Tools are just….tools
Social media makes it easy for people to pass judgement based on a photo - a moment in time - without knowing the full story. A lot of owners seem quick to vilify different tools based on a narrow philosophy - anything that falls outside of what they believe is “wrong”.
First, every dog owner uses tools of some sort. If you have a leash & collar (or harness) on your dog, you are using tools. If you are closing your door or gate, and not just letting your dog roam freely, you are using tools.
The question is - are you using the right tool? Are you using it appropriately? Is your dog being treated fairly and with kindness?
I have seen dogs straining on their flat collar, gasping and choking for air, and I am confident that they are doing damage to themselves.
I remember one particular bully breed mix whose owner was adamantly against any collar that would be considered corrective and instead used a gentle leader (Halti style). This dog HATED its gentle leader. Even after months of apparently careful conditioning (using a clicker/treats), the dog seemed to despise this tool. It would rub its face along the ground, to the point of rubbing it raw and bloody, to try and get it off. This tool was VERY aversive to this dog!
Another dog, a large shepherd-y type mix - was able to pull it’s diminutive owner to the ground whilst wearing a halti. After that terrifying experience, the dog was either driven to an off-leash area or not walked. In that dog’s case - the owner chose to forgo walks instead of reaching for a different tool.
Do I think dogs need aversive tools or correction collars? Definitely not. Every dog is an individual. Every dog deserves their owner/trainer to look at their individual situation, challenges, and goals, and choose the path that will be clearest & kindest to that dog.
Any tool can be misused.
I have seen people misuse a pinch collar, causing pain to their dog. I have seen people have their dog on haltis and watched that dog hit the end of the leash at force, snapping their head around - a move that can certainly cause serious damage.
Most concerningly - I regularly see owners who follow a certain philosophy and choose to avoid certain tools, resulting in a lesser quality of life for their dogs. Dogs who are never off leash because they don’t have a solid recall. Dogs who are walked less because they are reactive or uncontrollable on leash.
Equally, when owners/trainers always reach for the tools they’re most comfortable with, they may be applying them to a dog who doesn’t need/benefit from them. Which can damage your relationship with your best friend.
With statements like “I will only use X tool” or “I will never use Y tool”, the only real loser is the dog. When we limit ourselves to a narrow approach based on a philosophy without considering the individual dog, we’re not doing them justice. They deserve better.
We owe it to our dogs to put in the time and effort (and learning) required to give them the best possible life.
