E-collar series: Is it really only used to get the dog's attention?

E-collar series Introduction

A significant number of our clients have tried using e-collar training before coming to us. So we get many questions about how our training differs and why we don’t use that tool. They’ve also told us many stories about why they tried that method first, why the information they were told seemed reasonable. 

We’ve compiled many of the experiences of our clients and frequent questions we hear about e-collar training to help provide you with more transparency about this type of training.  The peer-reviewed evidence is clear this tool can have dangerous side effects, including anxiety and aggressive behavior.  It is part of our mission to help clients understand the science of animal learning in clear language. Over the coming weeks, we will analyze each statement we’ve gathered to get more insight into how e-collars are used.

Is it true that an e-collar is only used to get the dog's attention, not used for punishment?

What is an e-collar?

When we talk to clients, there is a lot of confusion about how the e-collar works. Scientists use the word "punishment" with a very clear definition as the addition of something unpleasant to discourage behavior. In general though when people talk about punishment, the definition is much less clear. We will examine the statement above to see how this fits with current research and science related to animal learning.

First, we--and all modern dog trainers who use current, humane, science-based methods--rooted in our knowledge of dog training in learning theory and operant conditioning. Based on the science of operant conditioning, if the goal is to change the dog's behavior, to stop the dog from looking away from you or get the dog to turn toward you and away from the focus of his attention, then whatever is done to the dog must be sufficiently motivating to change the behavior. The motivation can be something pleasant the dog wants and enjoys. Or the motivation can be something unpleasant, even painful, that the dog tries to avoid. Punishment is when the dog experiences something unpleasant and stops doing a behavior.

The description of e-collars from merchant websites does not always clearly define how the collar works. Some are vague "The training system...features 100 training levels plus tone and vibration modes. Momentary and Continuous buttons for personalized training." Nothing here tells us the sensations the collar produces are designed to be unpleasant for the dog. Other descriptions are more straightforward "You can choose the efficient mode and intensity levels from the beep, vibration and shock modes to correct your dog's bad behavior." Other names for the sensation e-collars produce: "shock" "stim" "tap" "static charge." In general, e-collars are designed to produce an unpleasant or painful sensation to stop a dog's undesirable behavior. If it is not distressing and fails to provide an unpleasant sensation then it will not be effective. This is true even if the unpleasant sensation is a beep or a vibration.

What is the dog learning?

Based on the definition of punishment noted above we will now take a look at what the dog is learning when the e-collar is used to "get the dog's attention." We are basing this on what clients have described about how they were instructed to use the collar in their previous training. They were instructed to use the e-collar while their dog was looking away from them. The dog is given an unpleasant sensation through the collar to stop the dog from looking away. The goal is for the dog to learn that looking away from the owner is unpleasant. The dog then turns and looks at the owner and the owner gives a cue, like "sit." Research tells us this method can work. A dog can learn to avoid looking away from her owner because the dog doesn't want to have an unpleasant experience.

Let's go back to the statement we are examining: An e-collar is not used for punishment. It is only used to get the dog's attention.   This statement does not seem to be true based on the definition we've used from operant conditioning.  The dog is being punished for looking away using the scientific definition of punishment.  The dog is experiencing something unpleasant when looking away from the owner. 

There is another important thing the dog is learning when using the e-collar in this manner.  Research also tells us that when an animal experiences something unpleasant, we can't control what the animal will associate with the uncomfortable sensation.  This means a dog may also learn that looking at other dogs is unpleasant, or looking at people or babies or children is unpleasant. 

Let's say your dog has a difficult time paying attention to you when other dogs are walking across the street in your neighborhood.  If you used the e-collar as noted above, your dog would experience an unpleasant sensation every time he looked at a dog across the street while you were out on a walk.  Your dog can come to predict that when he sees other dogs across the street he is going to feel bad (through the shock or vibration of the e-collar).  With some repetition your dog may start to feel fearful, anxious or agitated when he anticipates another dog in the neighborhood.  For some dogs the feeling of agitation will escalate into aggressive behavior such as barking, lunging or growling.  Dogs can make associations between their experience of being distressed with almost anything that is going on at the time they feel uncomfortable.  It's an unintended consequence of this type of learning.  A dog can associate the unpleasant sensation of the e-collar with the person holding the e-collar controller (you or the trainer) or with the training room, park or backyard where training is being done. 

Let's go back to the statement again: 

An e-collar is not used for punishment.  It is only used to get the dog's attention.

This may be misleading if the goal is to imply the e-collar does not produce a negative experience for a dog.  If the sensation of the collar is unpleasant to the dog, the dog may develop unintended negative associations to other parts of the training process.

What is an alternative to get a dog's attention?

You can teach your dog to "give attention" using positive reinforcement.  Positive reinforcement happens when you give your dog something pleasant for doing a behavior you want.  First, pick a word that you want to use for attention such as "look" or "watch."  Then find a way to encourage your dog to look at you.  You could just wait for it to happen in a boring environment.  You could lure it to happen by making a "kissy" noise or clapping your hands.  And when your dog makes eye contact: reward!!  Tasty treats work great.  Affection works if your dog enjoys it. You can reward your dog with praise, throwing a ball, playing tug, giving your dog permission to go and sniff the interesting tree with pee-mail.  These are all rewards for the attention your dog gives you.  And the bonus: Your dog feels great every time he looks at you.

Summary

In general, e-collars are designed to produce an unpleasant or painful sensation to stop a dog's undesirable behavior.  The statement we are examining: An e-collar is not used for punishment.  It is only used to get the dog's attention does not seem to be true based on the definition we've used from operant conditioning.  The dog is being punished for looking away using the scientific definition of punishment.  It also seems the statement may be misleading if the goal is to imply the e-collar does not produce a negative experience for a dog.  If the sensation of the collar is unpleasant to the dog, the dog may develop unintended negative associations to other parts of the training process.  

Check back with us for more analysis of common comments about e-collar training.