Electric containment systems, sometimes known as electric fences, have become very popular.And there are trainers who tout the effectiveness of electric shock collars, sometimes called “e-collars” or “remote collars,” for a variety of tasks, from teaching basic obedience to developing high-performing working dogs.Under some circumstances, these devices can be very convenient for people.But what about their effects on dogs?Here are some of our thoughts on these systems, their advantages and disadvantages. How They Work Electric fences and remote electric shock collars, work on the principle of “positive punishment.”In learning psychology, a punishment is defined as a consequence that diminishes the preceding behavior.Positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant stimulus after an unwanted behavior.Examples include pulling on a choke collar, yelling at a dog or pushing a dog onto its back.(This is in contrast to “negative punishment,” which involves taking something pleasant away from a dog, such as giving a “time out” for inappropriate behavior.) Electric fences and shock collars use an aversive physical sensation as a punishment.Both have a transmitter and a receiver.The receiver has prongs that touch the dog’s neck.When the signal from the transmitter is received, an electric current is passed between the prongs, through the dog’s flesh.In an electric fence system, if the dog gets too close to the boundary it receives a shock (sometimes euphemistically called “stimulation” by manufacturers).The shock creates an unpleasant feeling, and the dog then is more likely to avoid the boundary area.The most popular type of electric containment systems rely on a buried underground wire that transmits a signal to a receiver on a collar around the dog’s neck.Another type of system uses a transmitter that covers a prescribed area, without the use of underground wires.Shock collars come in various models, and some have transmitters that provide the ability to vary the intensity and duration of the current.Both types of devices may also have audible tones to warn a dog that a shock is coming. Shock collars (but not electric fences) can also be used to teach behaviors using a method called “negative reinforcement.”In this technique, the handler starts a current, gives a cue for a desired behavior, and stops the current when the behavior is completed.The dog learns that it must comply to end the unpleasant sensation. Many electric fence owners report that their dogs required only a very small number of shocks before learning to avoid the boundary area.Thus they are satisfied that their dogs will remain safely within the confines of their property, without the expense of a physical fence.Electric fences are often seen as a desirable option in locations where physical fences are prohibited; they can also be less expensive.And many shock collar trainers assert that very few shocks are needed to end undesired behavior. Don’t (E-) Fence Me In! There are several problems that can arise with electric fences.First, they can fail in two ways.A power loss or a dead battery can lead the receiver to become ineffective.Moreover, an electrical surge or lightning storm can cause the receiver to deliver a shock even if the dog is nowhere near the boundary.If this happens, there is a risk that the dog will associate it with another behavior (such as eliminating outside) or with something that it perceived at the time (such as a child).We have seen both of these situations occur. Electric fences also do not protect a dog against other dogs, animals or people that may come into the yard.Some dogs will then chase these creatures through the fence, with the result that they cannot return to their yards.Many shelters report that they receive dogs wearing electric fence collars that have gotten through the boundary and become strays. If the initial training on an electric fence is not done very carefully, dogs can have fearful reactions that can lead to aggression problems.The training should be very systematic, focusing on teaching the dog to remain in its yard by using positive reinforcement.A warning signal should always be given when approaching the boundary.The collar should always be used on the lowest possible level.And a dog should never be left unsupervised in an area with an electric fence. Collar Conundrums The reservations that we have about electric containment systems also apply to electric shock collars.Even in training dogs for the demands of work in the field, we do not, unlike most American field trainers, do not use shock collars. Our concerns are primarily about the very negative effects they can have on dogs and their behavior.One prominent field trainer described a dog’s first reactions to shock collars in this way, “Dogs have a variety of reactions to the first burn [shock].One may holler and jump; another may simply drop his ears and lower his head.”[1]While little is known about the long-term effects of shock collars, one study reported significantly increased signs of stress among dogs that had been shocked—lower ear and tail positions, high sounding yelps, squealing, avoidance behavior and occasional aggression.[2] A Last Resort These descriptions confirm that electric fences and shock collars, like choke and pinch collars, are fundamentally aversive; they function by using positive punishment or negative reinforcement—shocking a dog until it complies with the desired command.[3]We choose not to use these techniques except where the dog’s life or the safety of humans may be at stake, and other, more benign methods have proven to be ineffective. We recognize that there are some circumstances in which these devices can reasonably be used, but believe that they should be a last resort.Physical fences, leash control, a reliable recall and exercising dogs in safe areas such as dog parks, are—in our opinion—more desirable options than electric fences.They provide greater security and do not rely on causing physical discomfort, with the possible side effects of generalized anxiety or aggression.And training through positive reinforcement, as well as diminishing problem behavior through negative punishment, is in our opinion both more humane and more effective than using electricity on dogs.If you are considering getting an electric fence, or using a shock collar, we would welcome an opportunity to discuss our views with you. For further information on electric fences and training systems, see: Pat Miller, “Simply Shocking,” Whole Dog Journal, February 2003. Cheryl Smith, “What Do You Say When YourClients Want Electronic Containment Systems?” Animal Behavior Consulting, Wint
[1] Mike Lardy, “Collar Conditioning,” The Retriever Journal, June/July, 1996, p. 41.
[2] Schilder, M. B. H. and vad der Borg, J. A. M. (2004). Training dogs with the help of the shock collar: short and long term behavioural effects. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 85, 319-334.
[3] The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has conducted a review of available studies on electronic training devices. These studies document the effects of e-collars and other electronic equipment on the physical and psychological stress levels of dogs.We canmake information from this review available on request.
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