I bought a whole case of Pet Correctors. There, I said it. For many dog owners, especially those invested in positive training methods, this might sound alarming. You might be wondering, “What is a pet corrector, and why would a dog expert use them?” Before you jump to conclusions, let’s delve into the reality of pet correctors, their intended uses, and why understanding them is crucial for responsible dog ownership.
Pet Correctors are essentially small cans of compressed air, not unlike the dust-off sprays used for cleaning electronics. The idea behind them is that the sudden burst of air and the hissing sound it produces will startle a dog, interrupting unwanted behaviors. The somewhat questionable theory suggests this hiss mimics the sound of a snake, triggering a natural avoidance response in dogs. However, if this were truly effective, snake avoidance training wouldn’t be such a necessary and specialized field, and sadly, dogs wouldn’t fall victim to snake bites.
While some believe Pet Correctors are a harmless way to interrupt behaviors because “it’s just air,” this perspective overlooks how dogs perceive this sudden, startling stimulus. For many dogs, the loud hiss is genuinely frightening. The term “interrupter,” often used in marketing these products, is simply a gentler way of saying it scares dogs into stopping what they’re doing. It’s crucial to understand that what seems innocuous to us can be quite unsettling for our canine companions.
When considering any form of correction in dog training, it’s vital to gauge your dog’s reaction, not your own perception of fairness. If your dog reacts to a Pet Corrector with visible fear – cowering, running away, or showing signs of extreme anxiety – then the intensity of the correction is far too high, regardless of whether it’s “just air.” Such strong reactions can be detrimental to your dog’s well-being and can damage your relationship.
Furthermore, using a Pet Corrector to scare a dog out of a behavior can lead to unintended consequences. Dogs may develop “superstitious associations,” linking the scary hiss to something else in their environment rather than the specific behavior you were trying to address. This can create new anxieties and phobias, making training more complex in the long run. It’s essential to weigh the potential negative fallout against any perceived quick fix.
My initial purpose in purchasing Pet Correctors wasn’t for correction at all, but for desensitization. I wanted to understand how my own dogs would react to this tool and ensure they wouldn’t be negatively affected by it, especially if encountered in other situations. To do this responsibly, I needed to observe their initial reactions firsthand, ensuring I maintained a safe distance and turned the process into a positive experience.
Here’s what I observed when introducing the Pet Corrector to my dogs:
Edge (Malinois): Completely unfazed and playful. He seemed to view it as a game, wanting me to spray it again.
Tuteur (Malinois): Despite being typically wary of new things, he showed no reaction whatsoever. This surprised me, and he was rewarded with praise and treats for his calm demeanor.
Cyrrah (Retired Malinois): Also indifferent. She seemed more curious about what I was doing than startled by the sound.
Cuvee (Thunderstorm-sensitive dog): Remarkably, even Cuvee, who is fearful of loud noises like thunderstorms, remained unfazed by the Pet Corrector.
However, the reactions weren’t uniform across all my dogs:
Monkey (Border Collie): Showed immediate fear, running and cowering. While I quickly worked to desensitize him and remove the fear response, this reaction highlighted why I would never use this tool as a form of correction for him. Causing that level of fear is counterproductive and harmful.
Shank (Dog with guarding tendencies): Reacted with aggression, attempting to seize the canister. This “fight” response, as opposed to “flight,” was particularly concerning. While Shank has a strong bond with me and would never bite me, this reaction could be dangerous if a stranger used a Pet Corrector on him.
These varied reactions underscore the unpredictable nature of using Pet Correctors and the potential risks involved, especially when directed at unfamiliar dogs.
One particularly concerning trend is the use of Pet Correctors as a tool for personal safety during walks or at dog parks, carried to deter stray dogs or break up potential dog fights. Based on my direct experiences and understanding of dog behavior, I strongly advise against this practice.
Consider these possible scenarios when using a Pet Corrector on a stray dog:
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Your Dog Becomes Fearful: If your dog is sensitive to the sound, even if the spray isn’t directed at them, it can create a negative association with approaching dogs. This can lead to fear-based reactivity towards other dogs, even if they were previously friendly.
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The Stray Dog Becomes Playful or Inquisitive: As seen with some of my dogs, not all dogs are scared by the Pet Corrector. A stray dog might interpret the hissing sound or the canister itself as something interesting to investigate, potentially moving closer rather than away. This is especially problematic if your dog is already frightened by the spray.
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The Stray Dog Becomes Aggressive: This is the most dangerous outcome. As demonstrated by Shank’s reaction, some dogs may respond to the startling sound with aggression. Using a Pet Corrector could escalate a situation with a stray dog, making them more likely to attack, whether defensively or offensively. This risk is amplified in situations involving dog fights at dog parks.
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The “Best Case” (and Unlikely) Scenario: While theoretically, the ideal outcome is that your dog remains calm, and the stray dog is deterred, this is highly improbable and not a scenario to rely on for safety. The chances of a predictable and positive outcome are simply too low to justify the risk.
Effective dog training isn’t about quick fixes or scare tactics. Using a Pet Corrector as a primary solution is not a substitute for consistent training and addressing the root causes of unwanted behaviors. If your dog barks excessively, the solution isn’t to scare them quiet temporarily, but to train them a different behavior. Similarly, for jumping, chewing, or crate anxiety, positive training methods, enrichment, and exercise are far more effective and humane long-term solutions.
If you’re facing challenges with your dog’s behavior, remember that there are abundant resources available. Numerous online resources and qualified dog trainers are dedicated to helping owners succeed. Positive reinforcement training, patience, and understanding your dog’s needs are the keys to a well-behaved and happy companion.
Using a Pet Corrector, especially as a safety tool against stray dogs, presents unfavorable odds and potential dangers. Prioritize responsible training methods and seek professional guidance to address behavioral issues effectively and safely. Your dog’s well-being and your safety are worth more than a quick, potentially harmful fix.
