Have I just MASSIVELY over - reacted?

[Xtriple129]

Just been to the shop (horrible day pouring down so usual routine out of the window) and as I walked in, there was a delightful/beautiful brown Springer bh puppy - about 4 months old - tied to a basket outside the shop but being really well behaved. So I knelt down to say 'Hello' as you do and she was friendly and lovely but as I was stroking her I felt/saw an electronic box on her collar with a green light on it.

I wondered if it was a location thing or, a shock collar. Anyway, semi - drunken owner came out and I asked the question; Yes, it's a shock collar. I went to walk away without comment (I am NOT a powerfully built company director, I am a 6 foot skinny cripple with a walking stick) but he didn't like my lack of reaction and told me forcefully, it was 'his choice'. I disagreed and suggested the dog may have an opinion... and then the bd went to show me what it did!

I suggested that if he did, he would be withdrawing the control unit from his anus very shortly...

At that point I did walk away, but I was so tempted to get the collar from her and deal with the consequences later (Police, theft charge, black eyes and broken bones).

So have these shock collars become milder, are they okay for the dog? If so, then I have over -reacted and shall feel suitably mortified.

[moorx]

No, you didn't over-react.

And no, they haven't been made 'milder', evidenced by the fact that they are banned over here in Wales.

Poor dog

[dudleybloke]

Using one on a dog is disgraceful, they should only ever be used on children and the elderly.

[ctdctd]

There are shock collars which should be banned and training collars which vibrate like a mobile phone.
Is it possible it was the latter type?

[Xtriple129]

dudleybloke said:

Using one on a dog is disgraceful, they should only ever be used on children and the elderly.

Leave the elderly alone, they have enough problems what with being 'damp' all the time

No, I asked, it was a shock collar

[Never you mind]

Using a shock collar on a 4 month old dog is disgraceful. I've heard of them being used on unruly dogs or sheep worriers but never on something so young.

[bexVN]

There are very very few cases where there may be a use for them but under strict guidance. This is definitely NOT acceptable why does a 4month old need one. It should not need 'correction' at this age any way.

Just appalling and the very reason they should be banned.

[anonymous-user]

dudleybloke said:

Using one on a dog is disgraceful, they should only ever be used on children and the elderly.

If you have a few kids (or old people). Do you get separate controllers or just shock them all if one’s misbehaving?

[Never you mind]

bexVN said:

There are very very few cases where there may be a use for them but under strict guidance. This is definitely NOT acceptable why does a 4month old need one. It should not need 'correction' at this age any way.

Just appalling and the very reason they should be banned.

I think in the right hands they can be useful tool. Unfortunately with this spaniel owning oaf the e/shock collar will do way more harm than good. . Personally I believe that if you have to resort to a shock collar maybe dog training isn't your thing.

[geeks]

El stovey said:

dudleybloke said:

Using one on a dog is disgraceful, they should only ever be used on children and the elderly.

If you have a few kids (or old people). Do you get separate controllers or just shock them all if one’s misbehaving?

OP - No I don't think you did, no excuse for shock collars, I say this as an owner of a dog that has separation anxiety and has been known to bark for 30 mins straight. She is getting better but I don't see how a shock collar would improve the situation!

[parakitaMol.]

You haven't overreacted. Using a shock collar on any dog, in any circumstances is completely and utterly unacceptable.


Vile things for vile people.

[a]

I agree with everything said above, would never use one and never recommend one... But I tried one out on myself once and it's really not that bad.

If you've ever used one of those muscle toning electronic pad things, it's like that. Very unpleasant if you don't know it's coming, but no (physical) harm done.

I'd rather be shocked by one of those at full power than have a choke chain tightened around my throat.