Professional consensus
Veterinary, behaviour and dog-training bodies, plus kennel and dog-welfare organisations, that have published statements, codes or policies opposing aversive tools or requiring reward-based practice.
Showing 1–20 of 166. This is a working record of publicly aligned positions.
Veterinary and behaviour science
“Aversive methods (including but not limited to electronic collars, prong collars, choke chains, leash corrections, and other forms of physical or psychological punishment) should not be used under any circumstances.”
Recommends reward-based methods only. Aversive methods, including electronic collars, prong collars, choke chains and leash corrections, should not be used.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Electronic collars pose significant welfare risks and should not be recommended for any training context.”
Diplomates treat behaviour problems without aversive equipment as the standard of care.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Aversive techniques include prong or choke collars, electronic shock collars, alpha rolls, dominance downs and physical punishment.”
Behaviour guidelines identify shock collars, prong collars, choke chains and physical punishment as techniques that can destroy trust and increase anxiety.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“ESVCE strongly opposes e-collars in dog training and urges European countries to take a position on this welfare issue.”
Strongly opposes e-collars in dog training and urges European countries to take a position on this welfare issue.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Equipment and devices that cause pain or discomfort to modify behaviours, such as electric shock collars for dogs, should not be used and should be strongly discouraged.”
In 2024, with FECAVA, FEEVA and WSAVA, called for a ban on the sale and use of electric pulse training devices, including shock collars for dogs.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Joined the 2024 veterinary call for a complete ban on the sale and use of electric pulse training devices, including shock collars for dogs.”
Joined the 2024 veterinary call for a complete ban on electric shock collars for dogs.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Signed the 2024 joint veterinary paper calling for a ban on electric pulse training devices.”
Signed the 2024 joint veterinary paper calling for a ban on electric pulse training devices.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Joined FVE, FECAVA and FEEVA in recommending a ban on electric pulse training devices and methods that cause pain or discomfort.”
Joined FVE, FECAVA and FEEVA in recommending a ban on electric pulse training devices and methods that cause pain or discomfort.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“We recommend that pet owners and trainers should use reward-based training methods.”
Supports a ban on electric pulse training collars and recommends reward-based training.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“BSAVA recommends against aversive training devices including electric shock collars, prong collars, spray collars, choke chains and electric fences.”
Recommends against shock collars, prong collars, spray collars, choke chains and electric fences, and supports a legal ban.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“Collars designed to inflict pain, discomfort or fear to achieve behavioural change should not be used on dogs. Examples include electronic collars, citronella and choke collars.”
Collars designed to inflict pain, discomfort or fear should not be used on dogs, including electronic, citronella and choke collars.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“The NZVA does not support the use of electronic behaviour-modifying collars that deliver aversive stimuli for the training or containment of dogs.”
Does not support electronic behaviour-modifying collars that deliver aversive stimuli for training or containment.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
“The use of aversive devices such as choke, pinch, spray, prong or shock collars are strongly discouraged in favour of more humane alternatives.”
Favours reward-based methods and strongly discourages choke, pinch, spray, prong or shock collars.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
Specialist college whose diplomates work to evidence-based welfare standards and humane behaviour practice.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
Shelter veterinary standards emphasise low-stress handling and do not support pain-based behaviour modification.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
Swiss veterinary association for animal protection supporting humane handling and opposing cruel training devices.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
Swiss veterinary behaviour association supporting evidence-based, welfare-centred behaviour practice.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
National veterinary body whose companion-animal welfare work supports humane handling and reward-based training.
Read moreVeterinary and behaviour science
National veterinary association supporting animal welfare standards that reject unnecessary pain in companion-animal care.
Read moreTraining and behaviour organisations
“The IAABC strongly opposes the intentional use of aversive stimuli and requires members to refrain from using shock in training or behaviour modification.”
Opposes methods involving pain, fear or intimidation and requires members to refrain from using shock.
Read moreThis page is a reference list of publicly available position statements, codes and policies. Inclusion here means the published wording aligns with ICLAC’s aims. It does not mean that the organisation has formally endorsed ICLAC or joined ICLAC.