Owner of Canine Country, Shawn Riley
In 2005, I boarded my dog at Canine Country in Tualatin, Oregon. The owner, Shawn Riley, told me that, during her stay, my Pit Bull began to act agressively toward the other dogs (all the dogs are kept in one large enclosure at this place — bad idea). Instead of simply separating her from the others, he opted to use a shock collar on her. This was done without my permission. The shock collar caused a serious injury. When we retrieved our dog from Canine Country, she was bleeding profusely from the puncture wounds caused by the collar’s prongs and required immediate veterinary care.
The prongs on the inside of this barbaric training aid caused the punctures.
Our vet would later testify that the wounds had gone untreated for too long and had become infected. His assessment was that the collar had been left on for a prolonged period of time, contributing further to the extent of the injuries. Thanks to Shawn Riley, our dog endured unnecessary pain and suffering during her visit to Canine Country. To make matters worse, Riley refused to cover the cost of treating the injuries he inflicted. Fortunately, I prevailed against him in small claims court. And when he failed to pay the judgement, I successfully recovered the funds from his bank. More importantly, our beloved dog eventually healed.
At the vet after a stay at Canine Country with uncle Shawn
Puncture wound from shock collar prongs. Injury courtesy of Shawn Riley, Canine Country
After shaving the true extent of the injuries were revealed
Another satisfied customer of Canine Country -- Thanks Shawn!
Thats the most disturbing story I have read all year! I would like to use that collar on the store owner until he bleeds and then let it get infected. What an imbarrasement to the human race.
Although I don’t like Pitbulls, that it a horrifying cruel and sadistic story and I agree, he should be made to wear the same collar. But maybe he is already into that perverse behaviour. At the very least it should be closed down .
I understand that hearing a story like this can be disturbing
However, this story is almost completely incorrect.
It is s shame that just anybody can use media like this to lie to make their point. Its even more of a shame when anybody else just believes what they read without real research. Possibly eliminating the best source of help.
I was the only one there and I know what happened. What I can guarantee you is this: : There was NO negligence involved or proven in this case whatsoever, only the owners and others speculations. I have been caring for others animals for over 30 years. My success and safety records are unmatched by anybody anywhere. With thousands of dogs coming and going in multiple facilities over the years we have had only a few incidences ever. And so far, none involving any negligence. If one was prone to this kind of negligence it would certainly not be exclusive. I pride myself on, and work harder everyday in our efforts and philosophies regarding safety and health. My reputation stands for itself. If you are interested in the truth, please feel free to call me anytime. 503 692 5226
Thank you for your time & consideration
What’s not correct? The dog was boarded at your facility. You told us you used a shock collar on her and that she had a “reaction” to it. She was a bloody and infected mess when she was picked up. We took her straight to the vet. She required treatment. You didn’t even have the decency to pay for the vet bills. I sued you. The vet testified to the extent of the damage that occurred in your care. The judge found you at fault. You still refused to pay. I had the money withdrawn from your bank. We went to court over that. You lost again. These are all provable facts.
You’re right about one thing — only you know how the damage was actually done. So why don’t you enlighten us?
[...] Canine Country, Tualatin, Dog Boarding, Shawn Riley — Avoid this Holiday Season 30 12 2009 Canine Country, Tualatin, Oregon’s owner, Shawn Riley, injured my dog a few years back. Looking for a place to board your dog this holiday season? Keep looking. Read about it at Canine Country Injured My Dog! [...]
Did your dog fully recover? I hope so
Full recovery, though I suspect she might not like it if I slapped a shock collar on her. Fortunately, that isn’t necessary.
I just read your story and saw your pics. YIKES
I just answered a CL add and have an appointment to meet with Shawn re: learning to train from him. After reading your story and looking at his website I will not be meeting with him.
I am curious about his “advanced training methods”. He gives no details on his site. Can you or someone you know tell what he means?
Glad you found this before wasting your time and money. His techniques are basically what “The Dog Whisperer” advocates in his book (though a little bit less gentle).
Thank you so much for posting this information. I am heartbroken that this person still is allowed to make a living using dogs. If you can post this many other places that would be so helpful to other people and their dogs. This man should be restricted from working with animals. I am so sorry this happened to your dog.
I’m just glad people are finding this site.
Oregon Dog Trainers, Jennifer Nelson and Shawn Riley were supposed to talk to a group I belong to – they never showed. After reading this I’m glad!! They were promoted as having trained for 25 years. Their methods didn’t use or require clickers, treats or training collars. . . . YIKES!! Glad your dog’s injuries healed and that Riley had to pay.
Glad it worked out
thank you for making this website so others can find out about what happened before they take there own pets to shawn. i am grateful especially since i looked into shawn’s dog training. this is horrible what he did to your pup!
