25/09/2026
THIS POST IS ANSWERING QUERIES I HAVE HAD FROM CLIENTS OVER THE LAST WEEK REGARDING THE USE OF ELECTRIC COLLARS FOR SNAKE AVOIDANCE.
The use of electronic shock collars (e-collars) for snake aversion training is highly criticized by veterinary behaviorists due to the risk of severe behavioural fallout, incorrect associations, and heightened dog anxiety. While proponents argue it offers a quick fix for high-stakes environments, a growing body of evidence and animal welfare organizations—such as the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)—strongly advise against aversive training tools due to the psychological harm they can inflict.
The Core Risks of E-Collar Snake Aversion
• Superstitious Learning (Incorrect Associations): When a dog receives a painful or startling electric shock upon seeing a snake, the trainer intends for the dog to pair the pain with the snake. However, dogs often form "superstitious" associations instead. The dog may associate the intense pain with the smell of the grass, a nearby rustling bush, the presence of the owner, or the trainer standing nearby. This can result in a dog that is terrified of lawns or suddenly aggressive toward its handler, while still remaining oblivious to the actual danger of the snake.
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• Severe Behavioural Fallout: The sudden, inescapable delivery of a shock can induce intense panic, fear, or a defensive aggressive response. Rather than learning calmly to avoid a hazard, dogs can "shut down" due to learned helplessness or redirect their panic into aggression toward nearby people or other pets.
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• Erosion of the Human-Animal Bond: Aversive tools rely on fear and discomfort to suppress behaviour. Research highlighted by veterinary institutions indicates that using electronic collars can demonstrably damage the relationship between the owner and the dog, replacing trust with chronic anxiety.
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• Infecting the Learning Process with Stress: High stress levels actively impair a dog’s cognitive ability to learn and process new commands. According to behaviour studies, reward-based, fear-free training is not only safer but ultimately more reliable over time, as it builds a conscious, choice-based avoidance behaviour without the cognitive panic caused by shocks.
THIS TRAINER IS BASED ON THE GOLD COAST and as far as I am aware Precision K9 Training is currently the only business legally licensed and endorsed by the Department of Wildlife to conduct snake avoidance training***
