In the 30 years since the first “shock collars” became widely available in the United States, these increasingly popular electronic containment and training collars have been refined by PetSafe®️ to produce more effective results in ways that have proven not only to be humane, but also gentle. PetSafe’s LiteTouch training method for electric dog fences is a great case in point. While the technology behind modern electronic training collars has come a long way, some veterinarians and consumers harbor misconceptions about these products and their effect on dogs based upon their impressions of older, crudely designed systems of the 1970’s. To the contrary, studies in recent years offer conclusive evidence that the proper use of modern electronic dog fences and training collars does not lead to adverse effects on dogs. In fact, it offers dogs a new found freedom they never had before while remaining safe and secure in their yard. A wide range of credible experts believe that the average dog owner with basic training knowledge can effectively and humanely use electric dog fencing and electronic training collars for behavioral modification, obedience training, and containment needs. The safety and effectiveness of modern electric dog fences and electronic training collars are supported by The Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the International Association of Canine Professionals, International Association of Canine Professionals, among others. Responsible dog owners want to make sure their dogs are safe, that they do not create nuisances, and more importantly do not cause accidents. Each year thousands of electric dog fences are installed by caring dog owners. These fences work by providing a static electrical stimulation to the collar of a dog to deter him from crossing established boundaries. Martin Deeley, President of IACP, endorses Gentle ‘LiteTouch™’ Training, “So many presume that the use of electronic collars involve harsh corrections. This does not have to be the case as is proven in the ‘LiteTouch™’ approach. Many containment systems have been taught to the dog using a much stronger jolt early in the training program. The dog will sometimes relate this strong stimulation to many things and what he learns we can never be certain, plus it generates a high stress level not conducive to his education. With ‘LiteTouch™’ the trainer guides, shows, gains understanding, and develops an appreciation from the dog of boundaries and where he is safe to play and have fun. We applaud this move by PetSafe®️. It is responsible, far sighted and shows compassion to the dog. More than that, it alleviates the concerns many dog owners have that the experience of learning the containment fence will ‘hurt their dog’. I highly recommend PetSafe®️ electric dog fences and electronic training collars; both for their technology and their revolutionary Gentle LiteTouch™ training program. For those who want to keep their dogs safe and happy in their own yards, a electric dog fence is an excellent investment. We recognize that older products were often unreliable and difficult to use humanely. But we feel that new technology employed by responsible manufacturers has led to products that can be and are being used safely and effectively to preserve the safety and well-being of many dogs and strengthen the bond with their human companions.”

Randall Lockwood

PhD Vice President for Research and Educational Outreach

The Humane Society of the United States