WARNING
The majority of the corrective tools mentioned below are prohibited in most municipalities under penalty of fine.

 

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE: on October 18, 2021, the MONDOU stores announce that they will no longer sell aversive necklaces in their store across Quebec! We invite you to read their full press release in order to understand their position regarding this type of training tool.

DEVASTATING EFFECTS

Do certain behaviors of your dog bother you? Are you tempted to punish him when he produces them? Your reaction is normal. However, have you ever thought about working on the cause rather than the symptom?

Electrical, electrostatic, sound, vibration or air/water/lemongrass spray collars, throttles and picks (torcatus) among others.

Some tools may seem magical to you. In addition to their relative effectiveness, their side effects can be devastating on both the physical and mental health of your faithful companion.

ALTERNATIVES

There is no good way to use these tools. They all rest on the same principle: the physical or psychological punishment of unwanted behaviors. We suggest you rather prevent these behaviors with the help of proper environmental management and learning / strenghtening of alternative behaviors, for example.

If you need help with your dog’s education or if you wish to be guided in learning new behaviours, do not hesitate to contact a professional member of these two associations:

PROVINCIAL REGULATION

In addition, you must attach your dog’s leash to a halter or harness (preferably with a front strap) throughout the territory of Quebec if it weighs more than 20 kg (44 pounds). Find out how to avoid a ticket and an expensive ticket.

Learn more about the Dog regulation by clicking here.

Frequently asked questions

“You mention that these tools are prohibited in the vast majority of municipalities, yet they are on sale in several stores near my home?“

ANSWER: Unfortunately, yes. Many businesses and even dog trainers promote these tools without warning the dog sitters. Yet, these are prohibited by law. The regulation states that use is strictly prohibited, but does not mention a prohibition on sale.

“Why is the retractable leash forbidden? Yet, I use it daily with my dog without any problem…”

ANSWER: In the first place, the provincial regulation on the supervision of dogs obliges all guardians to hold their dog by means of a lead with a maximum lenght of 1.85 m. Furthermore, she specifies that the sitter must always have control over their dog during outings. Retractable leash does not meet these requirements.

Secondly, out of respect for the people around you, it is not uncommon to hear stories where people on bikes or skateboards are victimes of accidents and falls caused by a retractable lead that is too long and an inattentive guard. Moreover, not everyone wants to be in contact with your pet.

«I am puzzled, because the dog trianer where I follow classes, swears by his corrective tools and tells us that they do not hurt the dog.»

ANSWER: The electric, electrostatic, vibration collar, etc., whatever name it may be, operates on the same principle: punishment by pain. This practice may solve a behavior problem in the short term, because your dog will be afraid to reproduce the behavior in question. However, this can lead to other more serious problems! You could end up with a hyper-responsive and nervous dog in certain situations.

“Are these tools only prohibited in public places? Can I continue to use them at home on my land”

ANSWER: Collars are prohibited at all times. The retractable leash could be used on your land, considering that your pet remains within the perimeter of your land at all times.