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Radio-controlled
shock collars are not only inhumane, but they often end up in
the hands of control freaks who should be kept away from dogs
and other sensitive souls.
Veterinarian and international dog behavior expert Dr. Michael
Fox
Electronic training devices such as ãinvisible fencesä
and anti-barking collars rely on painful punishment and negative
reinforcement, causing dogs to live in fear of being electrocuted
for normal behaviors like crossing invisible lines, barking, and
jumping onto surfaces within their own homes. Positive training
methods, in which dogs are rewarded for what they do right, are
kinder and more effective.
Shock Collars
Dogs wearing shock collars can suffer from physical pain and injury
(ranging from burns to cardiac fibrillation) and psychological
stress, including severe anxiety and displaced aggression. Individual
animals vary in their temperaments and pain thresholds; a shock
that seems mild to one dog may be severe to another. The anxiety
and confusion caused by repeated shocks can lead to changes in
the heart and respiration rate or gastrointestinal disorders.
Electronic collars can also malfunction, either administering
nonstop shocks or delivering no shocks at all.
Invisible Fences
Dogs whose yards are surrounded by invisible fences may develop
fear or aggression aimed at what they believe is the source of
the shock (kids riding by on bikes, the mail carrier, the dog
next door, etc.). Dogs have been known to run through invisible
barriers when frightened by fireworks or chasing a squirrel and
then be too scared to cross back through the barrier.
Invisible fences may actually encourage animals to try to escape.
Since dogs only suffer painful shocks in the yard, they may associate
the shock with the yard itself - once they get out of the yard,
the pain goes away. The fact that the pain returns when they try
to reenter the yard can cause dogs to believe that they are being
punished for returning home.
Even when animals are confined within certain boundaries of an
invisible fence, they are still in danger of attacks by roaming
dogs, cruel humans, or other animals, who can freely enter the
property. Invisible fences are a dog thief's dream come true!
Humane and Safe Boundaries
The most effective way to keep your dog safely confined to your
property is to keep him or her inside the house when you aren't
home and allow him or her outside only under close supervision
on a leash or in a securely fenced enclosure.
Some Fencing Guidelines
*
A
6-foot privacy fence is best, preventing your dog or intruders
from scaling it.
* Wood or vinyl fencing is optimal for privacy, but chain link
is less expensive. (Small windows covered with wire mesh can be
cut into wooden fences to allow dogs to see out.)
* Replace a short fence with a taller one, or add an extension
to the top.
* Line the fence with rocks or a cement-filled trench to prevent
digging.
If you cannot afford a fence, have a yard that would be difficult
to fence, or live in a condominium or townhouse where fences are
not allowed, consider letting your dog out only on a leash and
taking him or her to a fenced dog park or to a friend's fenced
yard for play and exercise. You may also want to consult a certified
dog behaviorist about teaching your dog to stay within boundaries
through the use of positive reinforcement.
Living With Barking Dogs
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons but mainly because of boredom,
distress, separation anxiety, and defense of their territory.
Young dogs, small or active breeds, and dogs who are chained up
or left outside most of the time are more likely to bark. For
humane and safety reasons, as well as to maintain good relations
with your neighbors, it is best to keep your dog indoors when
you are not at home. Dogs are less likely to bark indoors, and
any barking that they do indoors is less likely to be loud enough
to disturb the neighbors.
Tips to Prevent Boredom-Related Barking
*
Take your dog for two or three walks per day; family members,
trusted neighbors, or professional dogwalkers can help during
the workday.
* Allow your dog least five opportunities to relieve him- or herself
during a day.
*
Provide plenty of chew toys; rotate them and provide new ones.
* Give your dog a toy that can be filled with treats; working
to get the treats out will provide mental and physical stimulation.
* Agility and flyball courses are fun and a great outlet for a
dog's energy.
*
Barking at intruders or frightening noises is a natural behavior
for dogs and should not be totally forbidden.
Tips to Prevent Excessive Barking at Strangers or Noises
*
Take your dog out daily to interact and socialize with other people.
Praise him or her for friendliness.
* When people visit your house, give your dog a treat or toy so
that he or she associates guests with something positive.
*
When something frightens your dog, encourage him or her to sit,
lie down, or play with a toy.
A humane dog trainer or certified behaviorist will be able to
provide more tips on desensitizing your dog to frightening sounds.
If your dogâs situation is severe, the behaviorist may suggest
that you consider consulting your veterinarian about anti-anxiety
medications that can help calm your dog. |