Glad you found it. Good luck with your pooch.
Glad you found it.
Why don’t you talk to any of the thousands of ecstaticclients, turned to friends, that end up willing their dogs to Shawn! I would suppose if you put the last 25yrs of your career under a microscope there would be unfortunate accidents, everyone is made aware of that risk! Bottom line, Shawn Riley is hands down one of the best trainers in the counrty! His innovative boarding and training philosophy is revered by countless trainers and vets. I suggest not excepting this SLANDER and experiencing Canine Country yourself!
Thanks for the perspective. Here’s a little perspective for you — you shouldn’t go using big words in blog posts when you clearly don’t understand what they mean. This goes double for legal terms. It makes you look like an idiot.
No matter how many people you believe are happy with this guy, he made an inexcusable error with this dog. I don’t know if you can even call it an error because strapping a remote collar on a dog is certainly an intentional choice and doing it without owner consent is beyond defensible. How did he screw up? Let us count the ways: 1 – bringing dogs into a large social environment without a solid plan for managing the ones that don’t feel comfortable. 2 – using a remote collar to try to resolve this problem (a decision that will most certain exacerbate the situation.) 3 – using a remote collar on a dog without owner knowledge or consent. 4 – not checking for skin sensitivity and/or removing the collar after a few hours (as per manufacturer recommendations.) 5 – not treating the dog’s injuries. 6 – not taking responsibility for the injuries created by the “trainer’s” actions. 7 – not paying for treatment even after a judgement. …have a missed any? Yeah, probably.
So why not view this as slander and experience Canine Country yourself? I can think of at least 7 good reasons right off the top of my head. Oh yeah, I love my dog. Make that 8 good reasons.
UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENTS? That was no accident! You can’t strap on a torture device and cause burns and bleeding by ACCIDENT! Get real!
Hmmmm–I wonder why none of the countless trainers and vets that supposedly rever his philosophy are not coming to his defense???
And it would be “accepting”, not “excepting”. And slander is spoken, not written, statements.
Correct. And it isn’t slander (or libel when written) if it is actually true.
Oh yes what a great trainer, leaving a bunch of dogs together, and thennleaving a shock collar on the dog so he isn’t aggressive. Which will just create bad associations with other dogs, making the dog likely to dislike dogs more in the future. And then letting the dog bleed, wooo!
Cannot believe this guy is still around doing business and stealing peoples money. Poor dogs.
The real issue is that no one should EVER use a shock collar on a client’s dog without getting permission. Come to think of it, no one should ever use a shock collar on a dog period.
This is crazy. Why didn’t he just take your dog out of the community area? “Aggression” in the yard is usually just a sign of an uncomfortable dog and is such an easily managed problem. Why would he even take it upon himself to “train” her instead of responsibly look out for her well being? I can’t imagine how he stays in business. I’m sorry this happened to you and your dog, but I’m glad your pup is on the mend.
Your poor furbaby! Hugs… thank you for sharing!
I saw your story on Facebook, and these barbarians have an FB page. I have already left comments for them.
Thanks. I’m sure your comment won’t be there for long. However, this site will and, for some reason, has suddenly been getting a ton of traffic.
I use shock collars and I have my dogs on an electric fence and nothing like this has ever happened. Shock collars are a great tool when used properly. I use them for excessive barking and if we are out on the trails walking so they can roam but I still have full control. 99% of the time I use the beep button instead of the shock one and they know what it means. I don’t think my dogs have been shocked in 3 years on either the shock collar or the electric fence. I swear by these collars and if used proper they are great. I don’t see how they can make a hole in the dogs neck though…. The prongs are not sharp at all.
All I can tell you is when my wife picked the dog up the dog was a bloody mess. As to exactly how it happened, Shawn is the only one who might know. I don’t expect him to provide much insight.
Perhaps he used the shock collar as a handle on the dog as well – a few really good jerks, like if you were “correcting” her for aggression, could probably punch those holes in her neck. It would probably explain all that bruising too.
I’m really glad you had your day in court and won – I’m not sure I would have managed to be so grown-up and and civil if someone did that to my dog.
How is your girl doing now? I hope she doesn’t end up with any lasting issues from this man’s abuse…she looks like a sweetheart.
That’s my theory on what happened, but, as he said, he’s the only one who really knows and I don’t think he’s going to fill the rest of us in. Happily, my dog is none the worse for wear.
I have an American Bulldog named Louie. Louie is a rescue and his behavior can be somewhat un-predictable at times. Last night I went to walk him and he charged after one of my neighbors for example. He has never actually attacked anyone but he can sure scare the crap out of you. I use a tritronic’s training (shock) collar with him. I purchased it shortly after he started displaying some very aggressive behaviors and have used it ever since. I find it an incredibly useful tool.
