Basque collars that spray citronella or use electric shocks are among the most common harmful products that cause pain or discomfort. Some of the more covert tools promise that dogs cannot bark using ultrasonic or loud sounds that humans cannot hear. These products “work” too because they are quiet to humans, but the sound is uncomfortable or even painful for dogs. Electronic or “invisible” fences “work” to keep a dog in their yard because it relies on pain to keep the dog in check. Not only is this ideal, it poses additional dangers as many dogs will run through the fence in search of a squirrel, cat or other dog. At this point, dogs can 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 have learned more about animal behavior, we now know that non-pain-based training methods make our pets happier and help them learn better.
‘The scientific research on dog training shows that the risks are associated with the use of training methods, such as leash dresses (often called’ corrections’), laces, electronic shock absorbers, alpha rollers or other repulsive methods. These risks include fear, anxiety, aggression and a worse relationship with the dog. And punishing a dog for doing something you dislike does not teach them what to do, ‘Todd advises. It is also worth noting that in addition to causing physical and emotional discomfort, it is actually an excellent way to get you injured. Using painkillers is like throwing gasoline at a fire.
In fact, “59% bites come into the household of owners trying to discipline their dogs,” explained Khara Schuetzner, president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, referring to a 2007 study examining dog aggression.
Instead, develop a common language
Schuetzner encourages people to think of your dog as a toddler who speaks a different language. For example, if ‘the only time the 3-year-old catches your attention’ does something ‘naughty’ and you punish the child, what do you learn? The child learns every time that you are going to do something that causes pain and discomfort. If you do this with your pet, your pet will begin to associate you with pain and discomfort. ”
Instead of punishing our pets, she wants to develop a common language. By using positive reinforcement, you can change your pet’s behavior and help them develop positive associations with people or things they were afraid of. In the same way, you can teach your pet to do something to you want to do it, rather something you do not do. For example, reward your cat with treats or toys to scratch a cat tree instead of your couch. If your dog gets very excited at the sight of other dogs, use treats to teach your dog to look after you instead.
If someone promises you that buying their product can solve troublesome behavior, it is a good sign that you want to run the other way around. As we have said, just as human behavior cannot change with a twist, so can pets.
Positive reinforcement is not just for ‘easy’ pets
I often hear pet owners, especially those with large, reckless dogs, defend using painkillers because they say they tried everything already. However, the key to success is that the training methods of positive reinforcement do not force your pet to corporate, it helps your pet to understand what you want them to do by guiding them to make decisions that you want.