10/25/2025
A great summary of why we shouldn't use aversive training equipment for our K9 companions since there are better ways to teach our dogs to walk with us by using positive reinforcement training methods.
KNOW ABOUT MY NECK!
A dog’s neck is really not that much different to ours.
In fact, it may be even a little more sensitive, as the outermost layers of the skin are thinner than ours.
In additional to the damage that using choke collars, prong collars, slip leads or shock collars cause in a psychological and emotional way, the physical risks are also often not acknowledged or understood.
Here are just some of the physical risks these aversive tools can cause –
The Vagus nerve runs down both sides of the neck and controls so many vital functions - heart rate, breathing, digestion, emotional regulation and communication between the brain and other major organs.
Pressure on the neck can compress the trachea, making it hard to breathe properly -decreases oxygen to the brain and other organs, potentially causing long-term damage.
Pressure can also damage the thyroid gland, injure nerves and muscles and bruise soft tissue.
Compression of the neck can cause intraocular pressure which affects vision.
The neck and cervical spine contain the spinal cord, where the nerves of the front legs originate. Excessive paw licking is often misdiagnosed as allergies, when it’s actually caused by pain.
Compression of the Esophagus – the tube that carries food to the stomach, can cause digestive and gut issues.
I find it really hard to understand why these tools are still so widely used and promoted.
What could possibly be admirable or intelligent in using force, inflicting pain, causing physical and emotional harm to control another sentient being, when there are far more effective, humane, ethical ways?
"The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves" – Jayne Goodall
