Should shocking dog collars be considered animal abuse?

Question

Those things really hurt. :( If you can't train your dog without using pain, you probably should just get a hamster and call it good.

Answer 1

Not if it is used by someone who knows how to use it, but if the wrong person gets it, it can become abuse. I personally would never use one though

Answer 2

"Famed dog trainer Victoria Stilwell" would probably agree with you, but realistically, if you have dogs that you cannot be with all the time that have a barking problem, occasional use of the collars works when other remedies won't. It is abuse to leave the collar on a dog which continues to block through the shock, but most will not do that. They rapidly learn to respect both real (and sham) collars.

There are actually two types of shocking collars, one that shocks on the noise of barking and another controlled by the trainer. I have seen that type used to control guard dogs. In that case I would say, if you need it, use it, if only as a precaution.

To answer your question, used properly, as an auxiliary technique to appropriate handling and training, no, shocking dog collars are not animal abuse. They probably do deliver a shock that is stronger then needed, a mild irritation would probably work as well as a strong shock to cause a dog to pay attention.

Answer 3

i have 3 border collies at home. on an acre of land we have a fence around the backyard but sometimes the dogs find their way out. we used shock collars to make sure if they get out that they dont get into the street and get run over, or run away for terrorize neighbors walking their dogs. they got shocked once, figured out where they couldnt go and now they dont even need the collars because they know they shouldnt cross. i dont think its abuse, it was nesscary for me.

Answer 4

I think really it's dependent on how they are used, the brand, and the setting.  Unfortunately, shock collars are usually used by LAZY owners who do not want to put in the time to train their dog not to bark, or put up a fence, etc. etc.  I do think they have their place as a training method of last resort in a fix-the-behavior-or-else situation when methods that do not involve discomfort have all failed after given an honest try.  However, that's not how they are usually used.  I do think it's cruel to use a shock collar in any case involving a non-dangerous behavior and when other avenues have not been thoroughly pursued without success first.  

Answer 5

i use a squeaky inflatable 'family guy' hammer and hit the floor for a loud noise, it works =)

Answer 6

I disagree....Have you ever held one in the palm of your hand whil using the shock???

I have...my dogs are on an "invisible fence" system. Before I would consider it, I used in in my own hand to see what it feels like. It is NOT painful....it is extremely "uncomfortable". It was a weird feeling but it did not actually hurt. It just made me feel like I didn't want any part of it. I can't explain the feeling - it wasn't pain - it was discomfort. That's the only way I can describe it.

So....get a hamster??? Get one yourself.... I am not using pain...also, I have a "remote" trainer for one of my dogs...same principle...but it also has a "tone only". NOw that he is trained to the invisible fence, I don't have to "go live" ...just tone only....

These should only be used by knowledgeable owners, not those who are trying to scare their dogs (which I am not).

If you don't like my opinion, oh well, you asked!

Answer 7

Actually it's correcting the dog when it does wrong. Like in the wild the pack leader will bite[in a non-aggresive way] the other dogs to correct their bad behavior. Dogs are very tough, the collar doesn't really hurt them that much.  

Answer 8

I think it depends on how the collar is used.

I have used many e-collars (tritronics, sportdog, etc) helping dog trainers train dogs for retrieving. I have never seen one of our dogs come out 'damaged' (mentally or physically) from a collar.

However, we use them CORRECTLY. I myself have never used one on my dogs-I just don't find the need for it. If they are used absolutely CORRECTLY (and there is a science to it), then I see no harm in them. But in the wrong hands, they can (and will) RUIN a dog.

It is a very tricky situation.

They can make or break a dog!

When they are used improperly-yes, it is abuse. They MUST be used correctly-and there is no way around that! It is a very effective training aid, and in my opinion it should never be used as a form of punishment. We use them as 'pressure', not correction. For example-training dogs to come. These working retrievers, in field trials, must turn on a dime and come back-they cannot hesitate. You say "come", and push the button-as SOON as the dog gets to you, you release the button-the pressure is off. The dog learns how to turn off the pressure by coming straight to you. We keep it on the LOWEST possible setting that the dog feels. If the dog yelps or cowers, the level is TOO HIGH. The dog should simply feel it, not feel pain from it.

Many dogs, however, do not need the collar. There are ways around it, and the collar should be used as a last resort.  I have seen collars used incorrectly and abused-and it is not pleasant.

It is a very tricky situation. These collars can be very effective training aids, but can also be incredibly harmful to a dog. They should NEVER be used without a thorough understanding of the collar, how it works, how to use it, and you absolutely MUST be able to read your dog well. It must be introduced absolutely correctly, and must be used in a correct way.

They are NOT a magic tool-they will not fix "all your problems" (note i say "your problems," not "your dog's problems") and are not an "easy way out" of training. Like I said, they should be an absolute last resort to training-they are pleanty of things to try in order to train your dog BEFORE you resort to the collar.

It is both a great and a terrible thing. In the right hands, with the right dog-it can work wonders. In the wrong hands, or on the wrong dog, and you can (and will) cause major issues.

Answer 9

No they are perfect to control a rowdy dog or pet and are a wonderful tool! They need to be checked regularly though, if it is painful to you, then something is broken and you should buy another one.

However, more efficient and ethical, I find the ultrasonic whistles work best.

