Dog training - use of handheld remote-controlled training devices (e-collars): report

2. Definitions

a. E-collars may be defined as devices designed for use in the training of dogs, cats and other companion animal species, which involve the application of an electric current to the skin to aid the training process (CAWC, 2012). Alternative names for the devices include 'handheld remote controlled dog training devices', 'shock collar', or 'electric pulse training aid (EPTA)'.

Additional types of electronic collars include bark- or noise-activated control collars; and those used in containment systems. Additional types of stimuli used in electronic collars include noise, vibration and noxious sprays. These devices are not discussed further.

b. The four Quadrants of Operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a learning process, where behaviour is modified through the association of stimuli with punishment or reinforcement. The following definitions are widely used in the dog training and behaviour literature.

i. Positive punishment – Adding an aversive stimulus, such as shouting, applying electric shock, or tugging on a lead when an undesired behaviour is performed, thus decreasing the likelihood of an undesired behaviour.

ii. Negative reinforcement – Ending an aversive stimulus when the desired behaviour is performed, for example, a sustained sound or shock that is stopped when the animal performs the desired behaviour, thus increasing the likelihood of a desired behaviour.

iii. Positive reinforcement – Adding good things/rewards when the desired behaviour is performed, thus increasing the likelihood of a desired behaviour.

iv. Negative punishment – Ending good things /rewards when undesired behaviour is performed, such as stopping walking when a dog pulls on the lead, thus decreasing the likelihood of an undesired behaviour.

Opinions differ on whether e-collars act solely as positive punishment or may also be regarded as negative reinforcement devices, depending on the timing of the aversive stimulus relative to the behaviour.

c. Training Methods

i. Reward-based methods are defined as those of positive reinforcement and negative punishment. Such methods may include giving praise, food and/or play rewards when the dog performs a desired behaviour.

ii. Aversive training methods are defined as those of positive punishment and negative reinforcement. Such methods may include shouting, tugging sharply on the lead, giving a painful electric stimulus (e-collar), and use of prong collars. The timing of the administration of electric shock relative to the observed behaviour may influence whether activation is considered positive punishment or negative reinforcement.

Methods that rely on positive punishment combined with negative reinforcement may be considered as being more traditional, or aversive, and those dependent on techniques that promote positive reinforcement plus negative punishment have been termed non-aversive, or humane (McBride, 2018).