E-collars, Prongs, Etc

[Aidan3]

  On 08/08/2012 at 5:13 AM, Cosmolo said:

It's about the fallout that occurs when it's used incorrectly AND the probability of the equipment being used incorrectly.

Exactly. Even used competently things can go wrong, and fall-out isn't always obvious (the cause of a problem may not be correctly attributed). We need to balance those risks against the dog's welfare. I look at it a bit like medication. I can weigh the risk of side-effects up against the risk of not taking the drug. I can weigh the risk of something going wrong against the risks of not solving the problem. Fortunately I have a well developed tool-box of +R solutions that mean I rarely have to worry about adding risk.

[Cosmolo]

That's true too Aidan- if there is one thing i have learned from dogs it's to be prepared for the unexpected. Things don't always go to plan.

[Lollipup]

  On 08/08/2012 at 5:13 AM, Cosmolo said:

It's about the fallout that occurs when it's used incorrectly AND the probability of the equipment being used incorrectly.

Good point. This is why I don't generally use prongs or e-collars on client's dogs. I know that for one thing I am not experienced enough with them but the main issue is handing over such a tool to the client and then leaving it in their hands. The only tool I sell regularly to clients that they can give corrections with is a martingale collar. They still need to be shown how to use it correctly but fallout is less than with an incorrectly used prong or e-collar. When I give them the option, most clients will just choose a front attach harness anyway as a quick fix solution rather than spending training time. I wouldn't want them to approach the prong or e-collar with the same attitude.