Angelique de Kock and Chantal Karyta dive into the heated ethics of using e-collars to stop dogs from chasing. This episode unpacks a controversial 2024 study that claimed shock collars were more effective than treat-based methods and the fierce critique it triggered.You’ll Learn:
Why critics say the study wasn’t a fair comparison
What actually counts as “positive reinforcement”
How welfare needs to be meaningfully measured and not assumed
What better recall training looks like in real life
Why your values and long-term goals matter more than speed
Topics:00:00 – Introduction to the E-Collar Debate
02:36 – Understanding the Study's Findings
05:32 – Critiques of the Study's Methodology
08:29 – Welfare Considerations in Dog Training
11:00 – How the Training Could’ve Been Done Better
14:03 – Long-Term Goals and Ethical ReflectionsResources & Mentions:
Don't forget to rate and review if you learned something new or felt inspired by this episode. We really appreciate your support!
Can you stop a dog from chasing—cars, wildlife, livestock—without using a shock collar?
In 2024, an infamous study by Johnson & Wynne claimed e-collars were more effective than food-based methods for stopping chase behaviour in dogs. And it’s been making waves across the dog training world.
In this episode of Barkology, co-hosts Chantal Karyta and Angelique De Kock dive into the details. As trainers who don’t use shock collars, we believe it’s essential to examine the science so we can advocate for dogs with clarity and compassion.
We explore:
How the study was designed and what they wanted to test
The three training groups (shock collar, food + fast lure, food + gradual lure)
What the results showed and what they didn’t
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, we’ll look at the published critique of this study, the authors’ rebuttal, what we think and what it all means for ethical, real-world dog training.
Please subscribe and leave a review! We love unpacking the science, challenge assumptions, and helping you stay grounded.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about dog bites, including injury, behaviour assessments, and legal outcomes. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to behaviourist and expert witness Daniel Shaw about one of the most complex and sensitive topics in the dog training world — dog bites.
We explore the contexts in which bites most commonly occur, the early behavioural signs that are often missed, and how fear, pain, or predatory instincts might all influence a dog’s response. Daniel also shares his experiences working on legal cases involving bite incidents and reflects on the challenges of the Dangerous Dogs Act, as well as what needs to change to ensure fairness and welfare for dogs.
Together, we ask:
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique sit down with Dr. Amy Cook, creator of The Play Way—a therapeutic approach that utilizes social, toy-free play to help shy and fearful dogs build confidence, reduce reactivity, and foster trust.
We explore:
The Science Behind Social Play: How interactive play can serve as a powerful tool in behavior modification, especially for dogs experiencing fear and anxiety.
Applicability to Behavior Issues: Identifying which behavioral challenges benefit most from The Play Way and understanding its limitations.
Initiating Play: Techniques to respectfully invite play, ensuring the dog feels safe and in control.
Elements of Therapeutic Play: Breaking down the components that make play a successful intervention.
Tailoring Play to Individual Dogs: Adjusting play styles to suit high-energy breeds versus more reserved dogs, and strategies for engaging dogs unfamiliar with play, such as rescues.
Common Mistakes and Assessing Readiness: Recognizing pitfalls in implementing The Play Way and determining when a dog is prepared to engage, particularly if they're fearful or shut down.
Dr. Cook also shares her perspective on misconceptions in dog behavior and provides information on accessing her Play Way course or other online Fenzi courses for those interested in learning more.
Does your dog explode off the start line in agility? Bark non-stop when waiting for their turn? Struggle to stay focused in high-energy environments? In this episode, Angelique from Treat to Train and Chantal from CK9 Training, break down the power of pattern games—a simple yet effective way to help your dog stay engaged, regulated, and ready to perform.
We’ll explore how these structured games can improve impulse control, reduce frustration, and build confidence, whether you're training for agility, working on reactivity, or just aiming for calmer walks.
Your mindset plays a huge role in your dog’s agility performance!
In this episode, Angelique from Treat to Train and Chantal from CK9 Training break down how your energy, confidence, and mental game impact your dog in the ring. Learn how to handle ring nerves, use visualization techniques, and develop resilience to perform at your best.
