It wasn't luck. It was hard work, training, and making correct decisions about training aides. Obviously, shock collars aren't the only options. As stated, I had tried MANY things. Doggy daycare, crate training, ultrasonic collars, obnoxious amounts of exercise, independence training, behavioral work, discussions with various individuals who train dogs (across all strata, both professional and not)...it didn't matter. It. didn't. matter. at. all. He couldn't keep quiet to train no matter how tired he was or really anything. Fitting him to a schedule didn't change things. Excessive exercise didn't change things. He just completely and totally went to pieces. He got destructive and became a danger to himself. If used correctly, shock collars are a valuable training tool. The problem, like with so many things, comes in the improper use and execution of the aide.

You have no idea what we went through and you have no right to judge. You have absolutely no right to be the moral authority on the matter. You honed in one one thing that I did and made a huge deal of it and ignored the rest of the advice (training). So, forgive me for not allowing you self-righeousness to stand. You have on many posts talked about drugs for dogs. Drugs. Really? That is an alternative? That helps train a dog? Drugs? Yeah, so much better. That was my absolute last resort as while it works, it isn't the best idea for behavioral modification and training. Heck even the vet suggested everything but drugs. It is a short term solution, not a long term training plan and it isn't economically feasible for everyone. So, I mean, judge and be judged on this one. The key is finding something that works, trying simple things first, and building on what the dog can offer you.

And you are right, he could have improved without the collar....he could have also hurt himself in the meantime by trying to come through plate glass windows. He could have broken his jaw by biting and ripping door handles. He could have escaped my apartment and gotten hit by a car. All of these things would have stopped his separation anxiety. Given you weren't there and you don't know the situation and work that lead up to the collar (just your own paradigm and judgmental attitude) maybe you should reconsider your attitude towards people whose methods differ from your own especially since you advocate drugs.

I am sorry, I can't just let you advise people either if you cannot recognize that you don't have all the solutions, don't know the entire story, and insist on being judgmental.