Photo courtesy dogtrainingstandards.ca
The Western Canada Association of Dog Training Standards (WCADTS) says when used properly, electronic collars can provide dogs freedom without risks to others.
The organization responded Monday morning to a BC SPCA campaign launched last week that called on dog owners to stop using e-collars, or “shock” collars, as a training tool.
In their campaign launch, the SPCA said e-collars can pose physical and psychological pain to the animal, citing studies from across North America and Europe that short- or long-term use is associated with high levels of stress, phobias, fear and increased aggression in dogs.
The WCADTS says an E-collar is used for communicating with a dog from a distance and when used properly can provide “excellent results without harming the dog.”
The WCADTS says from an animal welfare standpoint, trained dogs enjoy a high quality of life with increased freedom and privileges, without risk to others, because they are under control.
According to the WCADTS website, negative views on electronic collars may come from products readily available in pet stores that deliver a more shocking current.
The WCADTS says high-quality e-collars made by reputable companies deliver a smooth current to stimulate the muscles, similar to a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit used for physiotherapy.
CHEK News
