Study of Training Methods - Remote Collars

Schilder and van der Borg (2004) study using electronic (shock collars) Do they promote distress and fear? The authors observed two training groups for police service dogs one without the remote collar and one with (shock collars). Police dog training was stressful for both groups. (shock collars) showed more behaviors of stress and fear. (ears back, tongue flicking, and paw raising) during training and on walks outside of training. Study result is that electronic collars / remote training collars produced a by-product ....more stressful and fearful behavior.

Herron, Shofer, and Reisner (2009) study of owners seeking help for behavior problems of aggression. Those dog owners who handled aggression with more intimidating training methods (hitting, staring, and growling at the dog) elicited increased threats/aggression from their dogs.

Best response was for those owners/handlers offered a reward base training method. (Rewarding the dog for an alternate behavior.) Example: Dog is showing signs of stress or aggression, (dog loves to play ball) At the first sign of stress or aggression throw the ball you'll observe the dog changing it's behavior. Reward the dog for appropriate behavior always and often.

Thinking about using a shock collar / remote training collar / best to seek counsel from a professional dog trainer before pushing an aggressive or unrully dog beyond it's capabilities.