No Shock Collar Coalition

November 1, 2013

Another really bad idea -- The Potty Trainer

While not a shock device, this is just another example of how the power of electronics has been harnessed to virtually guarantee your dog will grow up to be emotionally damaged. Here's a clip from the product description: "Advanced technology makes housebreaking your dog easy, while preventing puddles in the process! Just clip the highly sensitive, wireless moisture sensor and microprocessor inside your dog's diaper or belly band. When it senses just 1 to 2 drops of urine, it transmits a signal to the alarm, which startles your pet and causes him to immediately stop urinating. You can then correct the behavior and show your dog where you want him to eliminate."

So if Fido piddles a little, a nasty alarm will go off in his ear that will accomplish what? My experience tells me that puppies with a full bladder, when startled, tend to pee. Well, don't they?

The ad goes on to say "Safe and effective for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes". I don't think so.

This item was offered for sale by In The Company Of Dogs online catalog, and although the item listing is still out there to view as of this writing (http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=D13275&ref=us), the item itself is listed as "Sorry, no longer available". Thank goodness. We don't know if this is because of backlash from people with good sense and a heart for their dogs directed towards this purveyor of otherwise innocuous if not overpriced dog-lover stuff, or possibly some trademark problem with the dozen or so other dog house-training products also named "The Potty Trainer". So if you should see this little nasty offered for sale anywhere, I would encourage you to write to the manufacturer and retailer to let them know exactly what it is they're offering. For those of you who train, let your clients know what this little gem is all about and help head your clients off from making some very bad decisions.

The good news is that if you type "the potty trainer for dogs" into your search engine, you'll find a list of dozens of safe and effective products, including turf boxes, pads, documents and other stuff that will actually help someone teach their pup good house manners.

Hug your pup!

Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBC
www.baddogsinc.com

October 31, 2013

No Shock Collar Shirts Available from now until Nov 15, 2013!

No Shock Shirt Fundraiser - unisex shirt design - front

No Shock Collar identity t-shirts are now available for purchase from Booster.com. These shirts are heavy-duty Gildan black unisex T's in a full range of youth and adult sizes, so something for everyone. Profits from the sale of our shirts will go towards the care and feeding of our blog, domain name registration, other administrative costs, as well as development of brochures and other materials we'll be developing to further our cause.

Please support the NSCC by picking up an NSCC t-shirt (or two!) at https://www.booster.com/noshock

Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBC

October 28, 2013

Welcome To The NSCC!

How We Came To Be
In spring of 2006, a group of dog trainers and behavior consultants became increasingly alarmed at the proliferation of shock collar use among companion dog owners, inexperienced trainers and 'behaviorists', as well as the way the use of these devices was being promoted by their manufacturers. From that concern, the No Shock Collar Coalition came about. The NSCC began merely as a silent protest against the inhumane use of pain-delivering devices used in the name of 'dog training', and I created a single web page where principalled people could come and mark their name in a public place to protest the inhumane use of shock on companion canines in the name of training.

These devices are appearing with ever-increasing frequency in commercially available and inexpensive training "tools" sold freely over the counter to people who are completely ignorant about their capacity for harm. They are available as "bark collars", "remote collars" and invisible containment systems for both indoor and outdoor use.

We know that these devices are designed to work by the application of an aversive (pain, discomfort, fear, startle) which ultimately has a detrimental impact on the dog's learning, and many of their proponents are attempting to sell this training to the unknowing public by characterizing the electric shock as a "stimulation", "stim", "nick" or "tap"; these are all euphemisms for an electric shock.

As a cohesive force, we'll be moving forward with plans to speak out more vocally against the use of these devices, and make our positions known to their manufacturers, distributors and retailers, and any individual or business who sells these units or advertises them. We'll also be amassing and presenting a library of information about shock collars and the harm done by these devices, as a reference to dog trainers, behavior consultants and dog owners.

If you'd like to add your name to the growing list of professional dog trainers, behavior consultants, pet parents and others who want to take a stand against the use of electric shock collars for training dogs and controlling their behavior, please CLICK HERE to sign up.

Getting Back On Track

Our blog and coalition has been pretty dormant for some time now. Keeping a creature like this alive and well requires some work and attention, and we've had our struggles in the last few years with business building through our recession, family changes and the loss of a few talented supporters who had promised to provide blog fodder and research to keep our links and information fresh and meaningful. Last year, when the domain name came up for renewal, I frankly spent some serious time considering just letting it go.

But after talking things through with a few friends, colleagues and trusted advisors and mentors, I decided it was time to try to breathe some life into the NSCC and re-enervate our movement. The support of like-minded trainers, behavior consultants and owners/guardians of companion dogs who have been educated enough to know that training without force or pain is the most efficient and durable method will be ardently solicited and gratefully accepted. This is no small feat, and I have no more illusions that I can spin all these plates on my own.

The NSCC will never campaign for bans on equipment. That's not because we believe these devices are appropriate or useful in any way as training tools, but calling for bans will work against us in the long run.

