Electric Collar

[Ozzy]

Thank you so much! I live in Switzerland and the landscape here is amazingly beautiful, my Basenji is always off the leach, running across the fields, mountains and forests. Of course when he sees a cat, a fox, whatever moving…. buckle up he will fire after them but he is very cool with other dogs, always lying down before approaching a colleague and all dog owners of the neighborhood simply love him. He makes all dogs run after him, keeping all of them fit and healthy

Most recently we have been struggling to get him back to the leach in just a few occasions, but normally he is always returns to us with no major issues. In some of these instances he went really far away (over 1km), having crossed local streets, thus increasing the risk of getting hit by a car. Here in Switzerland cats have the freedom to come and go from home at any time, many of those live on the wild and cat owners have the terrible habit to leave rest of food in small pots for visitors. For any Basenji this all they look for: lose cats and free food

I am confident I would only be using the collar on these very often occasions. I have 2 children and we don't want to go through the pan of having to setup a funeral for our loved Basenji. Having looked at "Sit means Sit", I have found many, many models. I am concerned I get one which gives too strong of sting for the size of our Basenji, although he is strong, full of muscles as he has been raised outside as I said. Looking at the options available, do you recall which one you got for Perry? Here is the link: http://shop.sitmeanssit.com/Electronic-Collars_c_34.html

Once again thank you for taking the time to put together such a complete answer. You are very kind and we loved the pics here. As soon as we get a chance we will upload a few from Ozzy too. Kind regards, Gustavo.

[eeeefarm]

"sitmeanssit" isn't the only "game in town" and there are lots of other options out there. I had a look, and I think they are no longer selling the model I have, however this seems to be their current replacement for it: http://shop.sitmeanssit.com/The-New-Sit-Means-Sit-Collar_p_965.html

It looks to have similar capabilities, and I like that it is waterproof. Also, it appears to offer vibration or tone, which would be a good option once your guy understands the collar. It is a capability I wish I had with my current one, since it gives a way to communicate at a distance without a correction.

I do urge you to be very careful with the initial training, so that you are sure your dog understands the collar and what he must do to turn off the sensation. If you ever have to use a high level to stop him from running into danger, remember to immediately go back to his working level once you have interrupted his chase. A high level shock does hurt, albeit momentarily, and will startle him, and you never want to do it except in an emergency. (if you have ever accidentally touched an electric fence, you will be familiar with the sensation, and the desire not to repeat the experience! If you have ever had a nerve conduction study done, it is much the same! Not fun, especially when you just have to suck it up and endure it. Been there, done that. But once it's over, it's over.)

With Perry's collar, I ended up replacing the original probes with a "small dog" adapter, and I think that is a better plan for a Basenji. This is their newer model, but similar to mine. http://shop.sitmeanssit.com/Sit-Means-Sit-Small-DogComfort-Adapter-2nd-Generation_p_975.html

[DebraDownSouth]

@eeeefarm:

I always find these discussions interesting, because our society is built on a punitive system to enforce its laws. Somehow it has become politically incorrect to apply the same reasoning to our pets (or our kids!). In nature, if you don't pay attention, there are consequences.

Yes and our laws have proven to be so very effective, no? Exactly. And punitive system is one thing, e-collars another. Yes we have to agree to disagree until this country follows others and ban them and people who use them here have to admit that oh wait…countries have learned to train without them just fine.

[eeeefarm]

@DebraDownSouth:

Yes and our laws have proven to be so very effective, no? Exactly. And punitive system is one thing, e-collars another. Yes we have to agree to disagree until this country follows others and ban them and people who use them here have to admit that oh wait…countries have learned to train without them just fine.

