A few months ago, we hired OffLeash K9 through their "Board and Train" program, for our Cane Corso…read morepuppy. At that time, he was around 7 months old. At the time I signed the training services agreement, there was zero mention of the use of an electronic training collar as part of the program. Additionally, it is not clearly described or disclosed on the OffLeash K9 website that they utilize these collars as a part of the training-- they use vague language to refer to their practices, including the use of "safe and effective methods", but no concrete examples or definitions. I did not discover that they were planning to use an electronic (shock) collar until well after I paid the $2790 for the training program, I should add. Learning this information gave me pause, and I considered cancelling the training, as I had learned through my own professional experience that positive reinforcement training is more effective to achieve results for dogs than punishment-based training. Nonetheless, I was told and encouraged by the trainer (Izzy) that this method was safe, and would not cause injury. Upon return to me after the 2 weeks, my puppy had injuries around his neck which the trainer referred to as "hot spots". The trainer informed me that it was simply due to "irritation" from the collar. The trainer stated at the time of return that our dog was "stubborn", and "slow to learn". Being a Registered Veterinary Technician, I took him home, and I shaved and cleaned the wounds around his neck, in order to better visualize the area. It was immediately clear that he had painful, necrotic pressure wounds around his neck (see photos). I administered first aid, and consulted a veterinarian colleague for further instruction. I am relieved to report that his injuries healed without the need for more invasive treatment--however, those pressure wounds are not a "normal" result of the use of electronic collars. That occurs when the collar is left in place for too long, and is fitted too tightly. This was a direct result of the misuse of the training collar by the trainer. Subsequently, our dog was fearful of the collar, and,
understandably, would refuse to allow us to place it on him. He demonstrated very little obedience as a result of his training, despite our attempts to follow up with his training as directed, and he appeared more anxious than he was prior to the program. Both personally and professionally, I was left disappointed and concerned by this program, and certainly would not recommend it to any of my friends or associates. I question its validity, if management is using and supporting dubious communications, and condoning harmful practices. I have extensive connections in the veterinary medical community of the Central Coast and Bay Area, after an almost 20-year career as a senior veterinary nurse, and I have been vehemently opposing and advocating against this he use of OffLeash K9. I have dissuaded clients from acquiring their services. Furthermore, I strongly suggest that trainer Izzy of Salinas be investigated for misconduct, and potentially animal
neglect. My intention in sharing this feedback is to make the community of pet owners, whom I love and humbly serve, aware of the adverse effects of this training program.
