Denmark is set to prohibit the use of dog collars with inward-facing spikes, effective July 1st. This ban, announced by Dyrenes Beskyttelse (Animal Protection), expands upon existing regulations that previously only prohibited collars with spikes exceeding eight millimeters.

The organization emphasizes that these spiked collars, designed to inflict pain and discomfort when a dog pulls, are incompatible with modern, ethical dog training practices.

Jens Jokumsen, Head of Family Animals at Dyrenes Beskyttelse, hails the ban as an “important step for the welfare of dogs.” He asserts that such collars, intended to punish dogs through pain, have no place in contemporary training methods.

While the general ban is comprehensive, an exception is made for the Police Intelligence Service (PET), which will still be permitted to use collars with blunt spikes up to eight millimeters.

Dyrenes Beskyttelse clarifies that the ban on spiked collars is a component of the broader animal welfare agreement “Together for the Animals,” established by the government and a majority in the Danish Parliament in February 2024.

The organization reminds the public that shock collars, which deliver electric shocks to discourage unwanted behavior, have been illegal for years. Jokumsen notes that awareness of this prohibition remains limited among dog owners.

Dyrenes Beskyttelse advocates for positive reinforcement methods, where dogs are rewarded for desired behavior. This approach, they argue, strengthens the bond between dog and owner and fosters a sense of security for the animal. A happy and secure dog learns more effectively, promoting a healthy and trusting relationship between the animal and its human companion, according to Jokumsen.