Well, we trained without e-collars and without clickers or food rewards for many, many years. And had very reliable recalls on our dogs. But you can prove anything you want with anecdotal evidence. Bottom line for me is that the collar allows me to give Perry the freedom he enjoys. In my case, it isn't about training at all, it's about ensuring that he complies with commands he knows. Most of the time, I don't need to use the collar, just have it on him. (there are days when I discover I have neglected to turn it on.) With the collar on, he shows he can control himself and comply with commands just fine. Without it things are hit and miss, depending on the level of distraction. Understanding is not the problem here, motivation is, and like most Basenjis he is motivated to please himself, in absence of any compelling reason not to do so.

I have monitored "positive" training classes and have heard people instructed to make sure their dogs are hungry when they come to class, so that they will be "motivated" and eager to earn their food rewards. This is the practice also used in training whales and dolphins, There are many kinds of coercion used in training. I happen to believe that what I do is less harmful than some of the alternatives.

I'm adding to this post because I realize my opinion doesn't carry as much weight as a properly done study, so here is a link:

http://www.ecma.eu.com/Comparison%20of%20stress%20and%20learning%20effects%20of%20three%20different%20training%20methods%20in%20dogs.pdf

_Aim: Comparing stress and learning effects of three different forms of punishment in police dog training

Two forms of positive punishment (e-collar and pinch collar)

One form of negative punishment (conditioned quitting signal)_

If you don't want to plow through the entire article, you can jump to the conclusions.

Conclusion: In this study the e-collar induced the highest learning effect and least stress. (emphasis mine)

Note: in operant conditioning, negative punishment is removing something the dog finds desirable. Positive punishment is adding something the dog finds aversive.

[kjdonkers]

Thanks for shedding your light and experience on such a controversial issue. Seems like Perry is very well with it.
I have seen the article or conclusions somewhere before, but it does not seem to carry any weight with people who are against e-collars.
On a tangent issue: in many cases I don't see that authors use the distinction between correction and punishment. It's a big one IMO: when used as a correction (in the lowest possible setting) to get the dog's attention or stop unwanted behaviour, I believe modern e-collars are just fine. Punishment (unpleasant stuff after the fact) IMO is a nono, e- or otherwise.

[eeeefarm]

@kjdonkers:

I believe modern e-collars are just fine. Punishment (unpleasant stuff after the fact) IMO is a nono, e- or otherwise.

With positive punishment and negative reinforcement the lines can get blurry. e.g. livestock and electric fence. Touching the fence gives a nasty sensation, so could be considered punishment for touching the fence, or since the nasty sensation goes away when the animal ceases to touch the fence, could be considered negative reinforcement. Either way the goal of containing the animal in the field is achieved. Using a low level sensation that goes away when the desired action is performed is negative reinforcement, and is how the e-collar is most often used in training. Using it at whatever level after the dog has refused a command could certainly be considered punishment, albeit mild. Breaking up a chase by using a high level could clearly be considered punishment, but again, as soon as the desired response (beginning to return to the handler) is achieved the sensation goes away, so it could be also be considered negative reinforcement. Clear as mud, yes? Since positive punishment decreases the likelihood of an action recurring, it is likely the most appropriate label in both of these cases, i.e. the subject is less likely to touch the fence or chase the forbidden game.

I think we get too caught up in labels. "Punishment" in operant conditioning simply means something that decreases the likelihood of an action being repeated. Reinforcement means increasing the likelihood of the action being repeated. You don't get to choose whether something is reinforcing or punishing, the dog does. His actions will tell you how your training is being perceived. Since dogs don't read the training books, we don't always get the responses we are expecting!

[kjdonkers]

Clear enough!
Anyway, to confuse matters even more: I found an experienced e-collar trainer on the internet who stopped using the negative reinforcement method (stimulus goes away with desired behaviour a.k.a. escape training) because he found it sets the dog up for failure and hurts the relationship. I cannot comment on it from my own experience but there you go. In the end, as you say, the dog will show, what's what and what's fine.

[eeeefarm]

@kjdonkers:

In the end, as you say, the dog will show, what's what and what's fine.

