Article Contributed on: 6/25/2009 8:22:43 AM
I had a client ask me the other day if I used shock collars. I replied no I don't like them and don't think they work well. But I acknowledged that some trainers swear by them and that they are only a tool, like a hammer. Even a hammer can be a deadly weapon in the wrong hands.
But the question got me thinking. For some reason shock collars are on the lips of about everybody I know in the dog biz. What's that got to do with waterboarding you ask? Good question. I'm not sure if waterboarding is torture, but just the thought of having it done to me makes me want to talk. However, knowing it is coming might allow me to know it is not for real and up my resistance some. I suppose that's why it is reported that we train our special forces in the technique and put them through it. Now I do not claim to know if waterboarding works as advertised as some say (including VP Dick Chaney). But IF there are other less intrusive ways of getting the same information, as others suggest (including President Obama), then I'm all for it (the alternatives).
Same with shock collars. I do not doubt that they work as advertised. If I had one on, I'm sure I'd do whatever I could not to be shocked. They are however other alternatives that work as well (and probably better) and work on more dogs and leave the dog happier. The problem is they often take more work and patience.
Rewarding the pooch for doing something right is better than punishing him for doing something wrong, in my opinion. The key is to understand the motivations of the dog. Most trainers would advise against playing tug of war with a pooch under the notion that it can (and sometimes does) lead to aggressive behavior. Yet I read recently where one trainer was advising clients TO play tug of war. I read on to his explanation and it seemed to make sense. Different strokes for different folks.
Back to shock collars. I don't use them and never will because I believe I can accomplish the same thing with less intrusive techniques. Other's disagree. Different strokes for different folks. I agree with my friends. And my friends are on both sides of the issue.
I still don't know if waterboarding works or not, but I can say without a doubt that it will work on me. But so will chocolate chip cookies!