The Science Against Shock Collars — and What Humane Trainers Use Instead

Electronic shock collars — also known as e-collars or remote training collars — have been a controversial subject in dog training for decades. An increasing number of countries and jurisdictions around the world have moved to restrict or ban their use entirely, reflecting a broader shift in how animal welfare law views aversive training devices. Here is where the evidence stands and what dog owners need to know.

Where Are Shock Collars Being Restricted

Wales was the first country in the UK to ban electronic shock collars in 2010. England followed with a ban in 2018. Several European countries including Germany and Denmark have prohibited them. Canada, parts of the United States and numerous other jurisdictions have restrictions in place. Animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the British Veterinary Association have all called for bans or restrictions based on the growing body of scientific evidence.

What Does the Research Show

The scientific literature on aversive training tools has grown substantially, and the evidence points consistently in one direction. Research published in applied animal behaviour journals found that dogs trained using electric shock collars showed significantly higher levels of stress indicators — lowered body posture, yawning, lip licking and reduced engagement — compared to dogs trained using reward-based methods. These stress behaviours persisted not only during training sessions but in unrelated contexts, suggesting a general increase in anxiety. Research also raises concerns about unintended consequences. Dogs may associate pain not with the unwanted behaviour but with whatever is present at the moment of correction — another dog, a person, a location. This can create or worsen fear and aggression, potentially making the original problem worse.

What Positive Trainers Use Instead

Positive reinforcement-based training, which rewards desired behaviours with food, play or praise, is now the approach recommended by the majority of professional bodies worldwide including the Pet Professional Guild, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, and the British Veterinary Association. It is highly effective for the vast majority of dogs and does not carry the risks associated with aversive tools. For specific challenges like pulling on leash or reactivity to other dogs, trainers use management tools alongside systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning. These approaches take more time than a shock correction but produce lasting behaviour change and preserve the trust between dog and owner.

What Should You Do

Seek out a qualified positive reinforcement trainer in your area. Look for credentials from recognised professional bodies such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or equivalent national bodies. The science is clear, the law is moving in a consistent direction globally, and the tide of professional opinion has turned firmly toward humane, effective training methods that work without causing pain or fear.