I sell at a lot of markets and dog-friendly events. Unfortunately, I’m seeing a noticeable rise in the use of aversive tools on dogs at these events, and it’s something I can’t ignore.
When we talk about canine enrichment, we’re talking about adding something with a positive effect on the dog's life. This is where the conflict lies: it’s not possible to genuinely promote enrichment while supporting tools or training methods that rely on pain, fear, or discomfort.
What Are Aversive Tools?
An aversive tool is anything designed to cause pain, fear, or discomfort in order to change a dog’s behaviour. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Shock collars
- Prong collars
- Garotte and slip leads
- Head collars and figure-of-8 collars
- No-pull harnesses
Some of these tools aren’t viewed as aversive by everyone. However, if a piece of equipment works by design through discomfort, fear, or pain, then it is aversive, regardless of how normalised it may be or how we the human feel about it.
Why I Approach This With Compassion
I want to be very clear: this isn’t about shaming dog guardians.
I come from a place of compassion, for dogs, but also for guardians. Many people are misled by trainers who use aversive methods to gain quick compliance. Others are simply struggling with aspects of their dog’s behaviour and are desperate for help.
More often than not, there is no bad intention. What’s needed is support, education, and guidance to move away from these methods, and not blame.
Why I Can’t Talk About Enrichment Without Talking About Aversive Tools
It’s impossible for me to have a conversation about enrichment without addressing these tools.
That’s because enrichment has a foundation of safety.
Feeling Safe Comes First
For enrichment to be effective, a dog must feel safe. That means:
- Physical safety
- Emotional safety
- The absence of fear or threat
A dog cannot feel safe, or benefit from enrichment, while wearing equipment that causes pain, discomfort, or fear. If a dog is worried about being punished, they cannot fully engage, explore, or relax.
Enrichment Must Have a Positive Effect
For an activity to truly count as enrichment, it must have a positive effect on the dog.
That simply cannot happen when a dog is experiencing discomfort, anticipating punishment, or operating in a state of stress or fear.
Enrichment is about meeting needs, not suppressing behaviour.
So, What Am I Doing About It?
Kind Conversations
If you visit me at a market or event, know that my goal is to help you build an even better relationship with your dog through enrichment.
If I see an aversive tool, I will, as gently as I can, start a conversation about your dog’s equipment. I know this won’t always be comfortable, and I’m sure it won’t win me many friends, but it’s at the core of who I am.
One of my core values is “be the change”, and for me, that means leading by example.
Sitting With Discomfort
If this topic makes you uncomfortable, I invite you to sit with that feeling. What might it be telling you?
Discomfort often shows up when a deeply held belief or worldview is challenged. Unfortunately, we can’t avoid discomfort. To paraphrase Stoicism, the only way out is through.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, planting a seed that blooms later is enough. If I can influence even one person to move away from aversive methods, then I’m making an impact.
My Own Experience With Aversive Tools
I’ve been there too.
At the very beginning of my relationship with Honey, I made a choice I regret. We were struggling with her barking at the window, and I naïvely bought an anti-bark collar, which is freely available at Pets At Home, after a persuasive sales pitch.
She wore it for about a week. She hated the vibrations. She was miserable. I felt conflicted: I wanted the barking to stop, but I could clearly see she was unhappy.
Thankfully, I listened to people wiser than me. I threw the collar away and focused instead on:
- Management (frosting the window, managing outside noise)
- Providing plenty of enrichment
- Addressing undiagnosed pain (hip dysplasia, IBD, reflux, spondylosis)
Over time, her reactivity improved, and, more importantly, I learned that barking is just communication!
She was described by the rescue as “a vocal wee lady”, and that she remains 💜
Sitting with that discomfort and trusting my intuition changed everything. I share this because I want others to know they’re not alone, and that it is okay to change how you care for your canine companion.
How I Will Help
If you’re currently using aversive tools and this has struck a chord with you, please know that help is available.
I maintain a directory of force-free trainers on my website.
My DMs are always open if you want support transitioning away from these methods
Shame, blame, and guilt get us nowhere. I promise to do my best to help you switch to kinder, more compassionate approaches to living with your dog 💜