Why Shock Collars Aren’t a Good Idea for You or Your Dog

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The use of aversive dog collars has been the subject of a decades-long debate. In recent years, however, we’ve witnessed a shift away from aversive training tactics in favor of positive reinforcement techniques. This partly stems from a greater awareness of the pain these tools inflict. Studies in canine behavior have also discovered that aversive tools aren’t the most effective way to teach good behavior—in fact, they may set dogs back in their long-term training goals.

Today, many training organizations have come out with statements against shock, prong, and choke collars, including the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These groups advocate for training methods and tools that inflict the least stress, and they oppose using equipment that causes pain or anxiety in pets.

Still, there’s a sea of confusing information on the topic that can be hard for pet parents to navigate. We spoke with professional trainer Jennifer Malawey and veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench to understand why experts are moving away from aversive collars. In this deep dive, we’ll examine why shock collars are bad for dogs, plus the fallout these tools can have—and what pet parents can try instead.

What Are Aversive Collars?

Aversive dog collars are collars that issue an unpleasant sensation to deter unwanted behaviors, like pulling or barking. There are several different kinds of aversive collars, including shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, and invisible fence collars.

• Choke collars tighten around the throat when a dog pulls, temporarily restricting their breath.
• Prong collars contain a series of metal or plastic tines that pinch or dig into a dog’s neck when they pull.
• Shock collars (also called e-collars) deliver an electric shock to correct behavior, operated by the handler via a remote control.
• Invisible fence collars also emit a shock or auditory stimulus to dogs when they cross a set boundary.

Regardless of the type of aversive dog collar, all aversive dog collars operate under the same principle, according to our experts.

“What they will always cause—what they are designed to cause—is a level of discomfort intense enough to make the dog stop a behavior,” says Jennifer Malawey, CPDT-KA, a Fear Free certified trainer specializing in behavioral issues. “You might call that feeling pain or discomfort or fear or something else, but the point is, it feels bad to the dog.”

The Physical and Emotional Dangers of Aversive Collars

They may seem like an effective solution to challenging behavioral problems, but aversive collars can actually cause more problems than they solve. Unfortunately, this type of equipment inflicts both physical pain and emotional distress in dogs—especially when not used correctly.

“Aversive collars, like anything else in the world, can be dangerous or even deadly if misused,” says Malawey.

Choke collars have been shown to cause whiplash, bruising on the skin, crushed tracheas, spinal cord injuries, and prolapsed eyes from the increased pressure. Prong collars can also scratch or puncture the sensitive skin around a dog’s neck.

But Malawey points out that it’s not just misuse that makes aversive collars dangerous. “The insidious bit about those tools is that they can, and often do, cause many negative side effects when used as intended,” she says.

Positive punishment (i.e., adding something unpleasant, like a shock) has been studied extensively, and the research shows these tactics can have significant fallout. Beyond the pain they inflict, these tools can contribute to negative behaviors in dogs, Malawey explains. “Most notably, side effects include increased escape, avoidance, anxiety, and various forms of aggression,” she says.

Another problem with aversive collars is that they can promote a state of learned helplessness in dogs, says Malawey. When exposed to negative stimuli, the animal learns to give up—even if the possibility to escape the discomfort exists.

You can liken this to depression, but it’s often mistaken for a “calm” or “submissive” dog, she explains. In other words, dogs exposed to aversives can experience a general shutdown. They may appear to be exhibiting good behavior when, in fact, they’re in a subdued state of stress and fear.

Are Shock, Prong, and Choke Collars Effective?

A lot of the confusion regarding aversive collars lies in their apparent effectiveness. Indeed, shock, prong, and choke collars can quickly change a dog’s behavior. In the long run, however, they may set a dog back in their training goals.

“While they might seem to yield quick results in stopping unwanted behaviors, the long-term consequences can be counterproductive,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinary surgeon and advisor for Gentle Dog Trainers.

While aversive collars discourage unwanted behaviors, they fail to instruct dogs on what they should do instead. Punishment doesn’t teach dogs a different behavior—this is where positive reinforcement comes into play.

“Research suggests that positive reinforcement-based training methods, which reward desired behaviors, have better and more lasting outcomes for dogs’ behavior and well-being,” Dr. Dench tells Rover.

On top of teaching dogs a preferred way to behave, using positive reinforcement helps to strengthen the bond between a dog and their human.

As trainer Jennifer Malawey explains, aversive collars can certainly change a dog’s behavior. But they will always come with risks—and there is usually a better alternative. “It’s up to each person to decide if the risks are worth it,” she says. “Knowing that the same behavior goals can be achieved without the serious risk makes it a lot easier to decide, in my opinion.”

What To Use Instead of an Aversive Collar

If you’d like to try something other than a choke, prong, or shock collar, there are several options to explore. Reward-focused training alongside minimally invasive equipment and tools can help.

Our experts offer some safer alternatives for dogs exhibiting different behavioral issues.

For dogs who pull, try a chest harness

“For dogs who pull on-leash, I recommend a chest harness paired with positive reinforcement-based training,” says Malawey.

Rewarding your dog to walk calmly beside you with one of their favorite things (treats, praise, toys, etc.) is one of the most effective ways to teach loose leash skills and reduce pulling. Once your dog learns that walking next to you equals good things, they’ll start choosing this preferred behavior more and more.

For escape artists, physical fencing is the way to go

If you’re dealing with a Houdini dog who stages frequent breakaways, a physical fence (rather than an aversive invisible fence) is usually the best option, says Malawey. “There is also positive reinforcement-based boundary training, which can be as effective (or more effective) than shock collars,” she adds. This option helps dogs learn where it’s safe to roam.

Finally, Malawey advises against leaving dogs who escape outside without supervision.

For reactive dogs, positive reinforcement is key

According to Malawey, aversive collars are especially not recommended for reactive dogs.

“Reactivity very often stems from fear or frustration, so adding unpleasant sensations to the scenario is likely to make the dog’s negative feelings deepen over time,” she says. Even if an aversive collar suppresses unwanted behaviors initially, the dog may experience a more intense (potentially more dangerous) reaction in the future.

Rather than using aversive collars, Malawey highly encourages anyone struggling with a reactive dog to seek out a certified positive reinforcement-based trainer. They can help you address your dog’s behavior with the right training techniques—without the risks of aversives.

For big, powerful dogs, consider a head halter

Malawey often recommends a head halter paired with classical conditioning and positive reinforcement-based training for large, powerful dogs who can easily outweigh or knock over their handler. However, she adds a caveat to this approach. “Head halters can be easily made to be aversive, so I highly recommend seeking professional guidance if you choose that route,” she explains.

In addition to reward-based training, Dr. Dench recommends using tools like a front-clip harness for better control.

How We Chose

The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with certified trainer Jennifer Malawey and veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench. We prioritized safety, efficacy, and comfort. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• Why Bark Collars Can Be Harmful, According to the Experts
• The Best Training Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses
• Is Fear Free the Secret to Happier, Healthier Pets?
• Navigating Leash Greetings, Clueless Strangers, and Other Common Dog Walking Scenarios
• Experts Explain Why Retractable Leashes Can Be Bad for Dogs—And People