Vets On Behavior Never Use Shock Collar

Another great article on shock collars and why not to use them.

Steve Dale
Vets on Behavior Proclaim, Never Use Shock Collar

http://www.goodnewsforpets.com/Articles.asp?ID=147

Why You Should Not Use Shock Collars By Karen Overall V.M.D.

Date: Tue Dec 6, 2005

The Use of Shock Collars
Karen Overall M.A., VMD., PhD, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behavior

No, I have not changed my opinion and it is that there is never any reasonfor pets to be shocked as a part of therapy or treatment. If anything, I have strengthened this opinion. There are now terrific scientific andresearch data that show the harm that shock collars can do behaviorally. At the July 2005 International Veterinary Behavior Meeting, held in conjunctionwith 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 andResearch 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]).

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, longafter 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).

Research meetings can be attended by anyone paying the fee, and most published work is available either in the public domain, from an organization, or from someone with a university library connection.

There is no longer a reason for people to remain misinformed. Let me make my opinion perfectly clear: Shock is not training - in the vast majority of cases it meets the criteria for abuse. In my patient population, dogs who have been 'treated' with shock have a much higher risk of an undesirable outcome (e.g., euthanasia) than dogs not subjected to shock, and I never recommend euthanasia. In all situations where shock has been used there is some damage done, even if we cannot easily see it. No pet owner needs to use this technique to achieve their goal. Dogs who cease to exhibit a problem behavior usually also cease to exhibit normal behaviors. The only data available support the idea that shock is neither an effective nor suitable training tool.

That said, it's time we replaced everyone's personal mythologies and opinions with data and scientific thinking. Such opportunities are now available, but are often not exploited.

For example, the statement: " Major veterinary universities have tested E-collars since the mid 60's when they were invented. No evidence of any damage, Physiological or psychological has ever been found." is patently and wholly false. For the evidence re: data - see above. As for the initial statement - it's WRONG. It's a MYTH. The specialty college (ACVB) even conducted a census a few years ago to see if we could find ANY truth to this and there was NONE. We couldn't get anyone to say that they had - or knew someone who had - participated in such tests and studies. This pattern of behavioral repetition is representative of the danger of myth, and also of the power of the scientific method. Science tells you when you are wrong. Myth allows you to steal credibility where none is earned. That particular myth has damaged universities too long, and it has traded on the reputations of people who neither endorsed that decision, nor supported the finding, and it must stop. I hope this helps. I have never thought we could get via electricity what we couldn't get by advanced training and hard work.

Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D.

Questions to ask when looking for a dog trainer

Questions to ask for selecting a dog trainer.

• What is your dog training philosophy?
• How long have you been training dogs?
• Do you have any written testimonials from previous clients? or Can I speak to former clients for referrals?
• Where did you receive your training?
• What kind of approach/ technique will you use to train my dog?
• Have you handled matters like mine?
• Do you have experience with my dog's breed?
• Are you a member of a dog training association such as Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)?
• How long will it take before I begin to see results with my dog?
• Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
• What are your rates?
• Will I be able to continue training my dog once you are done with the visit?

In Door Portable Potty's

Does your puppy distroy the wee wee pads or newspaper you put down? Well here are a few links to some better solutions on portable potty training systems.

Pup-Head
http://www.pupgearcorporation.com/Products/Pup-Head

Wizdog
http://www.wizdog.com/

Doggiedivot
http://www.doggiedivot.com/

Poochpotty
http://www.poochpotty.com/

Petapotty
http://www.petapotty.com/

Does Your Dog Jump The Fence?

I found a great product that stops your dog from jumping the fence. It also keeps Coyote's out of your back yard if you have them.

It's called Roll Guard Coyote Roller. Here's the information.

Roll Guard
Contact Bob Owens
Cell: 619-917-7534
Office: 619-258-2600
Email: bob@coyoteroller.com
www.coyoteroller.com

The Anti-Cesar Millan

The Anti-Cesar Millan
Ian Dunbar's been succeeding for 25 years with lure-reward dog training; how come he's been usurped by the flashy, aggressive TV host?

This articale was written in the San Fransico Chronicle.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/15/CMGPHL9D1N1.DTL