The dog will always tell you when you are on the right track. Not just with obeying your commands, but with how accepting he is of your methods. I had to be very careful with my moods and body language when I worked with my Border Collie. A sharp look from me (without anything verbal being exchanged) was a severe reprimand to him. Playful physical roughhousing, OTOH, was just fine! He was an extremely sensitive dog, and would work his heart out for my approval. Basenjis, by contrast, don't usually care too much about your feelings in the matter. They certainly understand disapproval, but consider it your problem, not theirs! In some respects, it makes them easier to deal with.

Training methods need to be tailored to the individual. What works with one may not with the next. If you are making progress and your dog is happy, that tells you all you need to know. There is an old joke that is very true: The only thing two dog trainers can agree on is that the third one is doing it wrong!

[tanza]

Still will never agree with use of a shock collar… to each it own... but there are better ways... IMO. I would have to say as a breeder that if someone wanted one of my pups and indicated that they would use this... I would be hard pressed to ever place a pup of mine with them. My opinion, my choice

[eeeefarm]

@tanza:

My opinion, my choice

Absolutely! And if I was a breeder I would have to think long and hard about placing a pup with someone who went to work and left their dog alone in a crate. Everyone has their point of view, and I don't need to convince anyone to share mine. Of course, once the dog has left your hands it is very difficult to police what is done with it. Many end up in happy situations, a few certainly do not, and from no fault of the breeder. My bottom line with any training method is to observe the dog and draw my conclusions from what I see. Not every dog will respond in the same way to the same method, and being adaptable is the hallmark of a good trainer, IMO.

[Ozzy]

Hi everyone, this week it is one month we have been walking our basenji with an e-collar. So what are the results? First week was tough to get him used to it. We bought the model "Quality Easypet EP-380R 1000m Waterproof Rechargeable Remote Dog Training Collar" which provides several levels of sound, vibration and electric charge. Sound didn't work and currently we use the vibration mode for the recall and also to warn him that we wish him to stay close while off the leach. Whenever he runs away towards a cat, rabbit, fox we apply the vibration and normally (in 8 out every 10 times) he returns half-way through. The reason being he knows well by now that if he doesn't respond to the vibration command and insists running away anyway towards "his prey", he will get the electric charge as a conseuqence. We use at the lowest level 1 out of 100 and it is enough to have Ozzy regreting his decision and returning to us immedietly for a good welcoming recognition. If we consider the electric charge cases then we get 10/10. So the bottom line is it works perfectly for us, I strongly recommend it. There are just 2 scenarions which the collar is not effective: thunders and fireworks. In both cases Ozzy normally dashes back home or seeks for the closer shelter possible. Guess we cannot win them all but overall I would like to thank all the great input I got from all of you on this topic, I am very happy with the decision to go for the collar and we are delighted with the results. Let's please keep in contact!

[eeeefarm]

I am very happy with this outcome. I'm always hesitant to recommend e-collars, not because they don't work…..they do.....but because people are impatient and often will not do the proper training that gives good results and they end up with a confused and frightened dog. Done properly, the dog understands that he controls the correction, so it is all good.

I am not surprised at the response to thunder and fireworks. He is obviously extremely motivated to get away from both, and his fear drives him to ignore the collar. Dogs with fear of thunder will often go to extreme lengths, even injuring themselves, to escape it.

[tanza]

I still believe that using an E-Collar is not appropriate… to each their own, but again I would never place a puppy with a family that would even consider using one. Just my opinion and I have had lots and lots of experience with the breed.

[mixie]

@eeeefarm:

My bottom line with any training method is to observe the dog and draw my conclusions from what I see. Not every dog will respond in the same way to the same method, and being adaptable is the hallmark of a good trainer, IMO.

I don't know much, but I have learned to never say "never". I've seen trainers do amazing work with deaf dogs, using e-collars set to vibration mode as a physical signalling device.