Answer 10

if you use it the right way and on the lowest setting then no it is not abuse.

Answer 11

Ahh DUH of course it's should be considered animal abuse! They should have shock collars for humans!!!!!!

Answer 12

Not always, though!  Sometimes they are used professionally.  For example, in my area there are rattlesnakes.  Dogs are bitten every day and die from the poison because they have no fear of snakes.  The collars are used to create a snake-fear so that the dog will avoid snakes.  After the dog is trained (only takes a few times) the collar is removed and not used again.

It seems mean but the dog will live now!

Answer 13

Yes it should.. they cant put those things on dogs it is soo cruel... what if they put collars on humans because someone didnt like the sound of their voice.. so when they talked they would get shocked... they would never allow that to happen with humans.. so why dogs.. dogs are made to bark.. and we are made to speak (sometimes) If you dont like the sound of a dogs bark Dont get one! Simple as that !

Answer 14

put it on and ask yourself if its considered abuse! i think it is because just because they are trying to socialize with one nother you shock the poor dog????so how would you like it if everytime you talked someone shocked you???evil huh

Answer 15

No they don't hurt - I had one turned up as high as it would go and tested it on my neck.  It tingled but I was ok.  I've been hurt worse when a ***** in heels steps on my bare toe at a party.  It's not animal abuse - sorry.  O and I didn't even use it on a dog, I just wanted to see how strong it was.

Answer 16

I think if anything is hurting a dog or made to hurt a dog, it would be abuse.  Animals shouldn't have to deal with pain in order to be trained.

Edit -

Yes, I have used one.  Turned it up high, and it gave me a jolt that hurt.  Also, I've seen my neighbor use it on her dog, pretty sure it didn't enjoy the experience.

Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend.  They shouldn't be hurt.  They make mistakes, just like people.  Imagine going to work and getting shocked by your boss for doing something wrong.  Not fun.  Same with babies, people don't zap them for flinging food at the wall or crying.  

However, I admit, sometimes they are necessary, as with the rattlesnakes mentioned.  It all just depends on how it's being used and who's using it.

Answer 17

nope.

allowing dogs to go around un-trained should be considered abuse.

Answer 18

Hey I can't stand those shocker collars, you just don't do that to those poor animals.

Answer 19

I agree. I put one on my hand and it hurt so bad. I would never want to hurt my dog that way. I'll just walk my dog.

Answer 20

I think it should!  you inflict pain to the animal to teach it!  you could say no firmly and i think if you are firm, they clearly understand.  I actually heard that they can sense emotions in voice patterns like high pitched and friendly or scared.

Answer 21

I think it should be considered animal abuse.. How would ppl like it if we put shocking collars around their necks?? they freakin hurt... its horrible..

Answer 22

it shouldnt be considered abuse unless the owners use it for abuse.

Answer 23

Personally I do not agree with using these as training tools or at all...

but in some situations after other training and techniques have been used this might be the only solution...for example a dog who runs after every squirrel it sees and the owner has done numerous techniques and training but the dog still chases after them... then for the safety of the dog this may be the only solution to stop tehm form running into traffic.

like any equipment or training technique it needs to used appropriately and in the right context and for the right reasons.

Like i mention i personally don't agree with them, but i can see how in some situations it may be necessary.  

Answer 24

seriously. people say it dont hurt them.

you ever put that collar on YOUR neck?

omfg it hurts TERRIBLY.

my evil neighbor used to have chihuahuas who barked alot she would get shock collars and put it on the highest and zap the h**l out of em.

it was so mean, she dosent got not even a hamster now =]

pinch collars and choke collars work just as well, its a quick thing and it dosent hurt that much just to startle them from whatever there doing

Answer 25

They are another training tool and should be used by an experienced individual. Remember you're using the shock collar to change the dog's behavior or eliminate a dangerous behavior. The intensity should match the intensity of the dangerous dog behavior you're trying to eliminate.

Answer 26

Well, I have to disagree with you.  Have you ever tried one of these collars on?  I have, and the current they send out is more surprising then painful.  I have put my dogs on prior to using it on him and I was just more surprised when it "zapped" me then in pain. They are a good method of training a stubborn dog if done correctly.

Answer 27

yes defanately. we cant stand that my little dog gets shocked for wandering. so we are getting him a citrenella collar.

Answer 28

Well if the dog barks at nothing all the time it needs to be trained and sometimes it is better to learn to be quiet than be put down because a neighbor can't stand the barking. There are noise ordanaces specifically to address the issues of barking dogs. Unlike children playing we can give them a wake up call while children go on screaming from sun up to after sundown with no recourse for the ones who have to listen to it and shock collars are no very painful just about like the snap Mom gives the edge of the ear when you were a kid and not listening but then today that is also considered child abuse.

Answer 29

I consider it abuse!!!

Answer 30

Yep, but why should the poor hampster be tortured too?

Answer 31

My dogs shock collars should. I bought these 2 shock collars just to see if they would work on my dogs. On the box it says that they're for 8 pounds and up. That's just stupid. So wat if you have 2 dogs, an 8 pound one and a 100 pound one. There's gonna be a much worse effect on the 8 pound one. But I still think they are all bad. They don't work and they are cruel. I just stopped using them.