From Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends.
The Use of E-Collars on Podencos: what are your thoughts about using them ?
On the attached photo a question was put to a advocate of e-collars .. Why would you use E.Collar on a podenco that has been abused ? The answer was disturbing please read the reply on the photo.
E-Collars and Podencos: Why We Must Push for the UK Ban
The Reality of Rescue: Healing the Broken
Every Podenco that enters rescue has a story—often one of neglect, fear, and survival. We spend months rehabilitating them, earning their trust, and helping them recover both physically and emotionally. These dogs, already so fragile, should never be subjected to training methods that rely on pain and fear.
The E-Collar Debate: Are They Necessary?
Advocates for e-collars claim they are essential for keeping dogs under control, particularly around livestock. Some insist that Podencos, with their strong prey drive, cannot be trained reliably without them. But this dismisses the effectiveness of force-free training, which builds trust, engagement, and a real willingness to listen—not just blind obedience under threat.
Dogs learn by association. Do we want them to obey commands because they fear the consequences if they don’t? Or do we want them to choose cooperation because they feel safe, confident, and rewarded?
Training the Ethical Way
Time and again, we’ve seen that positive reinforcement works. Podencos are intelligent, sensitive dogs who thrive when training is built on trust. Proper recall and livestock desensitization can be achieved with patience, consistency, and humane training methods. The idea that e-collars are the only option is simply untrue.
Yes, many countries have banned the use of e-collars (electronic shock collars) due to concerns about animal welfare. Nations like England (although enforcement has stalled), Wales, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Spain and Austria have either fully or partially banned their use. The bans are based on research showing that e-collars can cause unnecessary stress, fear, and pain, leading to behavioral issues rather than effective training.
The UK Ban: A Stalled Promise
The UK government drafted legislation to ban e-collars, set to take effect in February 2024. Yet, progress has stalled. This delay leaves thousands of dogs vulnerable to unnecessary suffering. The question is: what can we do about it?
Will You Help Move This Forward?
We are researching ways to push this legislation back on track. If you care about ethical dog training and want to ensure the ban is enforced, now is the time to act.
Are you willing to help? Let’s work together to protect dogs from aversive training methods. Comment below, share this, and let’s make sure our voices are heard.
Pain has no place in the training of any animal—only patience, understanding, and respect create true partnership.
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