When trainers say “electronic collar” instead of “shock collar,” they’re not just choosing words—they’re choosing narratives. New research explores how trainer language, gender, and certification intertwine with methodology.
Language reveals method: Johnson and Wynne examined 100 U.S. dog training websites and found systematic differences in word usage between aversive and non-aversive trainers. Terms like “electronic collar” versus “shock collar” reflect attempts to sanitise or clarify methods—depending on the trainer’s approach.
Gender and certification trends: Female trainers were significantly more likely to use positive reinforcement and obtain professional certification. This suggests a structural divergence in how men and women approach both dogs and industry standards.
Why it matters: This linguistic divide has real-world consequences. Ambiguous language masks aversive practices and misleads the public. At Zoeta Dogsoul, our philosophy is transparent: trust, not tools. That’s why we train through Soul Recall—not shock collars.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2022.2036346
