Boarded Behaviorists Regarding Concerns About Using Shock Collars

Unintentionally, I’ve been a kind of center of a controversy involving shock collars.

As I often have done for nearly thirty years, I invited the President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) on, Steve Dale’s Pet World, WGN Radio show. I hurled some tough and timely questions at the current President Dr. Michael Bailey on this show, which aired October 19, 2025 (shock collars are brought up at about 36:30 into the conversation).

I did tell Dr. Bailey in advance that I would be asking some newsworthy questions, but he didn’t know what was coming at him. And with maybe around two minutes remaining in the program, I asked him about using shock collars, certainly a topic that’s been increasingly in the news.

My intent wasn’t to catch Dr. Bailey off guard. He answered that he’s not a fan of going to shock collars, or any adverse training equipment. However, he added for extreme instances, such as if that is a choice between using a shock collar and euthanasia, “I would say, ‘let’s do it.” And they (the shock collars) need to be used in a humane fashion to make sure the pet understands why it’s being used.” Dr. Bailey did say this is his personal view (therefore not necessarily representing the AVMA).

I mentioned on air that I disagree with Dr. Bailey – and I do. However, far more importantly, science disagrees and so do animal behavior organizations around the globe.

I know Dr. Bailey a bit, and he is in many ways a leader in veterinary medicine who I personally admire for standing up for what’s right. I was surprised to hear this answer.

I won’t address the enormity of emails attacking me for not arguing the point in detail with Dr. Bailey (truly, I was out of time) and for still signing off in a respectful manor instead of “calling him out” as one emailer put it. (I am always respectful to my guests, and as I noted I happen to have enormous admiration for Dr. Bailey). I also have respect for the AVMA. I was also criticized by proponents of using shock in dog training for not allowing Dr. Bailey more time to support their use  (as I said when the show is over, it’s over) and also criticized for my longtime stance against shock collars as I have been for many years.

For those who don’t know me, for decades now, I have argued against the use of shock collars, and even supported laws to ban them all together. I’ve written about this issue both on the veterinary professional side and for the general public. I’ve talked about the dangers of their use on TV and on radio I’ve interviewed a wide variety of esteemed trainers, dog behavior consultants and veterinary behaviorists on this topic. One of those behaviorists is Dr. Lisa Rodasta, president of the Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, who after Dr. Bailey’s appearance – which others – including dog trainer Zak George elevated in social media. Representing the college of veterinary medicine of boarded specialists, she chimes in:

Dr. Radosta isn’t about attacking anyone here, not Dr. Bailey or the AVMA  – though she does kind of attack the use of electronic devices. Here is a PDF copy of the letter which Dr. Rodasta refers. 

I am not surprised by the AVMA response, which is consistent with their previous comments regarding positive reinforcement training and what is best for dog welfare and the human animal bond. And I’m glad if good is going to come from all this, as I believe it will.

As a side note – it’s a total myth to think shock collars should be used a last resort to save lives. I’ve written about this issue before and I soon will again.