How shock collars are used.

We refer mostly to dogs in the literature but condemn shock use on all species... cats, elephants, horses, ALL species. Although the use of shock on all animals is as abhorrent as its use on dogs we believe it is less common. A shock collar delivers varying intensities of shocks to an animal through a remotely controlled collar. The electric collar is secured tightly around a pet's neck with two protruding metal prongs positioned snug against the sensitive unprotected area of the throat or just below the ear in order to transfer the full effect of the electric shock. The animal has no escape. Shock devices are used to control barking, jumping, running, socializing , etc. Sadly, these are normal behaviours that healthy dogs will exhibit and that contribute to a dog's well being and happiness. Shock collars are manufactured and sold for pets as small as two pounds and can sell for as little as $30 US. Other devices such as electric mats and electric fencing systems are also widely available to the public.

The operator of the remote will determine how sharp the shock will be, how long the shock will go on for and how often the dog is shocked. Some collars emit a warning sound alerting the dog a shock is imminent. The dog is then expected to respond out of fear of further punishment. The problem is many dogs don't know why they are being shocked and consequently don't know how to respond. Therefore, when the punishing shock is delivered it causes further confusion. The warning beep is promoted as a humane component of the shock collar. This type of distortion and minimizing is typical of the industry. The threat of pain is just as capable of inducing stress, fear and emotional damage as the pain itself. Add to this, the potential for defective collars, the unstable vindictive nature of an operator and you've set the stage for serious animal abuse.

If your animal could talk what would he say about you?

It is surprising how many people set out to get a pet believing it is a mindless creature waiting for someone to control its every move. The belief seems to be that this new addition to the family will provide amusement, love, loyalty and protection without causing any stress, inconvenience or cost whatsoever. When they realize this little life has needs and a mind of its own they are unable to cope. Animal shelters are full of these throwaways.

Well, good news for some, Sony has developed a robot dog that you can remotely control to do your bidding including making it perform tricks. When finished, you just put it away in a closet until next time. No expressing itself with unwanted barking, no running off to play with other dogs, no displays of jubilance such as jumping up on strangers and no poop to pick up in the back yard.

It's obvious to most of us why the bully and the control freak use shock collars. The reason that others, who appear to be decent human beings, use shock collars is often due to time pressures and the pursuit of convenience. The lack of time spent with their pet often explains why their pet acts out in the first place. What's needed is ample exercise, socializing and time spent with the family.

A serious lapse of judgement allows pet owners to be persuaded by someone profiting from shock devices that shocking their dog short term will bring long-term gain. Some come to their senses; destroy the collars, ending up sorry and guilt ridden that they ever used it in the first place. Even easier to convince is the younger first time dog owner. PERMISSION TO SHOCK their dog from a so called ‘professional’ trainer seems to validate the method for them. “So called" because unfortunately anyone can call themselves a trainer; no industry standards or regulations exists.

What further nurtures the delusion that shock collars are harmless is that the damage isn't always obvious. You probably couldn't convince most people to train their dogs by hitting and kicking them. They could understand the brutality of that. Besides, it would be embarrassing when onlookers protested. Nevertheless, by literally distancing themselves from their target they are able to inflict pain on their own pets without guilt. The anonymity the remote control provides convinces them that a trusting relationship with their dog is still possible. Watching their dog wince in pain doesn't seem to deter them. They seem blind to the flood of information given by credible sources that shock is harmful. Ultimately, it is their degree of respect for living beings that determines if they can stomach hurting animals. Often we believe education will make the difference but what truly matters is a person's ability to feel empathy.

Then there are those people who feel little or no empathy at all. They use shock collars to satisfy their sadistic mean streaks fully understanding the agony these archaic weapons inflict. Bullies looking for victims to control will target defenceless animals and children. Sadly, there are many news stories that confirm this.

Shock collars are particularly popular with owners of hunting dogs and one remote will often be used to control more than one dog. In some cases, multiple collars are used on one dog. Incredibly, many who find shock collars unacceptable for their family pets are less outraged by their use on hunting dogs. Too often, abuse that routinely takes place out of sight is less likely to cause public outcry. Hunting dogs suffer the consequences.

All human beings are volatile creatures. Consider the daily display of road rage for example. Is there a driver who hasn't been given the finger or flashed one at someone else? Domestic violence, family squabbles, schoolyard bullying and hate crimes are all everyday occurrences. You are deceiving yourself if you believe that people in control of a weapon like a shock collar would not use it out of anger and frustration. After all, it is the frustrated dog owner who seeks out these devices. Most shock users agree that abuse is possible but each one feels they are the "responsible" one. The plain fact is, some people are not cut out to be pet owners.

Responsible or not, anyone can buy and use a shock device. No training, character references, background checks, age restrictions or special canine knowledge is required. Shock devices are readily available through retail stores and via the internet. The industries that sell and promote these products are aggressive about protecting their profits. Shock collar use is widespread in the United States and gaining ground in Canada. Decent Americans and Canadians alike want these devices banned. I have noticed the local shock collar pusher does not mention shock collars in his ads, on his website or when someone calls to inquire about his training methods. It is only during face-to-face visits that he lures people into trying the collar. What civilized person would allow a painful tool to be used on their animal that they would not allow to be used on their child?

Question Everything

In a classic case of spin, the shock industry now uses words such as tap, tingle or tickle instead of shock. The shock collar is now referred to by the more benign descriptive, E-collar. Difficult as it is to believe, they manage to sell the concept that a shocked pet is a happy pet and a safer one too.

In an attempt to prove the myth that shocking is harmless, people will shock themselves on the top of their forearms. It is a misleading stunt that doesn't replicate the real pain, anxiety, stress and confusion a dog feels when an unexpected shock is delivered. Nor does it come close to exposing the further trauma of repeated shocking over time. This is typical of the deception the shock industry employs to expand their business and increase their profits.

Another risk of shock devices is the unintentional rogue shocks caused by device malfunction. The pet owner may never notice unintended shocks until actual physical damage is visible on the dog. A dog experiencing intense pain is not always easy to recognize. Especially if a dog is stoical when feeling pain, leaving the impression nothing is wrong. Even trained veterinarians can miss or misinterpret indicators of pain. The outcome will be a dog with a broken spirit and a fear of expression. A dog transformed from joyful and loving to paranoid and unpredictable.

Together we can protect the most vulnerable among us by disabling the abuser. Ban outright the sale and use of shock collars on all animals. Please sign Petition