[nagdu] Shock collars used on service dogs

Lyn Gwizdak linda.gwizdak at cox.net
Wed Mar 2 20:49:35 UTC 2011


I'm glad that collar helped in your situation, Mardi. Isn't Shaman a Husky - 
and most of those seem to be a "harder" type of dog - not like a gentle 
little Golden Retriever.

If a person is knowledgeable about dogs and training - as yourself - the 
collar can be a good tool.  But, I worry about this device in the hands of 
those who know nothing about what they are doing and using it on the wrong 
type of dog.  This is advertised and sold to anyone - just like any other 
collar or leash sold in the catalogs.

Glad Shaman is working out and is apparently past his issues with other 
dogs.

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mardi Hadfield" <wolfsinger.lakota at gmail.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 2:28 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Shock collars used on service dogs


> Hi every one, I have never advocated the use of shock collars until
> recently. I consider it as a tool of last resort. When Shaman was attacked
> by a pit bull last year, he became dog aggressive and I tried every thing 
> to
> overcome this behavior to no avail.Nick,my trainer recommended that I try 
> a
> shock collar. I had never used one and the idea sounded cruel to me. Nick
> and I worked with many other positive methods and when it appeared that I
> would have to retire Shaman and start all over again, well I gave in to 
> the
> use of the shock collar.After all,it had taken me over a year and a half 
> to
> find this dog and then the time spent training him and the cost of the vet
> checks for hips,elbows, and eyes, the cost of training equipment and the
> final harness,and I loved this dog and he loved me! His guide work was 
> very
> good.He just decided he didn't like other dogs except the ones he 
> currently
> lived with.I decided to use the collar as a last resort. I did try it on 
> my
> self first and it was uncomfortable but not near as bad as I thought it
> would be. When ever Shaman tensed up and growled at another dog,I first 
> told
> him to Leave it! If he continued to growl, I pressed the shock button. He
> gave a short yip and stopped the behavior. I had to do this 4 times over a
> period of a week. The behavior stopped completely after that and has never
> surfaced again.He works around other dogs with no problem now.I have not 
> had
> to use the collar again. Other dogs have growled and even lunged at him 
> and
> even though I felt him tense up,I just told him to leave it and he has 
> been
> fine.I make a point to have occasional meet and greet sessions with other
> dogs and treats to reinforce Shaman's good behavior.He has become a
> wonderful guide dog and I don't have to worry about him being aggressive
> with other dogs now. I am glad I tried the shock collar, but I still 
> reserve
> it as a tool of last resort.   Mardi and Shaman and Nala,retired.
>
> -- 
> http://wolfsinger-lakota.blogspot.com/
> http://wolfsinger2-thegoldendragon.blogspot.com
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