The companies who manufacture shock collars have huge, deep pockets, and their marketing machines can out run any bumper sticker campaign we might attempt.
At least one big training franchise has made a fortune convincing users (and probably many of their trainers as well) that shock collars are benign, efficient and humane, and calling for bans will only incite them to conjure up more mass-market misinformation.
Ultimately, I believe that our industry needs to do a better job of regulating itself, setting standards for effective and humane training, and enforcing those standards. Demanding bans on training gear leaves the door wide open for our business to be regulated by governmental bodies, or even more dangerous, by other industries.
The vast majority of NSCC members are trainers and behavior people, who are, by trade, educators first. As passionate as we can get about a cause, in the end we all have to admit that getting education about the issues down to the consumer level is the surest way of retiring shock collars for good. Once people truly understand the issues and facts, they can begin to make better decisions about their dog training choices.

For those of you who want to get more actively involved, you're invited to contribute whatever you can, including original articles, testimonies and links to quality material we can include on this site. Please send any submissions you have to nscc@baddogsinc.com, and I'll do my best to respond timely, and post your data as quickly as possible.

We'll also be running a couple of fundraisers throughout the year to help us offset the cost of domain name registration, website maintenance and design, media and collateral production and other stuff we can use to promote our message. These fundraisers will involve sales of t-shirts and other items that sport our identity and allow you to show your support in more ways than one!

Thanks to all who have been so supportive and encouraging, and to everyone who believes in training that is effective and pain-free.

All the best,

Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBC
www.baddogsinc.com

March 1, 2010

Radio Sytems Corp. acquires Premier Pet Products

To the Members and Supporters of the NSCC,

I was deeply saddened by the recent announcement by Premier Pet Products (http://www.premier.com/) regarding their acquisition by Radio Systems Corp (RSC). As you are probably aware, RSC is one of the leading manufacturers of shock collars and electronic containment systems. Of course, you're familiar with Premier as the leading manufacturer and distributor of dog training equipment primarily directed to positive reinforcement trainers.

If you haven't heard about this, or read the announcement, the full text is available on Premier's web site: http://www.premier.com/View.aspx?page=about/premier/rsc/letter/

Sharon Madere, founder and President of Premier, has made some interesting assertions in her announcement letter, which you can read and interpret for yourself. I believe it is notable that Premier originally 'partnered' with RSC, because their superior engineering and manufacturing capabilities lent themselves to helping Premier enhance their electronic "spray" products category. These include the "Spray Sense" product line, which are air or citronella delivery devices used for "bark control" or "behavior modification". In my view, these devices are simply another remote aversive-delivery system, and very well may have more inhumane impacts on a dog's behavior than even the shock collar.

For Premier to assert that the partnership with RSC will realize enhancements for the positive training world is, to me, disingenuous at best, particularly since this alliance was created so that Premier could 'enhance' their own aversive-delivery systems.

When we started this movement in 2006, my personal vow was to never knowingly contribute to the bottom line of any company, organization or publication whose livelihood was in any way enriched by the sale or promotion of shock collars and electronic containment systems. Since Premier is now owned by RSC, I am sadly forced to discontinue selling. promoting or recommending any of their products, which include the Gentle Leader, Mannersminder and many other useful items.

Each of us has to determine where we fall as individuals in this situation. While I remain open to the (however far-fetched) possibility that the alliance between RSC and Premier will result in Premier's positive orientation influencing the reduction of the development and distribution of electronic shock collars and containment devices by RSC, I will no longer be able to promote the sale of any product manufactured and distributed by Premier as long as shock devices are on RSC's menu.

In the coming weeks, we'll be looking to devote pages on this site to helping trainers, behavior consultants and dog lovers in general find alternative manufacturers and distributers of similar devices to those we've come to rely on from Premier.

Most sincerely,
Barbara Davis, CPDT-KA, CDBCBAD
DogsInc Family Dog Training & Behavior

What our supporters say:

"Lets all work towards cooperative training and teach our dogs to think rather than training through fear where you have an emotionally "flat" dog that will not offer behaviors"

"There are many problems using positive punishers that make it extremely difficult (impossible?) for the average person to use them correctly. They are not needed in training because there are other humane methods that are effective and the outcome is predictive. As a group we should focus on coopertaive training where you cultivate a creative dog by rewarding them when they do what we like rather than training based on fear where the dog is afraid to offer behaviors and their trained responses are very 'flat.'"

"As a novice owner and owner of a large breed at that, I use only positive training and since I was able to culture a well-mannered dog, I see no reason why anyone would have to use any other method other than positive training. Shocking is cruel, plain and simple. Outlaw shock collars of all kinds."

"It is encouraging to see the progress in training"

"I was once a member of APDT and maybe one day I will be again. I will never use or teach anyone to use choke, prong, or shock collar."

"I am so pleased to see this coalition form, and I am willing to help in any way. Thanks!"

"All dogs can be trained to be family pets using positive reinforcement, management and the withholding of rewards. Shock Collars are hazardous, expensive, and uneccessary."

