The study by Schalke et al. (2007) investigated the stress effects of electric training collars on dogs by measuring salivary cortisol levels and heart rate. The study used three groups:
- Group A (Aversion) – Dogs received an electric pulse when they physically touched a rabbit dummy (clear cause-and-effect).
- Group H (Here) – Dogs received a pulse when they ignored a previously trained recall command during hunting.
- Group R (Random) – Dogs received shocks unpredictably, without any association to their behavior.
Key Findings:
- Group A (Clear Association with Behavior): These dogs did not show significant stress indicators (cortisol levels remained stable), suggesting that when punishment is clearly linked to behavior, it does not cause undue stress.
- Group H (Recall-Based Punishment): Moderate cortisol increases were observed, likely because the recall command was not as clearly associated with the aversive stimulus.
- Group R (Unpredictable Shocks): These dogs exhibited significant and persistent stress responses (elevated cortisol levels and heart rate), demonstrating that poor timing and unpredictability lead to anxiety and stress.
Conclusion:
- The study confirms that correctly applied punishment—where the dog can predict and control the consequence—does not lead to significant stress or long-term negative effects.
- Poorly timed or unpredictable punishment, however, does cause stress and should be avoided.
- This reinforces the importance of proper training methodology when using corrective tools.
This study contradicts claims that all forms of electronic collars are inherently harmful. Instead, it highlights that proper application of punishment is crucial to its effectiveness and ethical use in training.
Download Study Below
Responses