The Problem with Shock Collars in Dog Training

For the audio version of these blog posts, tune into the USA Dog Behavior Podcast.

“Shock collars don’t teach dogs—they silence them. True training addresses the cause, not just the symptom.”

— Scott Sheaffer

Have you ever wondered why some dog trainers still cling to shock collars like they’re a magic solution for all behavior issues? I wonder about this all the time. I don’t understand it, because we now know better.

Animal behavioral science has progressed significantly in the last 25 years, especially when it comes to dogs. Decades of research—on both dogs and humans—have made one thing clear: using fear and pain to modify behavior might work in the short term, but it’s a recipe for long-term problems.

What do shock collars, often dishonestly marketed as harmless-sounding 'e-collars' (short for 'electronic collars'), actually do? They deliver painful electric shocks to a dog’s neck! These devices might stop a dog from barking in the moment, but they don’t solve the root cause of that behavior.

If your dog barks because it’s fearful, frustrated, or overly aroused, shocking them might make them stop—but only temporarily. But what happens to that fear, arousal, and frustration? It doesn’t magically go away—it’s simply momentarily stopped. More often than not, it makes the problem worse or even creates new ones in the long run.

It’s like slapping a bandage over a leaky pipe. Sure, the drip stops for a bit, but sooner or later, you’ve got a flood on your hands. There’s a reason shock collars are banned in many parts of the world today (see ‘Further reading’ below).

Shock Collars in Dog Training: A Temporary Fix with Long-Term Problems

Shock collars suppress unwanted behaviors like barking, but they don’t address the underlying emotions driving those behaviors, such as fear, frustration, and arousal. Suppression isn’t the same as resolution. The undesired behavior that’s been silenced for the moment often re-emerges in unpredictable or even more problematic ways.

The Science Behind Positive Dog Training Methods

This isn’t just about dogs; it’s also rooted in what we’ve learned about humans. For years, corporal punishment was the standard for “correcting” children. Spankings might have stopped outbursts in the moment, but research shows long-term consequences when these children become adults, like increased aggression, anxiety, depression, and fractured relationships.

When we use fear or pain, whether with children or dogs, we’re not addressing the cause of the behavior. Instead, we’re temporarily addressing the symptomatic behavior while layering on harm that can lead to further issues.

Why Dog Trainers Still Use Shock Collars

Why do some dog trainers insist on using shock collars? For some, it’s tradition or convenience. Others defend it as necessary, similar to those who justify corporal punishment in children. But science—and compassion—tell us otherwise. Shock collars prioritize short-term results over a dog’s long-term well-being.

I have to tell you that some dog trainers who use shock collars can be rather zealous in their use and defense of them. It’s almost a religion to them. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm can get in the way of their learning new and better training techniques for dogs.

Humane Dog Training Alternatives

Modern dog training focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of behavior. Techniques rooted in positive reinforcement help dogs learn and grow without fear. When you focus on treating the cause, not just the symptoms, behaviors improve naturally and remain resolved.

The Future of Dog Training: Compassion Over Punishment

The belief that pain equals learning is outdated. Whether with dogs or children, suppressing behaviors through physical punishment is counterproductive. True progress comes from understanding, patience, and science-based solutions.

Shock collars don’t teach dogs—they silence them. True training addresses the cause, not just the symptom.

For the audio version of these blog posts, tune into the USA Dog Behavior Podcast.

Looking for hands-on training for your team? Explore Scott’s Training Workshops for dog clubs, municipal animal services, and rescue organizations.

Further reading:
Worldwide Debate on Shock and Prong Collars, Where Are They Banned and Why?
A Dog Shows Us Why Shock Collars Are Harmful
The Story of Patches, the Dog That Was Spanked
Pretenders Who Claim to Treat Aggressive Dogs, Buyer Beware
A Dozen Reasons to do Your Homework Before Sending Your Dog Away for Training