Shock, Reward & the Ethics of Chase Training: Part 2

Angelique de Kock and Chantal Karyta dive into the heated ethics of using e-collars to stop dogs from chasing. This episode unpacks a controversial 2024 study that claimed shock collars were more effective than treat-based methods and the fierce critique it triggered.You’ll Learn:

• Why critics say the study wasn’t a fair comparison

• What actually counts as “positive reinforcement”

• How welfare needs to be meaningfully measured and not assumed

• What better recall training looks like in real life

• Why your values and long-term goals matter more than speed

  
  

Topics:00:00 – Introduction to the E-Collar Debate
02:36 – Understanding the Study's Findings
05:32 – Critiques of the Study's Methodology
08:29 – Welfare Considerations in Dog Training
11:00 – How the Training Could’ve Been Done Better
14:03 – Long-Term Goals and Ethical ReflectionsResources & Mentions:

• Johnson & Wynne (2024) study on chase behaviour

• Rebuttal 1 from positive reinforcement advocates

  Rebuttal 2 from positive reinforcement advocates

• Response to the rebuttals

• Barkology Episode 1 (for study context)

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