A working group has been formed to develop more humane dog training methods.

SINGAPORE – There is no need for physical punishment, intimidation or fear when learning to heel.

There are more humane methods, such as rewarding dogs with food and play, that help them learn.

This and other aspects of animal training are part of a review aimed at raising the standards of the dog training industry by adopting a least invasive, minimally aversive (Lima) approach to achieve the same results.

The review will be carried out by a new working group on dog training standards, which will include dog trainers, vets, animal welfare organisations and representatives from working dog organisations.

The working group will be co-chaired by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a group formed by the National Parks Authority and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Among other things, the working group will review the use of various training devices, including electric collars and spiked collars, with a view to developing a regulatory framework for their use.

Speaking at the launch at the Botanical Centre in the Singapore Botanic Gardens on August 22, which was attended by 200 people including animal welfare groups, veterinarians and dog trainers, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said the AVS had identified areas where there were “no regrets” and work had begun.

“For example, we are concerned that aversion training devices, such as shock and electric collars, can be easily purchased online. More worryingly, these devices may not meet recognised international technical standards,” he said.

In January 2023, an animal trainer was accused of mishandling a 1-year-old golden retriever by using shock collars on him.

This comes after photos of a dog with skin problems appeared on the web and social media. AVS was notified of the alleged abuse and investigated.

“AVS has partnered with pet stores and e-commerce platforms to sell such devices, and we are pleased that some of them are open to working with us,” said Mr Tan.

AVS is also analyzing existing scientific research to better understand the technical aspects of using such training devices, he added.

The new working group will continue to educate dog trainers, dog owners and the general public about the risks associated with using aversive training devices so that people can make more informed decisions about training methods.