New Singapore advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars, prong collars on dogs

The Star

a day ago

SINGAPORE: Dog owners are urged to avoid using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm, according to a new advisory released by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on Saturday (July 26).
Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it is tightened.
Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost from $15 to more than $250.
The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downside of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pets' Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace.
AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to regulate the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of the Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory.
Said Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.'
The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods.
'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.'
Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step in outreach and education. - Photo: ST
The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in August 2024, the work group is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the adverse impact it can have on a dog. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems.
Dog trainers and vets alike lauded the launch of the advisory.
Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs that display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices.
Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out event at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. - Photo: ST
Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort.
'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Koo, 48.
President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there will be no need to take further measures.
'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures). As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo. - The Straits Times/ANN