As a professional dog trainer, there are always going to be ‘hot button’ topics that permeate throughout the dog training industry (and beyond). These topics often spark intense debate on both sides of the argument, and social media has only served to further exacerbate these divides. Unfortunately, science is often thrown out of the window in favor of strongly-worded opinions. Misinformation doesn’t help to serve the dog training community nor dog owners themselves.
Among dog trainers, one of the fiercest debates surrounds the use of training tools. Trainers in favor of using tools cite the effective nature of utilizing them for complex behavioral cases that may otherwise result in euthanasia; those against using tools are vehemently opposed because of their potential for misuse and public perception concerns.
What are some common dog training tools?
Before reviewing the ‘for and against’ arguments, it is worth considering the definition of a training tool. In fact, even trying to formalize this definition is somewhat difficult because one could argue that anything used in training a dog is a tool – even something as innocuous as a normal flat collar or regular six foot leash. After all, theoretically, a collar or leash can cause injury by applying pressure if the handler or trainer is inexperienced or does not know how to use them correctly.
A training tool therefore has a broad definition and can cover a wide spectrum of equipment. Technically, a clicker is a training tool. However, most commonly, the most intense debates on social media cover the use of E-collars and prong collars in dog training.
Arguments in favor of training tools
Dog trainers who are in favor of training tools tend to cite the following arguments:
- Improved behavioral outcomes. The use of E-collars and prong collars has been shown to improve behavioral outcomes and prevent dogs being put down as a result of their behavioral issues.
- Effective communication. When used correctly, training tools can provide immediate and consistent feedback to a dog – ensuring that the expectations for their behavior are clear.
- Increased safety. Due to the instantaneous and consistent nature of the feedback, training tools are able to keep dogs safe in potentially dangerous situations.
- Enhanced freedom for dogs. Due to the safety and security that an E-collar can offer in some circumstances (ex: off-leash hikes), many balanced trainers who utilize tools believe that this brings freedom to a dog’s life that may not otherwise exist.
- Part of a trainer’s toolbox. Proponents of training tools cite that a balanced approach ensures that each dog is trained on the merits of the situation. Excluding certain tools because of a trainer’s philosophy could have a detrimental impact on the dog (ex: behavioral euthanasia).
Arguments against training tools
Dog trainers who are against training tools – typically referred to as force-free or purely positive – make the following points:
- Potential for misuse. Purely positive trainers say that training tools can be misused by inexperienced trainers or novice dog owners, which can lead to welfare concerns.
- Ethical concerns. Some trainers are of the belief that tools rely on pain, fear or intimidation to achieve training outcomes.
- Public perception. Some purely positive trainers do not believe in using training tools due to how they may be perceived by members of the public, and how this may reflect on them and their business.
- Banned in some countries. Some national and local governments have taken steps to ban training tools; many advocates of force-free training claim that this reinforces their argument (ex: if training tools are banned in Country X, then they should be banned here in Country Y, too).
Regulation, research and finding a balance
The fact that some jurisdictions around the world have taken steps to ban training tools like E-collars and prong collars, while many others allow their use, shows that the science does not yet give a clear indication or consistent conclusion on the question of tools in dog training. Continued, valid and unbiased research is essential to establish any impact on welfare, while also not minimizing the fact that outright bans on training tools would undoubtedly lead to an increase in behavioral euthanasias. Taking all of this into account, it is currently up to individual trainers to make their decision based on their own interpretation of the best way to serve their clients.
As a professional dog trainer, there are a couple of points to be aware of when formulating an opinion on the use of training tools. The first is to have a full understanding of how training tools work and how or when they should be implemented. This first point is important because the second one is directly linked – which is that any tool can be misused in the wrong hands, whether that’s an E-collar, a leash, a harness, or even the human hand. The welfare of the dog should be a guiding principle, but it is essential that dog trainers do not become purely dogmatic and that they remain open to training concepts that can improve the outcomes for the dogs they work with.
What do you think?
Whether you’re looking to start your career as a professional dog trainer, or you’ve been in the industry for several decades, we’d love to know where you stand on training tools. Are they a useful tool in a trainer’s arsenal, or should they be banned due to potential ethical considerations? Please let us know your thoughts in this Facebook post and we will update this article with the best submissions!