years since the first “shock collars” became widely available in the United States, these increasingly popular behavioral training products have been refined to produce more effective results in ways that have proven not only to be humane, but also, gentle. While the technology behind modem electronic training devices has come a long way, some veterinarians and consumers harbor misconceptions about these products and their effect on dogs based upon their impressions of older, crudely designed devices. To the contrary, clinical studies in recent years offer conclusive evidence that the proper use of modem electronic training devices does not lead to adverse physiological effects on dogs. his paper presents case studies, conclusions and informed opinions on risks versus benefits 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 others who have tested and observed the effects of electronic training devices on dogs in shelters and laboratories, on farms and in other real-world settings. As you will gather from reviewing the current literature, 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. This paper dispels a number of myths about electronic training devices. As evidence of the evolving body of knowledge about today’s technology, conclusions about the safety and effectiveness of modem electronic training devices are supported by the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the International Association of Canine Professionals, among others. Because dog owners frequently ask veterinarians how to address common behavioral issues, professionals have an opportunity to impart credible, proactive and vital information that can greatly increase the likelihood of a dog’s acceptance into the family. This paper’s purpose is to help you become more familiar with credible research into and objective facts about today’s products so as to be conversant when discussing behavioral solutions with dog owners. Myths About Electronic Training DevicesEvidence exists that almost all veterinarians are concerned about the alarming rise in shelter populations and euthanasia statistics, many of which are attributable to behavioral issues. Because veterinarians are in a unique and credible position to proactively educate dog owners about behavioral health, it is helpful to be aware of the latest tools that dog owners may employ to help their pets succeed as valued and permanent members of the family. This paper will dispel many myths about electronic training devices, including: Or conversely… Uses for Electronic Training DevicesA survey 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. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
Origin and Evolution of Modern Electronic Training DevicesU.S. pet owners purchased more than two million remote training devices, pet containment systems and bark collars in 2001. Over the years, electronic training devices have been known by many monikers, most notably and most graphically “shock collars.” Other terms include “electronic collars,” “e-collars,” and also “remote trainers” when used in a generic sense. The current and more accurate term “electronic training devices” recognizes that while the products do incorporate a degree of electrical or “static” stimulation, the term “shock” is a misnomer for today’s technology. 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. Since becoming widely available, consumer awareness and sales of electronic training devices have grown steadily from approximately 200,000 units in 1996 to more than two million units today. Unit sales of electronic training devices are projected to reach four million annually by 2007 – indicating acceptance by consumers in greater and greater numbers. Types of Electronic Training DevicesModern electronic training devices deliver a low-voltage electrical correction through contact points attached to a dog collar. The products are generally broken down into three classes, each with its own training applications. Pet containment systems offer a method of keeping a dog at home within a yard, without the necessity of constructing a physical barrier. They may be installed in-ground for aesthetics, or above ground as a stand-alone solution or reinforcement for an existing barrier that is not keeping the dog contained. In addition to newer wireless models, there are also systems designed for indoor use that can be scaled from very small to larger areas. Bark control collars are used to curb excessive and/or nuisance barking by delivering an automatic correction from the collar. While these collars come in electronic, citronella and sonic varieties, this paper addresses electronic correction bark control collars only. Training collars or “remote trainers” allow the owner to train the dog at close range or at a distance, even when it is off-lead or otherwise out of immediate reach. Electronic remote training devices consist of a collar with a receiving unit and a remote hand-held transmitter held by the user. When the appropriate button is pressed on the hand-held transmitter, the dog receives a warning tone or a stimulation (electronic, vibration, etc.). In addition to being useful for deterring undesired behaviors, remote trainers have also proven highly effective for teaching obedience commands. As with all training protocols or products, we recommend a thorough physical examination and consultation with a veterinarian to determine any health or temperament problems that could be treated with medical care. Where Veterinarians Currently Stand on Electronic TrainingA survey of veterinarians and veterinarian technicians attending the 2003 North American Veterinary Conference found a generally positive attitude about the use of electronic training devices, with 80 percent of professionals stating that they would recommend them in many cases. What about the other 20 percent? Of those who would not recommend the devices in most cases, their primary concerns were:
The following research project provides reassurance to veterinary professionals who have concerns about potentially adverse effects of modern electronic training devices. Case 1 – Tuskegee University Study Finds No Lingering Adverse Effects of Bark Collars In 2003 a team led by Janet Steiss, D.V.M, Ph.D., of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, conducted a four-week study of adult shelter dogs’ physiological and behavioral responses to bark control collars. Dogs were randomly assigned to either an electronic collar or the control group. From a behavioral standpoint, the amount of barking was significantly reduced starting on the second day that dogs wore the electronic collars. Physiologically, the dogs registered a mild, yet statistically significant increase in blood cortisol level only on the first day of wearing the collars.