Tune in for practical tips to strengthen your mental game and help your dog thrive on the course!
This week, Chantal and Angelique are joined by the amazing Gemma—owner of All About the Dog Academy Ltd and the founder of the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Program.
Gemma is an ISCP Canine Behaviour Practitioner (ISCP Dip.Canine.Prac), a Canine Myofunction & Rehabilitation Therapist (OCN London Dip.CMRT), and has certifications in a range of holistic techniques.
In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating connection between pain and behaviour in dogs. Gemma shares her insights on how physical discomfort can manifest as behavioural changes, the importance of holistic care, and her mission to promote kinder, more effective training methods.
In this episode of the Barkology Podcast, Chantal and Angelique dive into the fascinating world of contrafreeloading—a behavioral phenomenon where animals choose to work for food even when identical, freely available food is present.
Drawing insights from the research, we explore:
- The surprising findings from research on contrafreeloading in dogs.
- How factors like stimulus changes and environment influence dogs’ preferences.
- Why some dogs engage with puzzle feeders while others go straight for the free meal.
- Practical ways to use this knowledge to improve your dog’s mental stimulation and well-being.
References:
Rothkoff, L., Feng, L., & Byosiere, S. E. (2024). Domestic pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) do not show a preference to contrafreeload, but are willing. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1314.
Osborne, S. R. (1977). The free food (contrafreeloading) phenomenon: A review and analysis. Animal Learning & Behavior, 5(3), 221-235.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique chat to the amazing Chirag Patel.
Chirag Patel runs Domesticated Manners and first started by helping dogs and their people in 2004 but has since evolved to now offering assistance to both domestic and wild animals in a wide range of setting internationally. This includes a range of pets in the home, laboratories, zoos, organisations such as The Police, Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, British Columbia SPCA and Kong amongst others. Domesticated Manners has its home base in the London / Essex border although he has consulted with clients and taught workshop/ seminars all over UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Chirag has also started DogStoryTV where he shares free tips, tricks and stories to better your bond with your dog.
In this episode of the Barkology podcast, Chantal and Angelique, dive into the P.A.W.S. framework for dog behavior modification! P.A.W.S focuses on resolving problem behaviours by addressing everything from a dogs physical health to essential training skills for both humans and dogs.
Join us as we explore how P.A.W.S. empowers you to tackle behavioral challenges holistically, enhancing your bond with your dog and fostering lasting positive change.
If you love nosework and getting your dog sniffing, this episode is for you. In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Dr Rob Hewings from The College of Scent Dogs.
Dr. Robert Hewings, a retired dog handler and instructor who served for 30 years at the London Metropolitan Police. He has an impressive background in dog handling and training, backed up by excellent academic qualifications. He holds a BSc in Canine Training and Behaviour, a Masters's Degree in Professional Practice Police Dog Training, and a Doctorate of Professional Practice in Canine Scent Detection Training. He has lectured at universities both locally and internationally. Dr. Hewings is an expert in scent work and has unmatched skills in this area, as evidenced by his best selling books "Scent Training for Every Dog" and "Tracking for Every Dog”
Rob's passion for scent detection training is truly contagious! He has a unique talent for inspiring canines and their human companions to learn more. He is dedicated and enthusiastic about his craft, and he genuinely enjoys teaching and improving the skills of these remarkable animals.
Part 2 of last weeks episode with Dr Tim Lewis.
Tim Lewis Ph.D. approaches canine research through the lens of an evolutionary ecologist. His formal, non-canine education began in Augustana College in Illinois, where he received his bachelor's degree in biology, followed by masters and doctorate in wildlife ecology from Wisconsin-Madison. Tim taught for two decades at Wittenberg University in Ohio where he was an award winning professor in biology before moving on to teach at the University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Dr Tim Lewis.
Tim Lewis, Ph.D., approaches canine research through the lens of an evolutionary ecologist.
