Shock Therapy - Why Shock Collars Are Cruel
What exactly is a shock collar? Simply put, it's a device placed around your dog's neck that delivers an electric shock whenever the dog barks. Some people will tell you that the shock amounts to little more than a "prick", comparable to the feeling that a person would get after walking across carpet and touching a metal door handle. If that is true, why are there documented cases of dogs that have been burnt by these collars? The simple truth is that shock collars are electronic devices, and therefore unreliable. They can malfunction for no reason, delivering repeated shocks even when your dog is quiet, and have been proven to severely shock dogs when they get wet.
There are psychological drawbacks to shock collars as well. Barking is a dog's primary form of communication. They bark when they are happy, angry, afraid, or when danger is near, all of which are acceptable behaviors. The only time you should discourage your dog from barking is when it is inappropriate, and never until you have checked to be sure that nothing is wrong. But shock collars can't make that distinction. Just imagine being a terrified dog, barking for your owner to come and help you, and receiving so painful of a shock each time that you just give up... situations like that can be emotionally crippling for a dog.
So with all the risks of using shock collars, why do people still do it? In a nutshell... they are lazy. There are many ways of stopping inappropriate barking behaviors that don't involve pain, but people don't put forth the effort. They see the easy way out, and they take it. Training a dog is sometimes a difficult process, and it involves lots of time and patience. If you know, or even suspect, that you are not going to have the time to properly train and care for your dog, then don't get one. Canines are not property-they are family members and should be treated as such. Would you use the same philosophy presented by shock collars to stop your toddler from crying? I think not.
If you would like to add your name to the growing list of individuals opposed to shock collar use, you may do so here.
Published by Ashley Hudson
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8 Comments
Post a CommentThey are lazy. That's the same reason why so many people get bit by dogs like pit bulls and rottweilers, the idiots are too lazy to actually have them trained. This is just another instance of lazy, irresponsible owners. Maybe they should try the collars on themselves to see what they're like? Of course it still wouldn't be the same since dogs are usually smaller than adults.
Great article! I really hate when people resort to this because they can't stand to have their dog bark. If you don't want to listen to barking, you should get a cat instead of a dog in the first place. This has got to be one of the most cruel things a person can do.
Great article and I agree with this. we shouldnt be shocked for speaking, why should our animals.
I don't think this should be used on any animal however politicians and media personel are a completely differant matter entirely.
(got cut off) -- let me get right to it. Before my dog ever had the misfortune of having the shock collar done on him, I tried it on myself. Believe me, it was memorably 'shocking,' hot, piercing and unnecessary. I now realize there are worse things in life than having an anxious dog who loves attention from other dogs. He and I will eventually work it out. He's not yet 2. I figure that were gonna be best buds for another 15 years and I'm willing to take the time to train him in a patient, humane, consistent way that doesn't involve a sadistic device.
I detest accepting advice from strangers about how to train my dog. Walking around NYC, many people stop me on the street to comment about my adorable jack russell terrier. I generally enjoy the conversation. But far too often, I've gotten sucked into a conversation which quickly changes to "But I hear that they're really stubborn," "They have a mind of their own." "Don't you have problems with him barking? I have a neighbor who has one of those, and they never shut up." I've found that no dog is absolutely perfect.) Unfortunately, many months back, I made the mistake of listening to a stranger about how to train my dog. Without thorougly researching the subject, I listened to and was influenced by someone who informed me that the best way to train a 'difficult' jack russell to stop incessant barking is to use a manually operated tone and shock collar. I spent over $150 and purchased a sporty looking field shock collar with a remote device. I read through the directions twi
I agree that shock collars are terrible. It's completely inhumane. I don't understand why people think that they can keep "changing" animals to be exactly what they want them to be. If you don't want your dog to bark, then don't get a dog! And thanks for including the link to that petition. I've emailed that link to everyone I know!
You are right about dogs barking as their communication. My rabbits stop their hind feet and make noises. I think it is just natural that all animals, if they have the ability to, will want to communicate.