I would love to see a ban, temporary only, but not for the reasons you would think.
Look at the featured picture – this is a image removed from a balanced trainer video. The dog is wearing a prong collar (Herm Sprenger), an e-collar (mini-educator), a flat collar – and it’s all tied together with a caribiner. Nothing says I trust the dog more than not being able to see the dogs neck. (sarcasm off). Is this what we consider dog training today?
Tools can have a place in the dog training world – but in my opinion, only when absolutely necessary. For me, tool use is absolute last resort – not the first. When the dog is doing something that is detrimental to itself or the public, and changes aren’t forthcoming, then introduce a tool.
I would like to see all tools banned for 6 months to a year – this goes for prong collars, electronic collars, chokers, dominant dog collars – for one simple reason.
To force owners and trainers alike to look for different means of training or working with a dog.
Other countries have banned e-collars and/or prongs etc – yet, they still manage to work with dogs without these tools. How? Why is tool use so abundant in North America vs other parts of the world?
I understand why people in general get upset with the balanced training community – it’s the overabundant use and dependency on the use of these tools. Now don’t get me wrong – if you’re using a prong and some stranger comes up and starts screaming at you because of it – that’s not going to help. But that’s typically what happens. If you’re a member of Joe Public and can’t offer a different means, then keep your nose out of it. Nobody cares about your anger, or you trying to be a hero. You’re not going to help the situation.
However, when I’m in public, I can point out the negatives of the prong usage in a very calm and non-judgmental manner. Look at the dog, it’s at the end of the leash, leash is taught, prong is digging in – neck pressure. The dog is typically locked onto a target at this point, eyes at full dilation, bottom jaw is shaking/trembling. It’s so common to see all these signs – but unfortunately, the owner tends not to see it cause they are standing behind the dog. The dogs brain is gone at this point, it’s not engaged – the dog isn’t calm. What is the body language of the dog saying? Likely that it wants to attack the target it’s looking at – and that target is typically Monty. I’m not going to let it happen – but I will show you a different way if you’re receptive to it – and so far, all owners have been receptive.
Is there a better way? Yes, always.
Robert Hynes Dog Training
Serving Edmonton, Alberta and surrounding areas.
admin@roberthynesdogtraining.com