[DebraDownSouth]

There is a world of difference between an e-collar as a vibration tool ONLY, and every using it for negative feelings (shock). I don't think anyone has said they don't work. Of course they do. If I put a shock collar on my exhusband I bet I could train him to put down the toilet seat and a billion tasks. Or your child. The issue is whether it is best, or even good. That you even tried with something the dog is AFRAID OF (thunder/fireworks) makes me very sad. Your having a dog who is already stressed and frightened and you use an e-collar on that behavior isn't something even most e-collar supporters would agree with. Like Pat, I'd never place a dog with someone who uses one. I will be glad when we join European countries and ban them.

[eeeefarm]

@DebraDownSouth:

If I put a shock collar on my exhusband I bet I could train him to put down the toilet seat and a billion tasks. Or your child.

O.K. I am not going to reiterate what I have said many times before, but I do get tired of this particular argument. You would not put your husband or child in a crate, either. Let's at least be fair about that.

[mixie]

@eeeefarm:

O.K. I am not going to reiterate what I have said many times before, but I do get tired of this particular argument. You would not put your husband or child in a crate, either. Let's at least be fair about that.

Right.

I know I'm new here, and am running the risk of alienating myself for having strong opinions, but hey… life is about honesty.
If the choice is between keeping a dog crated 22/7 and judicious use of an E-collar, or prong collar, or choke chain for training purposes, I'm on the side of life outside the box. I'm pro-choice in most things, and not ballsy enough to believe that I know the One True Way about anything, so I would most definitely not vote in favor of banning training tools that happen not to be in my personal toolbox.

There is a world of difference between an e-collar as a vibration tool ONLY, and every using it for negative feelings (shock)

But, you know, those aren't the only two choices. The low levels of stimulation feel like a finger tapping on your skin, or a static discharge off a skirt. I've gotten static discharges off my car door handle worse than what most people use as a physical signal. The trainers I know who utilize these tools use them as "touch" signals, which includes completely non-painful low levels. Some dogs don't take in information with their ears when they're in a state of excitement. Adding a "touch" sensation can be a great way to re-direct attention back to the handler. There is no "negative" feeling involved with this.

I do know at least one dog whose life was saved with an e-collar used for "aversion" purposes. He's a hunting dog who started running cattle at about two years old. That happens one time, witnessed by the livestock's owner, and the dog will be shot, regardless of the dog owner's opinion. The first time the dog started running a cow with the collar on, the dog got jolted hard enough to knock him off his feet. He got up, tested the conditions of what triggered a shock two more times, then he went running back to the trail pack and never again expressed interest in chasing livestock. If his choices were between experiencing a non-lethal shock a couple times, and getting to live a life running in the woods, doing what you were put on planet Earth to do, or being shot or kenneled the rest of your life, I'm pretty sure the dog would vote for the transitory discomfort.

[DebraDownSouth]

Mixie, strong opinions are fine, really. We don't have to agree. I may think you are batpoop crazy or you me.. but you'll find as long as folks don't make it personal, we can debate almost everything. (well except neglect/abuse/puppymilling & irresponsible breeding– those would not go well). I adore eeeefarm. I think she's great. Just because I strongly feel shock collars as basic (ie other than life threatening issues like rock eating and snakes) are abusive doesn't change that.

[tanza]

Agreed DebraDownSouth… hopefully people with read the differnce of opinions and come to the right conclusion... I too strongly feel that shock collars are abusive... as is irresponsible breeding. And people should reconize the debate between.... before making a conclusion. There are too many that think something like a shock collar is the "QUICK FIX".. It is not

[mixie]

@tanza:

Agreed DebraDownSouth… hopefully people with read the differnce of opinions and come to the right conclusion... I too strongly feel that shock collars are abusive... as is irresponsible breeding. And people should reconize the debate between.... before making a conclusion. There are too many that think something like a shock collar is the "QUICK FIX".. It is not

I agree. The main problem we seem to be having is not that there's a difference of opinion, it's that there seems to be little respect for difference in this space. For example, we discuss the myriad and complex ways different trainers may use e-collars which often do not involve any aversive experience, and tanza refuses to hear anything but "abuse". That's not a reasoned discussion.