Yes! Dogs suffer from depression! The causes can be from a recent loss, a medical issue, changes within the home, a reduced enjoyment for life due to aging. There are many possible reasons. There is one though that isn't so often spoken about and that is depression from the use of training tools!
Learned helplessness can occur from the use of harsh training tools, a dog that is given no choices in their little world is a dog that is miserable! To be punished for making choices, they stop trying to make choices. We call this 'emotional shut down.' Dogs become unmotivated, they eventually loose their spirit, no longer happy to see you when you walk through the door because you used an e-collar to stop them jumping up at you, they lie, knowing you're there, perhaps wanting to greet you with a happy bouncy self, but instead, just looks up, whining, half wagging their tail. How miserable!
This would be considered depression.
A dog who is no longer enjoying life because they have been exposed to aversive punishments is not a dog that is likely to trust you again easily. Yes they are calmer, they are more acceptable to greet, they are a fine product of your making and you are proud to say that shock collar worked wonders. Let me ask you.... does your dogs mental health not matter?
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