What is best for your pet?

Friday 15 November 2019

Guernsey's first Aversives 'Amnesty' has been well received so far, with around 25 items including shock collars, anti-pull harnesses and choke collars being surrendered by pet owners.

Although aversive dog training products are not illegal in the island, Canine Behaviour Guernsey is encouraging owners to hand them in and find a kinder alternative.

"By their definition, aversives are unpleasant items that are used to suppress emotions and diminish an unwanted behaviour," said Anna Jane Brehaut from the business. "This can be an unpleasant sound, a physical correction, the pain caused by an electric collar, choking or prong collar correction, or a harsh scolding.

"Training a dog in this way can be incredibly damaging not only for their physical health but also their mental health. The reality is that is the items are perceived as working, it is only because the dog has been bullied and suppressed into a state of learned helplessness and depression - a sorry state for any living being. The devices can also actually make the behaviour much worse due to association and using them can break down your dog's trust in you and severely affect your relationship.

Pictured: Anna Jane Brehaut.

"There are much better training methods out there that are scientifically proven to be more effective. And so if there is a more ethical way, why would you choose otherwise?"

An amnesty box has been set up at the GSPCA, which is supporting the initiative. It allows people to give in their aversive items anonymously and without judgement.

"Canine Behaviour Guernsey was launched just over two years ago and in that time we have seen a number of people using aversive items without even knowing it," Miss Brehaut continued. "Unfortunately, these products are marketed and sold without owners being given an explanation as to how they are designed to work and so we want to give owners that information so they can make an informed decision about what is best for their pets.

"Probably, the most commonly used aversives are the anti-pull headcollars, anti-pull harnesses and pet corrector sprays. When we say 'anti-pull', we mean the ones that have a mechanism built into them to tighten and pinch around the dog's snout or body, which is designed to be uncomfortable when the dog pulls."

Pictured: The initiative is being supported by the GSPCA.

There is still time to take part in the 'amnesty' which will finish at the end of the month.

"We have had a great reaction from owners so far," Miss Brehaut added. "The amnesty has really got people thinking about what products they are using and how they are designed to work. We have received lots of messages from people asking about alternatives, particularly for dogs that pull on the lead and we have been pleased to advise and assist."

Anyone who would like more information or advice on ethical training tools can contact Miss Brehaut at caninebehaviourguernsey@gmail.com.