Pet Corrector

[Positivity11]

Hi all,

Just wanting anyone's opinions/experience on the pet corrector spray?

I have had it recommended but wanted other people's insights first

Thanks x

Wouldn't use one. Never had the need to. My dogs are positive reinforcement trained and an "ah ah"/"no" stops them in their tracks if needed.

@PrayingandHoping thanks for your advice.
My DD is dog reactive and we are going through training at the moment, mostly based around positive reinforcement, however there are times when he becomes extremely worked up and completely forgets I am at the other end of the lead so this was recommended as a quick spray to draw his attention away from the reactivity and back to me, once his attention is returned, then reward.

I haven't bought any but just wanted feedback from other people as I have been fairly sceptical about it

He's reactive for a reason, and the reason is normally fear. Frightening him with a pet corrector is really counterproductive. Please don't.

Hmmm.... still not something I would use. They work on shocking the dog (mentally not physically). If your dog already is getting stressed by the situation then u want to redirect the situation not shock the dog

I'm sure you already have training advise but the positive training guidance on that situation would be to teach a v v v good "watch me" and keep the dog in his comfort zone away from triggers and then gradually introduce them

Anyone who's advise would be to use a pet corrector is someone's advise I personally would not listen to

Are u on the "dog training advise and support" group on Facebook? It is run but qualified and experienced dog trainers and behaviourists first free who only use positive techniques and reply to each post individually. Have a look. It's a great resource. They can also guide u towards a good trainer in your local area.

One of my dogs is reactive to bikes. Only barks at them, nothing more, but he's a large dog and it's not appreciated or tolerated by me or any cyclist (understandably!). His reaction is fear based. It is managed by focus on me and my awareness of bikes and where they are and getting in there first with focus before the bike is within range when he will react.

If you haven't, join the Reactive Dogs UK group on fb.
Loads of incredibly good advice (files and files of it) on there plus people who really know their stuff.. and can find you a trainer that does not reccommend stuff like that!
Reactivity is fear based and if your dog is reacting you are simply too close to the trigger (even if it's a field away, if your dog is not able to take treats or focus on you at all... you are too close)

A pet corrector spray is punishment no matter what you dress it up as, and will not help solve the problem, just repress it, at best.

Forget the spray and find a better trainer! (I have a reactive dog too so do understand how hard it is)

You will probably find that in the moments where he ‘forgets you are there’ and starts growling and lunging that your dog’s stress levels and adrenaline will have gone so high they won’t even register the pet corrector.

The key is to reduce his stress levels.
A pet corrector would only be effective when he is thinking about aggression imo, once he’s reacted he’s too far gone.

But I don’t like pet correctors anyway, a stern voice works fine for most dogs.

U need to reduce his stress levels. Don’t spray crap at him as that will not help. If it’s ur trainer telling u to use this u need another trainer.

Just think about it.....If pet corrector spray is the answer why are there so many reactive dogs still around. If quick squirt treat your dog was the cure.

Pet corrector is an adversive and will either not work or make your already fearful emotional dog more fearful and emotional.

Living with reactive dogs is hard, you will meet 1000's of experts who have just meet you dog and will know the "simple" way to cure them. They dont.

I would get in contact with a qualified behaviourist (not one who recommends pet corrector) and have a plan drawn up for your dog. It may initially seem expensive but it will give you confidence, save you hours of wasted time and help your dog quicker.

You will need support and the best person to give you this is the behaviourist in rl.

A lot of what you will discuss with be control and management, stress levels, trigger stacking and working under threshold.

A stern voice will not work well.

A reactive dog has literally changed my life too many years ago to remember. Changed career and open loads of doors for me.

Reactive dogs can be hard work BUT they can also be the best dogs in the world to have a relationship with. Please dont destroy the relationship by introducing aversive training.

Living with reactive dogs is hard, you will meet 1000's of experts who have just meet you dog and will know the "simple" way to cure them. They dont
This is so true.
Stay firm and never listen to them.

Mine isn’t so bad now but at her worst I stopped letting her off lead and I met a lady who insisted I let her off lead as she only wanted to play with hers

Because I’m not nearly as assertive as I should be and didn’t want any trouble I stupidly did.

This lady’s dog was exceptionally sweet and gentle granted but BIG and my dog frankly, was a real bully and bitch to it.

She stared it down, lip curled at it, walked into it forcing it to give her space.
All while this poor dog was giving off calming signals.
I was so very embarrassed.

After a few minutes the poor big dog went mooching off by itself while my dog, who had behaved like a right spoilt brat, was getting praised and petted by this bloody woman who was still insisting she just wants to play!

I felt so, so bad for the poor big dog and really cross that my dog had been rewarded and praised for being an absolute bully to a dog who was very clearly communicating it wanted no trouble.

To this day that poor dog refuses to come anywhere near us.

No, not a good idea. When you're frightened or stressed, would it help you if someone sprayed something nasty in your face?

I would not use one. I use rewards based training.