Tim’s formal, non-canine education began at Augustana College in Illinois, where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology, followed by a master’s and doctorate in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tim taught for two decades at Wittenberg University in Ohio where he was an award-winning professor of biology; now he is a professor of biology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His classes include ecology, evolution, mammalian ecology, forest biology, tropical ecology, and general biology survey. He frequently uses dogs to illustrate biological ideas, and even taught a class built around dog biology for university students and friends of dogs.
His research ranges across many species, including wolves, deer, squirrels, turtles and, of course, dogs. He has presented findings of his research in journals, at conferences, and as an invited speaker for more than 30 years. He currently cohabitates with two Border Collies, prefers herding with his dogs to most other activities beside walks, and hovers on the edges of the dog agility and canine freestyle worlds with his wife, who competes in those sports and teaches others to do so.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Dr Kristina Spaulding about stress and how it relates to and affects dogs.
Dr. Kristina Spaulding owns Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior LLC. She has a PhD in biopsychology—the study of the biological basis of behavior—and is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. Dr. Spaulding teaches a variety of online courses and webinars on the science of behavior through her website, www.sciencemattersllc.com. She is also the author of The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being.
In this episode, Angelique and Chantal talk to Lisa Dickel from Sweden. She is a postdoctoral researcher in animal welfare (currently studying the welfare of honeybees) and did her PhD in ecology and evolution. She runs her company, Calm Minds and Canines (Instagram & Facebook), which offers both behavior consulting and science communication services. As a dog behavior consultant, she is also a member under the APBC, PDTE and Family dog mediation (LEGS) and teaches at the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical dog training (Ecology, evolution and ethics- Tiny Science Chats).
Three links mentioned in the podcast:
1. Choice paper
2. Positive animal welfare project
3. Comparison of welfare of captive and free ranging dogs (related so social isolation)
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Jennifer Shryock.
Jennifer Shryock is Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and the proud owner of Family Paws™ LLC in Cary, North Carolina. She has served as a board member of the International Childbirth Education Association and is also a mother and former special education teacher.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Ansi van der Walt (MSc Physiotherapy).
She graduated as physiotherapist from the University of Pretoria in 2001, and began working in animal practice immediately. In 2008 was awarded an MSc for her research into cruciate ligament injuries in dogs, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Pain Management through UCT. Ansi runs a busy Small Animal Physiotherapy practice in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has served on various animal physiotherapy committees since she was student rep for the APGSA (then SAAPAT) in 2000 and 2001, including APGSA, IAPTAP and SAVC, and was a founding member of SAAPRA. Ansi is also the founder of K9Yoga – an organisation committed to empowering dog owners to be active partners in their dogs’ wellness journey.
In this episode, Angelique and Chantal talk to Denise Fenzi about high drive dogs. Denise is a recognized expert in developing drive, motivation, and focus in competition dogs, and is known internationally as an engaging speaker and an expert in no-force training for sport dogs. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to train and compete with dogs using motivational methods in sports where compulsion is the norm.
To find more, follow Denis on socail media (instagram, facebook, tiktok) or sign up to a class at the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy or High Drive Dog.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Sarah Stremming, the Cog Dog Coach from Cog Dog Radio, a leading podcast on dog behaviour.
Sarah Stremming provides people with behavior solutions and comprehensive coaching. Focusing on bringing wellness to the forefront and apply sound solutions so that get dog and people back to playing/hiking/competing or just living life together.
She is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC), with nearly two decades in the field of dog training and behavior, and 25 years competing in dogs sports. She also has a bachelors of science degree in psychology from Colorado State University.
Find her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to Sarah Stremming, the Cog Dog Coach from Cog Dog Radio, a leading podcast on dog behaviour.
Sarah Stremming provides people with behavior solutions and comprehensive coaching. Focusing on bringing wellness to the forefront and apply sound solutions so that get dog and people back to playing/hiking/competing or just living life together.
She is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC), with nearly two decades in the field of dog training and behavior, and 25 years competing in dogs sports. She also has a bachelors of science degree in psychology from Colorado State University.