What Electronic Training Devices Are and Are Not What makes today’s electronic training devices more humane than their predecessors? Nearly all products from all manufacturers emit only a very mild electrical stimulation. These devices draw their current from batteries and thus are very limited. The energy level is similar to what one gets when touching a metal object after walking across carpet. It is uncomfortable, surprising, and one quickly draws away; but it is not harmful and is more startling than painful. Case 2 – Researcher Finds No Evidence of Organic Damage from Electronic Training Devices Case 3 – What Does a Static Correction Really Feel Like? * Dr. Klein notes that “in the case of dog training, it is not the muscle contraction that is desired, but ‘the sensation of electric current’ as a reminder.” Although not depicted on the chart above, Radio Systems Corporation found when testing its products that the output voltage a human would receive from a nylon carpet at 50 percent relative humidity is more than twice the output voltage that a dog would receive from any of its three types of electronic training devices set at low levels. At 20 percent relative humidity, the carpet would produce a sensation more than nine times stronger than a low-level electronic stimulation.
Multiple levels of Sensitivity to Suit Each Dog’s TemperamentA vital feature of today’s electronic training products is that instead of the obsolete “one-size fits all” approach, it is now standard for most devices to offer a range of electronic impulse levels from which owners may choose depending upon their dog’s personality, breed, size, activity level and environment. In 2002, Radio Systems Corporation received an endorsement by the International Association of Canine Professionals for its “Gentle LiteTouch” pet containment training method. This breakthrough set the standard for the industry to aspire to in offering a wide range of stimulation adjustment for containment products. Today, a survey of current remote training collars reveals a choice of stimulation levels ranging from five to 18 in various modes of operation. This expanded range of choice is now commonplace among all leading manufacturers of electronic training products. Case 4 – Electronic Training Devices Aid in Fast, Lasting Behavioral Change A team of Norwegian researchers conducted a two-year study of the effect of electronic training devices on 114 hunting dogs of breeds that exhibited a strong instinctive drive to kill sheep. A group of dogs was given a sheep confrontation test in the first year by which they received an electronic correction for predatory behavior when they got within two meters of a sheep. In the second year of identical testing on the same group, the dogs showed weakened, delayed, and hesitant behavior, indicating that a) learning had taken place; and b) behavior modification learned the previous year was retained by the dogs over relatively long periods of time. Only one of the 114 dogs that received electronic corrections the first year required it the second year. The researchers found that 18 of the 24 dogs reported by owners to exhibit behavioral changes lost their previous interest in sheep. And from a psychological standpoint, the dogs’ owners reported “no negative effect on the dogs’ behavior during the year ensuing electronic treatment.” Contrary to what one might expect, electronic bark control collars do not extinguish the bark response notes Radio Systems Corporation. When the collar is removed the dog will still bark to alert to strangers. Advantages of Using Electronic Training DevicesUsing modern electronic training devices offers several benefits over other stand-alone behavior modification methods such as leash or clicker training. Speed/timing of correction/stimulation Effective for any size combination of person and dog Control – Allows the handler to maintain gentle, effective control of the dog even at a distance Observations such as the following illustrate the value and flexibility of the electronic training option for almost any kind of situation when used properly:
Note that in an environment where one might expect more forceful handling of the dogs than might be acceptable to vets and owners, the police department’s handlers prefer to train using low stimulation levels. Potential Negative Effects Resulting from Incorrect Use of Electronic Training DevicesWhile much current literature on electronic training technology focuses on benefits, there is little doubt that incorrect use of the devices can pose some degree of physical and/or psychological risks to dogs. In its publication addressing effective, humane professional standards for dog trainers, the Delta Society, an organization that promotes the human-animal bond, presented a detailed rundown of risks of electronic and non-electronic training equipment. It noted that all training equipment and methods, including tools as seemingly benign as food and toys, could be harmful if used incorrectly. Examples cited include:
The following table is a compilation of risks and warnings that the Delta Society advises users to be aware of when using electronic training devices:
Case 5 – A Word About Pressure Necrosis (or Contact Dermatitis) According to Dieter Klein, referenced earlier, “The electric properties and performances of the modem low current remote stimulation devices (with current intensity of less than 100 mA) are comparable to the electric stimulation devices used in human medicine. Organic damage, as a direct impact of the applied current, can be excluded.” Robert E. Schmidt, D.V.M., Ph.D. stresses that prevention of pressure necrosis is the best treatment. “If reddening of the skin is noted, the tightness of the collar should be evaluated,” advises Dr. Schmidt. This would entail removing or loosening a too-tight collar that is causing ischemia, which can lead to pressure necrosis if incorrectly diagnosed as bums or if not diagnosed until later stages of ulceration. Pet owners need to check for proper fit and irritation on a daily basis. Proactive veterinarians should consider asking dog owners if they plan to use electronic training devices and briefly explain how to check for proper collar fit so as to avoid pressure necrosis. Who Are Good Candidates for Using Electronic Training Devices?Regardless of their previous attitudes toward electronic training devices, after considering the information presented in this paper, veterinarians should be confident that people and dogs fitting this description can benefit from the use of today’s enhanced products for addressing a wide range of behavioral health and obedience training issues:
Additionally, senior citizens and physically challenged owners and their dogs may especially benefit from electronic training devices, notes Jerry Wolfe, president of Triple Crown Dog Academy. ” . . . these devices have also shown great benefit to senior citizens who do not have the strength or proper timing when using a conventional leash and collar. We have also experienced in working with handicapped pet owners, that these devices are sometimes the only way for them to safely train and control their dogs—especially in public environments with enhanced distractions and the possible presence of other dogs.” Choosing the Appropriate Stimulation level for Electronic Training Devices“Starting at too high an intensity can cause an extremely fearful or aggressive response but starting at too low an intensity can cause habituation.” Veterinarians should encourage dog owners to read all package instructions before beginning to use electronic training devices. In addition to providing product safety information, some manufacturers also give suggested, step-by-step details in writing and/or via video for how to properly combine voice commands with electronic stimuli to effectively achieve the desired result. In many cases these instructions are provided by professional dog trainers. Because today’s electronic training devices offer a range of correction settings, it is always advised that dog owners begin training on the lowest setting and observe the dog closely to gauge its response. Owners are advised to quickly determine what Phyllis Giroux, D.V.M., CAC, of the Deep Run Health Care and Training Center in Goldvein, Virginia, refers to as the “recognition” level. “This is the level at which the dog can recognize that he is receiving some signal from the training device,” says Dr. Giroux. “The correct level for training is that level at which Case 6 – Anecdotal Evidence from Respected Veterinarian/Trainer is Positive “In the past six years at our training center we have ‘rescued’ over a hundred dogs that would have been turned in to shelters or euthanized because the dogs were deemed uncontrollable. These are dogs from normal households that failed to learn for whatever reason. These dogs come to our training center and spent two to four weeks learning