"There are better and kinder methods to train dogs. We need to learn to quit being reactive-aggressive and start learning self-control, patience, and kindness. Kind methods work so much better and strengthen the bond between owner and pet, rather than destroying trust."

"I don't believe there is ever a valid reason to use shock collars in the training or management of dogs - or any other animal."

"What a fabulous idea this page is! You are to be commended!!!!"

"They might work but we all know that there are so many more pleasant ways of training our best friend. Is an electric shock any way to treat your best buddy? Would you do it to your best human friend? No, so why to a devoted canine companion?"

"This is a wonderful idea! I look forward to supporting you every step of they way!"

"I am so pleased to see this work started."

"There is NEVER a justification for causing a dog pain. Period"

"I am very pleased to see trainers standing up for dogs and declaring their opposition to electronic training devices designed to cause pain to dogs."

"I am glad to see a stand being taken. No force trainers have been railroaded lately on the APDT list and in advertisements by those who use the APDT but don't practice it's core values. Yea, for creating this mission."

"Shock Collars should be utterly banned, its a disgusting world we live in when one animal has to use such tactics on another animal species."

"Our school provides fun and force free dog clicker training. We work hard to minimize stress on both the dog and the human students!"

"Let's work together positively to bring about some huge changes in the field of dog training and advocacy!"

"It's about time we all stood together on this subject."

"I support the no e-collar training grass roots effort"

"Germany and the United Kingdom are right about this: shock collars ought to be banned. Yet, despite the ban in these countries, not only are people capable of training their pet dogs, but they are also able to train for competition, police and service dog work without ever using shock collars. These dogs are magnificent, I've seen them."

"There is no reason to use shock collars in pet dog training. Ever."

"The ends do not justify the means. Especially when we have are so many better options available."

"Would you use a shock collar on your little child to behave?? Then why would you use one on your pet?"

"Too many trainers are selling this collar as a quick fix. It is inhumane! They use it on puppies!"

"There are so many better and more effective ways to train and enjoy your dog than using force, pain or domination. It's hard to understand why some trainers feel a need to use these methods in light of all the great information on positive and dog friendly training that is available today. Those of us in dog sports know that the dog's enjoyment of the sport is essential. Why do the sport if the dog doesn't like it?"

"It has become far too easy for lazy or frustrated dog owners to resort to this method. They tend to "try out" shock collars to fix problems, and when this backfires, they MAY consult a trainer. It's the do-it-yourself aspect that appeals to a lot of people, but most people don't know enough about dog behaviour and training to use it correctly. There are more humane ways to train dogs, anyway. If you don't have the skill to train a dog with reward-based methods, no way should you be able to use a shock collar."

"We use all positive methods in training your dogs, there should be no reason to shock your dog, no matter how it is put, a stimulus is still a shock no matter how they may lower the blow of the truth. Electric collars do not put the puzzle pieces together, it prevents dogs from being successful and causes confusion!"

"I trained two dogs with shock collars and never realized the damage I was doing to our relationship. Thankfully, for them and for me, I found a kinder way to train. Anything that can be trained with a shock collar can be trained without one."

"Shock collars are illegal in 5 countries. I truely can not understand why they are not illegal in the United States. I have worked with shepherds who had been previously trained with shock collars and fear based methods. I have dealt with the owners guilt of allowing someone to do this to their dog.I have helped them get past it and introduced them to positive reward based methods. I truly hope these collars are made illegal."

"Let's get the word out that there are safe, humane ways to teach our pets. Shock collars are not among them."

"People need to be made aware that these euphemisms for pain and cruelty are just that and that such a method of teaching and torture must be banned. Teachers would go to jail for treating children with such a stimulus!"

"For me it is a moral and ethical choice to not cause pain or suffering."

"Being a responsible and loving dog guardian means first doing no harm. Teaching takes time, patience and a good sense of humor -- Those who advocate the use of shock collars possess none of these."

"I totally disagree with the use of shock collars. These collars are abusive, they are sold to ignorant pet owners who use them incorrectly & cause unnecessary pain to the animal. I recently adopted a rescue dog who was abused with a shock collar. The previous owners of the dog had young children who used the remote for the shock collar & caused the dog pain & laugh & do it over & over. This dog, 3 months later is still being worked with due to damage from the shock collar. These collars should be banned."

What our critics say:

"Perhaps you are opposed to ecollars because you don't know how how to use them correctly. Anyway, I'll never give mine up."

"You guys are morons."

"You guys kill me. You are so threatened by training that gets quick, effective, humane results that you can't stand it. You have NO IDEA what you are talking about, and dog owners know it. Banning tools is as stupid as BSL."

"An ecollar used correctly is far more humane then a choke collar used incorrectly. You folks don't know what your talking about."

"I'm a professional dog trainer who doesn't believe in banning tools. I'm also a behavior consultant and pet owner and definitely NOT a "pet parent".

"Electronic collars can be incredibly human, effective, and reasonable tools to have in your tool box. The freedoms a dog may be allowed by use of an e-collar can be quite wonderful, particularly for a non-hearing dog."