CVMA Position on e collars

[krakadawn]

Currently the CVMA is updating it's 2009 statement on ecollar/electric fence use. Their original study is inaccurate and poorly worded and based on poor scientific basis.
There is a lot of concern coming from within their ranks that this is not what they should be involved in for numerous reasons not to mention they have no training in this position.. I've copied this information from another forum. There are numerous dog associations responding accordingly and individuals are invited to contact their own Vet regarding the parent organizations position.
The Canadian National Retriever Club is one such club responding to them.

CVMA Humane Training Position

The CVMA is the the process of updating its position statement on "Humane Training Methods for Dogs"
The current position statement (2009) can be found at http://www.canadianveterinarians.net...thods-for-dogs
You will note that the 2009 refers to "shock collars" and describes them as causing "short and long term negative consequences including fear and anxiety"
The 2009 position statement uses as references a number of "scientific" studies of questionable scientific merit, as they lack reference to the collar training technique used as well as the intensity and duration of stimulation used. (ie. do not reflect how collars are currently used.
https://positively.com/files/Applied...ock_collar.pdf
http://img2.timg.co.il/forums/1_149537364.pdf
http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospit...ingArticle.pdf
Their scientific validity (or lack of) notwithstanding, none of these papers deal with what is considered "Best Practice" in current collar training technique.

The CVMA is an influential body and will be used as a reference by those wishing to ban the use of electronic collars.
Apparently they are seeking feedback from CVMA members on a new position on Training Methods before mid February.
As a group we probably have more pull with our vets who actually see our dogs than we do with politicians or the general public.
I encourage you to contact or EMail your vet to discuss.
This should be an issue of concern to almost everyone on this site.
If we don't speak up, we will deserve what we get.

I have now received the link to the proposed wording of the new CVMA position statement.
http://members.cvma-acmv.org:8080/AM.../Details/26070
It is worthwhile reading the studies that they cite in the section concerning electronic collars.
Of particular interest and apparently having no effect whatsoever on the CVMA position statement is the conclusion of one of their citations: (SCHALKE):

"This led to the conclusion that animals, which were able to clearly associate the electric stimulus with their action, i.e. touching the prey, and consequently were able to predict and control the stressor, did not show considerable or persistent stress indicators."

http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.co...382-0/abstract

[terrym]

If my vet is going to try and ban e-collars then I will be looking for a new one.

[Wood Witch]

Anna & I were at the Vets today . He is against this CVMA position and said he would let us know of any news that is sent to him.

[Creek Haven]

Krakadawn do you know if any of the dog groups have drafted any sort of a letter to go out to veterinary clinics seeking their stance on this? If you know of anything like this if I could get a copy I'd like to get it to my local clinics. If not, maybe we can develop one? happy to start a rough draft for a letter to be used for this. Thanks for posting this info,

[krakadawn]

CreekHaven, the NRCC has sent a letter already to them. We did not canvas all Vet clinics. I would suggest you download the page that I originally posted and take to a clinic. Ask if they oppose this and if so what are they prepared to do....letter/email etc. Those who support this may be surprised about the potential loss of clients.

[spinster]

CKC position: http://www.ckc.ca/en/News/2015/Febru...tion-Statement

[bardern]

After reading the CVMA paper I find it very concerning that no trainers of the sporting breeds seems to have been consulted. The clicker method is fine providing your animal is within reach. Training a dog that is 300 yards in the field with a clicker becomes somewhat problematic.


Maybe I am pessimistic but I can a ban in the future given the current tone from the CVMA

[krakadawn]

Don't feel bad Barden, they haven't consulted their own members. We have at least one Vet leading the charge and who has written their main executive to change the position as posted.

They believe because they are a Vet, then they have knowledge that extends beyond their field. Another example is the mandatory rabies vaccination that is required by law yearly. They are aware of the new studies that clearly point to the concerns of over vaccinating. Several of the US studies clearly indicate this yet they led the charge for this vaccination.

My Vet uses a 3 yr vaccination and provides a certificate for that.

[spinster]

Retriever Club response: http://www.nrcc-canada.com/cvma-letter.pdf

[Sharon]

As usual the retriever folk lead the way. Good for them.