If your dog could talk: forbidden accessories.

The best collar is the one I forget I'm wearing.

For many years, if a dog pulled on the lead, barked excessively, or was difficult to control, someone would often recommend a choke chain, a prong collar, or even an electronic collar. The reasoning seemed straightforward: if a behaviour has an unpleasant consequence, the dog will stop doing it.

A Dobermann wearing a black electric shock collar and a metal chain choke collar with prongs, two aversive devices whose use is prohibited under Spanish animal welfare legislation.

For many years, if a dog pulled on the lead, barked excessively, or was difficult to control, someone would often recommend a choke chain, a prong collar, or even an electronic collar. The reasoning seemed straightforward: if a behaviour has an unpleasant consequence, the dog will stop doing it.

Today, however, we know that learning is far more complex.

Behavioural science has shown that pain, fear, and stress may suppress a behaviour, but they do not necessarily teach the dog what to do instead. A dog may stop pulling to avoid discomfort, but that doesn't mean they've learned to walk calmly on a loose lead. Likewise, a dog that stops barking after receiving an electric shock may still feel exactly the same fear or anxiety.

The behaviour may change. The underlying emotion often does not.

For this reason, an increasing number of veterinary behaviourists, ethologists, and canine professionals advocate methods based on learning, motivation, and positive reinforcement. The goal isn't simply to stop a behaviour, but to teach the dog an appropriate alternative while understanding why that behaviour occurs in the first place.

This doesn't mean that a harness or collar, by itself, trains a dog. Equipment is simply a tool. What truly makes the difference is how well we understand the dog wearing it.

A Y-shaped harness that allows natural shoulder movement.

AIn recent years, this shift in perspective has also been reflected in legislation. Spain's Animal Welfare Act (Law 7/2023) prohibits the use of handling devices designed to cause injury or unnecessary suffering, including electronic collars, shock collars, punishment collars, and choke collars. The law reflects a principle increasingly supported by scientific evidence: animal welfare should be at the heart of every training and handling method.

The good news is that we now have far more humane and effective alternatives. A well-fitted Y-shaped harness that allows natural shoulder movement, a lead long enough for comfortable exploration, training tailored to the individual dog, and a good understanding of their emotional needs will achieve far more than any tool based on discomfort or pain.

If you live in Calvià, you probably share your daily walks with dozens of other dogs. Choosing comfortable, welfare-friendly equipment not only improves your dog's well-being but also makes every walk more enjoyable and strengthens the relationship you build together.

In the end, the best piece of equipment isn't the one that gives you the most control. It's the one your dog hardly notices they're wearing.

Did you know...? Spain's Animal Welfare Act (Law 7/2023) establishes administrative penalties for the use of equipment that may cause injury or unnecessary suffering, including electronic, shock, punishment, and choke collars. Depending on the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the case, fines can range from €500 to €200,000, with serious offences carrying penalties of €10,001 to €50,000.

Training a dog isn't about finding a stronger tool. It's about building better communication.