Would I be a bad person for not confronting my aunt about her use of a pronged collar on her dog?

Are the prongs facing outward, or digging into the dog’s neck?

It sounds to me like you already know the answer but it’s not a question of being a bad person but of taking the right action in this case.

Do you think she will defend her decision to have the doggy wear the collar?
Or that she will tell you not to stick your nose into her business?

I think you can speak your mind, you have a right to do so.
If you are afraid for yourself (that she might get angry), just act like you are the advocate for the dog.

Yes. Animals can’t ask for help. You put on the collar and tell her how it feels.

Perhaps in her next life she will be compelled to wear one. Have you heard her explanation for something so horrendous?

No. Don’t be a busy body. You aren’t an authority on the matter, and you don’t sound very confident of the advice you plan on giving. Many people find pronged collars an invaluable tool in dog training. If anything, you could suggest that it might be time to transition, not that she’s a bad person for still using one, but that will be dependent on the dogs behavior. It may still need one.

I’ve never asked her about it, so I don’t know he explanation?

Ask her about it, in a non-confrontational way. A few pictures on Facebook mean nothing. Did you see wounds in the pictures? You said you saw a later picture and “it still had the collar on”. Maybe it didn’t have the collar on the whole time, maybe only for some very specific training circumstances. The prongs aren’t sharp, BTW, and depending on the type and temperament of the dog, are appropriate for occasional training scenarios.
Don’t accuse her of abuse, talk to her nicely about your concerns. She may appreciate that you care.

I don’t whant to ask her about it. That’s why I’m asking if I’d be a bad person for not confronting her.

If she can’t train her dog without a prong collar than maybe she should consider a stuff animal instead. I hate those things. Babies and teens suck at obeying and yet I don’t see such things being developed for humans.

Without context, your position is neutral. You are not a bad person for not confronting someone about a circumstance about which you have virtually no information.

I think it makes you a person who sees something (potentially) wrong with an animal in the care of someone you know but then does absolutely nothing about it. Does that make you a bad person? Maybe not, but it’s certainly nothing to proud of. How are you going to feel if something happens to that dog when you could have potentially stopped from it happening?

So I’m a bad person. Got it.

@Cindy1302, I think that’s ^^^ the answer you’ve wanted from us all along.

Knowing only what yoou have told us in your replies, I would tell you to butt out.

If I were the aunt, I’d tell you grow up and mind your own business. The aunt may have her reasons, but didn’t share them with you.

What did they say on Reddit /r/pets?

@Cindy1302 A question like, “I thought those hurt dogs, why are you using it?” Isnt out of line or disrespectful. If she has a good explanation and the dog doesnt have divots in his neck, then you will feel better. Or just tell your parents your concerns and let them handle it.

I had two dog friends who had spiked training collars, and I walked one on a regular basis. People would tell me how bad it was. Nobody was rude and of course their intentions were noble. I would have to say, “not my dog, not my choice”.

I didn’t like it, but thinking back the dogs never yelped in pain. They didn’t seem to notice much. Walking them was not as bad as walking a dog with a choke chain who would pull forward hard, straining and coughing.

Now my closest dog friends have harnesses instead of collars. They pull on the leash with their chests. Two thumbs and four paws up!!!

Is such a thing in your budget as a gift for your aunt? You could tell her about your fabulous discovery.

Don’t think in terms of who is “bad”, try to help instead. The dog should not have to be in pain, so if I were you, I would say something. Especially because there are now very simple and effective ways to replace those awful collars – which your aunt might not know about. However, be respectful and message her privately. I’d suggest starting a conversation about the dog first. “So cute! Bet he keeps you busy. Does he still have all that puppy energy?” Eventually, you can transition to “Hey, I know you love that pup so much. I saw a concerning article about collars – can I share it with you?”

If she says no, she isn’t willing to learn about new research that could improve her pet’s life. Unfortunately, it is not illegal to hurt animals in the name of “training” :/

You should confront your aunt.

Pronged collars are inhumane and totally unnecessary.

Most vets agree that these horrible devices should never be used.

I would ask your aunt why she insists on putting this collar on a pet she is suppose to love and care for.

Also ask her how she would feel if she was forced to wear a pronged collar.

@longgone Eventually, you can transition to “Hey, I know you love that pup so much. I saw a concerning article about collars – can I share it with you?”

Better yet, don’t give her the chance to say ‘no’. Say, “I have a great article about collars I’ll share with/send to you!” Her curiosity will probably get the better of her, she’ll read it, and hopefully, take it to heart. She might be one of those who’s set in her ways or won’t let anyone tell her anything, but if she reads it in an article she may ‘listen’.

Yes