how to respond to the training collar. We do not punish with it, but teach the dog to pay attention, learn right from wrong, and develop self-control and a solid sense of teamwork. These dogs go back home with their owners who easily maintain control by occasional application of a tone or stimulation to remind their pet of the rules.” Conclusions“Electronic training aids that are improperly designed) maintained) fitted) adjusted or employed may also present risks) but their proper use in conjunction with reward-based obedience training has demonstrated benefits to many thousands of dogs and their owners. J) “Behavior problems are the largest preventable cause of death in dogs in the United States,” says Steve Appelbaum, president of Animal Behavior College, a school for professional trainers, which has graduated more than 1,300 professional dog trainers. “We know that 40 to 70 percent of all dogs in animal shelters are there because of untreated behavior problems.” 11 Despite the stepped-up efforts of national and grassroots organizations to slow the growth of the unwanted animal population, the fact remains that a large percentage of dogs in shelters or on the street got there because, for any number of reasons, they failed to integrate successfully into family life. Veterinarians who pro actively address behavioral issues with dog owners can contribute significantly to helping reduce the alarming shelter and euthanasia statistics. This paper has made the case that appropriate use of modern electronic training devices are an appropriate tool for the majority of behavioral and containment issues that frustrate owners. Based on the information presented here, veterinary professionals should be assured in recommending these devices to responsible owners while also encouraging them to read and understand the package instructions before using the products. With the proper application of electronic training devices per manufacturers’ instructions, it is reasonable to expect successful outcomes in the majority of cases with no adverse physiological or psychological effects on the dog. For More Information Please Contact Chris Brudecki Visit Radio Systems Corporation online at www.petsafe.net Bibliography [1] Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Educational Outreach of the Humane Society of the United States, letter to Phil Alder of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (United Kingdom), May 20, 2004. [2] “Top Line Summary from Interviews Conducted at the North American Veterinary Conference: January 2003,” Radio Systems Corporation, 2003. [3] Janet Steiss, D.V.M., Ph.D., PT; C. Schaffer, D.V.M.; H.A. Ahmad, Ph.D., MBA; “Evaluation of Dogs Wearing Bark Control Collars,” investigator report, Oct. 24, 2003. [4] Dieter Klein, “How Dangerous are Remote Stimulation Devices for the Training of Dogs?” originally published in Amtstierarztlicher Dienst und Lebensmittelkontrolle, 2000. [5] Jerry Thoms, “The Modem Remote-Training Collar; This is Not Your Father’s “Shock Collar,” Gun Dog Magazine, June/July 2004,56-61. [6] F.O. Christiansen, M. Bakken and B.O. Braastad, “Behavioural Changes and Aversive Conditioning in Hunting Dogs by the Second-Year Confrontation with Domestic Sheep,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, April 26, 2001, 131-143. [7] Phyllis Giroux, D.V.M., CAC, “The Shocking Truth About Remote Trainers,” The Whole Dog Journal, Vol. 4, No.2, February 2001. [8] Sgt. Rod Hampton, Round Rock (Texas) Police Department Canine Unit Supervisor, open letter, August 7, 2002. [9] Delta Society, Professional Standards for Dog Trainers: Effective, Humane Principles. Renton, WA, Delta Society, August 2001,26-28. [10] Jerry Wolfe, President, Triple Crown Dog Training Academy, letter to Phil Alder of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (United Kingdom), May 20, 2004. [11] Steve Appelbaum, President/CEO of Animal Behavior & Training Associates, Inc. and professional dog trainer, open letter, May 20, 2004. Suggested Additional Reading Leslie Sinclair, D.V.M., “Electronic Aid,” HSUS News, Summer 1998. Lance Bauman, “The How’s and Why’s of Pet Containment,” Safe Hands Journal, International Association of Canine Professionals, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Summer 2004. Permission to reprint and distribute this paper in its entirety is granted by Radio Systems Corporation through January 31, 2006. |
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