Animal Welfare Professionals

For context, we recently got a 4 year old staffordshire terrier. He's super sweet, but he has a lot of trust issues and is easily spooked. During the day he's super chill but then at night (I think due to untapped energy) he kind of freaks out and gets a little aggressive with us (I've been bitten a few times in the last few days).  I know this is normal and we're being super patient with him. We've learned that ignoring him and showing him we aren't going to retaliate and hurt him helps him calm down eventually (it seems like he's testing us to make sure we won't hurt him, honestly). We can tell he had bad experiences in the past with people and animals, probably abuse. He doesn't take not being able to do certain things well. On top of this, he does bark a decent amount so far and we live in an apartment so it's not great. I've been implementing some white noises for him overnight which seems to help, we're just struggling with during the day. Anyway, we were thinking about implementing a shock collar (using vibration only!!). We obviously won't do this right now because it's been less than a week. Does anyone have an idea of when it would be a good time to try this? Or do you think this may just trigger him more? Thanks in advance! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#PetSupportServices*

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Keelin Burchfield
Counselor
Trinity Services, inc.
IL
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I had a foster with the same issue.  We couldn't get out of bed at night to go to the bathroom because she'd go crazy.  What saved us was a crate.

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Ursula Hendel
Founder
Granos de Arena
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A simple answer re use of electronic collars is never to use them to solve a behavior problem closely tied to strong feelings and emotions, like fear, stress, anxiety, anger. I'd hire a qualified behavior consultant (go to CCPDT, IAABC or other certifying bodies to give you better management tools, more behaviors to reinforce (the dog needs to know what you want), and find a vet who can work with you on those emotions and feelings. Thanks for sharing your concerns.

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Augusta Farley
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Completely agree, it sounds like a shock collar is definitely going to trigger him more. Also highly recommend contacting a dog trainer or (even better) animal behaviorist. 

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Erin Dams
Community Relations Coordinator
Roanoke Valley SPCA
Roanoke VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-18-2024 07:39 AM
From: Augusta Farley (She/Her)
Subject: When is a good time to implement a shock (vibration only) collar for a newly adopted dog?

A simple answer re use of electronic collars is never to use them to solve a behavior problem closely tied to strong feelings and emotions, like fear, stress, anxiety, anger. I'd hire a qualified behavior consultant (go to CCPDT, IAABC or other certifying bodies to give you better management tools, more behaviors to reinforce (the dog needs to know what you want), and find a vet who can work with you on those emotions and feelings. Thanks for sharing your concerns.

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Augusta Farley
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This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Saying it only happens at night - I'd get a vet to check out his eyes -- bright lights inside and/or darkness may be an indication of eye issues - like being blind, which is sort of a fair freak out. Good luck. Sometimes it is behavior, sometimes there is something physically upsetting.

Hi Keelin,

I am agreeing with everyone that a shock collar even with just vibration is not a good option and maybe even be counter productive. If this behavior at night is new and only recent, I would recommend that you contact your vet to make sure there is not something else going on physically.  It sounds to me the night related behavior maybe brought on by some discomfort. Dogs use their mouth for communication and biting is a form of communication. Biting is often not the first resort but is often the last resort when their attempt to convey what they need fail. Since this happens at night I would also check his sleeping arrangement. If there is something that frightens him at night then consider making him a safe spot like put his bed in a closet or somewhere cozy, and quiet. I have a fearful dog and when the neighbor uses the leaf blower he hides in his crate in my bedroom.  It is possible that some kind of noise bothers him at night - noise that we can't hear because our ears are not as sensitive as dogs' ears.  That is why sometimes sleeping in a closet might help as it is a more quiet environment and closet is a good buffer for noises.  If ignoring him does not help then I suggest comforting him. Comforting works with changing emotions so comfort away. I don't think he is testing you. He knows that you wont hurt him so he is learning to trust you. Sometimes, even if he trusts you, his emotions got away and needs time to settle. Time and comfort are both great gifts to any dog. Barking is also another way to communicate. Try to figure out why he barks and when he barks. The solutions to barking depending on the reason he barks and dogs bark for many different reasons. Here are some article on barking https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/uncategorized/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-barking/ , https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/totw/different-reasons-different-solutions/ Hope this helps. Good Luck!

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Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
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In my experience, this happens when a dog has not had enough mental stimulation. When they are bored and frustrated, they get easily over-aroused which leads to this kind of behavior. My advice would be to take him on outings - stores, trails, sniff walks..... when you get home and see if that reduces the behaviors. Training is also mental stimulation, make it fun and set him up to succeed!

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Kathleen Griffin
Licking County Humane Society
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Hi Keelin, 

First, thank you for taking the time to bring this question here. I agree that the collar will likely increase your pup's use of aggression. If he is easily spooked, having the collar on, that he cannot escape from, will likely increase his stress, fear, anxiety, and biting. Since there have already been some bite incidents I do strongly encourage you to seek out a certified trainer or behaviorist. If there are none in your area there are many that offer virtual consultations now, including Top-Rated Dog Training at Home on 1-1 Video Calls | GoodPup, and sometimes virtual consults can be more beneficial if you have a pup who is fearful of new humans.  

Providing him with some extra mental stimulation during the day may help as well. Check out the book Canine Enrichment for the Real World:... book by Allie Bender (thriftbooks.com)

I also highly recommend the book Meet Your Dog: The Game-Changing Guide... book by Kim Brophey (thriftbooks.com)

Best of luck with your new kiddo!

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Tina Hope
Shelter Behaviorist
Seattle Animal Shelter
WA
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Introducing a shock (or vibration-only) collar depends a lot on your dog's personality and behavior. If your pup is still settling in after adoption, I'd hold off for a bit. Let them adjust to their new home, build some trust, and get used to basic commands first. 

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Mitty nodle
Driver
Mittynodle
WV
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This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

I have seen a very similar situation like this before. I would  strongly recommend a Veterinarian take a look at his eyes.  What you are describing "looks the same" as what we saw in a dog who was having sight issues.  It's called sun-downing.  Most of the time, dogs are not aggressive just to be aggressive. Dogs don't test you. The dog will try to communicate with you that something is wrong.  We have seen several "aggression cases" actually be a medical issue. I agree with all the other comments here. Start with a veterinarian for overall health. Then a dog trainer.  No, I am not a veterinarian. I am a dog trainer who uses Positive Reinforcement training only. No positive punishment (e-collars, choke,  prong, etc.) The only way a dog knows to communicate with you is through vocalizing or body language.  We have the YouTube app on our TV's. There are free Dog TV streams to help dogs with stress and anxiety.  It's also free. Soft classical music helps dogs to self soothe, plus we are in the room with them when they go to sleep. We also use lure training and clicker training. Lure training is what I would start with. The sound of the clicker might not be for this dog. Again, only recommending based on past experiences with dogs.