Bark collars that either spray citronella or use electric shocks are some of the most common harmful products that “work” causing pain or discomfort. Some of the most hidden instruments promise to prevent dogs from barking using ultrasonic or loud sounds that people cannot hear. These products also “work” because, while they are silent for humans, the sound is uncomfortable or even painful for dogs. Electronic or “invisible” fences “work” to keep a dog in their yard because they rely on pain to keep the dog engaged. Not only is this not ideal, but it presents additional dangers, as many dogs will run through the fence in search of a squirrel, cat or other dog. At this point the dogs may be injured, but then they will be afraid to return to their yard because they will be shocked or physically punished again while returning home.
What Science says
As we learn more about animal behavior, we now know that non-pain-based training methods make our animals happier and help them learn better.
Scientific research on dog training shows that there are risks in using training methods, such as leash diapers (often called “corrections”), grip collars, electronic shock collars, alpha rollers or other aversive methods. These risks include fear, anxiety, aggression and a worse relationship with the dog. And punishing a dog for doing something you don’t like doesn’t teach him what to do in return, ”advises Todd. It is also worth noting that, beyond causing physical and emotional discomfort, punishing your dog is actually a great way to hurt yourself. Using painkillers is like adding gasoline to a fire.
In fact, “59% of bites in the household come from owners trying to discipline their dogs,” said Khara Schuetzner, president of the Association of Dog Professionals, referring to a 2007 study on dog aggression.
Instead, develop a common language
Schuetzner encourages people to think of your dog as a small child who speaks another language. For example, if the only time your 3-year-old child catches your eye is to do something “naughty” and punish the child, what do you teach? The child learns every time you come to them, you will do something that causes pain and discomfort. If you do this with your pet, it will begin to associate you with pain and discomfort. ”
Instead of punishing our pets, she explained, we want to develop a common language. By using positive reinforcements, you can change your pet’s behavior and help them develop positive associations with people or things they feared. Similarly, you can teach your pet to do something want to do them, instead of something you don’t do. For example, reward your cat with delicacies or toys for scratching a cat tree instead of a couch. If your dog is excited about seeing other dogs, use sweets to teach your dog to look at you.
If someone promises you that buying their product will solve the annoying behavior, it is a good sign that you want to go the other way. As I said, just as human behavior cannot be changed with a toggle button, the same is true for pets.
Positive reinforcement is not just for “light” pets
I often hear pet owners, especially those with large, disappointed dogs, defending themselves using painkillers because they say they tried All already. However, the key to success is that positive reinforcement training methods do not force your pet, but help him understand what you want him to do, guiding him to make the decisions you want to make.