Re: Tuesday, Aug. 24 story Did Anti-barking Collar Play a Part In Dog’s Theft?”

Unfortunately for Craig MacLeod and his dog Brutis, they experienced firsthand the downfall of using electric shock collars in training. The story reported that Brutis was playing with dogs at Pioneer Park and when he wouldn’t come when called, he was issued an electric shock. The dog took off and is still missing.

I have heard this type of story over and over. It’s very difficult for us humans to know exactly what association a dog might make when given a shock. For instance, a dog that is shocked for barking at a mailman may associate the pain not just with the barking, but with the mailman. This could create a dog that is now more worried than ever about the mailman, and because he now can’t bark, if he were to accidentally get out of his yard, he would most certainly bite without any apparent warning. Sadly, countless dogs are euthanized for just such events.

I sincerely hope Brutis finds his way back home. Mr. MacLeod obviously cares tremendously for his dog and the fact that he’s spending time training and exercising his dog is commendable. A lesson we can all take away from his unfortunate experience is to think hard about possible ramifications when using negative training techniques on our dogs. It’s not necessary and can have devastating long lasting effects.

MARY ZACHARATOS

Kamloops