The problem that you ran into was the human and not the collar!!! Most, if not all of these collars come with some sort of warning button and then the actual shock button. We used it a lot when we first got it and we had to shock him quite a bit at first. I always used the warning button (makes a buzzing sound) before shocking him and today he is a totally different boy. For most situations I simply warn (buzz) him and he becomes very compliant. It is rare these days that I would have to actually shock him but rest assured that I do when I have to. In fact we would not be able to have kept him if it weren’t for this collar. He would have had to have been put down because of a previous owner that abused him. This collar saved his life and made it possible for us enjoy him and give him a great life. He is able to be a part of our family because of the collar.
When properly used, my understanding is that these collars can be a good thing. Of course, when properly used, they don’t leave bloody holes in the dog’s neck.
You’re absolutely correct. This isn’t a shock collar issue, it’s a dumb person issue. A leash can do horrible damage if used incorrectly.
Firstly just do your own homework and ask ANY electronic training collar manufacturer if it would even be possible for their or any other collar to cause this type of damage. It is impossible, they would be out of business. This review was obviously from person that has some major personal problems. My reputation is almost spotless after more than 30 years of working with people and their dogs & caring for them. If I was even capable of this sort of negligence I would have been out of business years ago If you need or would like any more detailed explanation. Please feel free to contact me personally at any time. I would also be happy to supply you with as many references as you would like. Thank you for your inquiry.
Hey Shawn,
Thanks for stopping by the blog and taking the time to weigh in.
I don’t consider sharing my experience with Portland area dog owners so their pets don’t have to suffer the same fate mine did indicative of a personal problem. However this blog isn’t about me and my mental well-being, it’s about you and Canine Country. As you know full well, it is a proven fact and a matter of public record that you absolutely are capable of this sort of negligence. So let’s dispense with the bullshit, shall we?
I’m sure most people can agree that — when PROPERLY USED — these collars don’t cause the type of injuries my dog sustained while under your care. However, as you aptly demonstrated, when IMPROPERLY used, they absolutely can. Because, as the photos CLEARLY show, those two bloody puncture wounds are the exact same size, shape and spacing of the metal prongs on the shock collar that you showed the judge when I took you to small claims court in Washington County, Oregon (and won).
It is unlikely that anyone other than you will ever know EXACTLY how these injuries were sustained. The rest of us can only speculate. Perhaps you tied her up by the collar and she did it to herself while terrified and struggling to get free. Perhaps you yanked her by the collar so hard it broke the skin. Or, since you admitted to me you left the dogs alone and unsupervised while you went off to have Easter dinner, perhaps it isn’t even clear to you.
We *know* it is possible for an electronic collar to do this type of damage, since we see it; ask some field people if they’ve ever left an e-collar on a dog too long…injuries not this severe, but similar. The contacts rub and cause weeping and eventually holes in the skin. This does not happen overnight!
I agree that someone here has some personal problems, but I kinda don’t think it’s this dog’s owner…Trainers like you that feel you can guarantee the future actions of an animal for life are shysters of the highest order and usually bully dogs. By the way, a behaviorist is someone who has earned credentials you do not possess – http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/page3.html
shawn
as a trainer you did not do your research if your stating a shock collar cannot do this damage. i have a dog who has a barking issue and after many other options failed to correct this, i bought a shock collar. the collar has sound, vibrate, and shock which was used only in rare instances when the other features did not correct the behavior. my dog suffered wounds (not to the extent of the above mentioned in your care) but enough that he had 2 punctures and some scabbing from the collar. so, it is very much possiible.
inflicting pain on an animal to obey you can never be right what ever the situation…disgusting and disgraceful
Shawn, – I was an employee of this site’s author when this happened, and I saw the damage you did with my own eyes. You’re right – you should have been put out of business a while ago. As for the author’s mental stability – I worked for him for 5 years – he’s just fine. You should, however, consider yourself lucky that he wasn’t the one to pick up the dog that day. The temptation to “settle out of court” might have been too much.
Everyone else – Pitbulls can be really nice dogs, as this one is. In fact, this dog was the office pet and was there every day. She’s a sweet little girl, not aggressive, so whatever measures Shawn used to “train” her were pretty much bullshit.
This makes me mad at you and canine country all over again!
That is so disturbing like are self we have to talk dogs have to bark so not rite was break in my heart ready this so cruel I have a dog that barks at paper goin up street I cud never use anything like this on my dog so so sad
Guys, please don’t believe everything you read….this is “almost” a complete lie by a person who I helped to save the life of his severely aggressive pitbull that had been ejected by more than one other location (for severe aggression) and he had been told to euthanize by other trainer/behaviorists. With his permission we used (which was only after many hours of working with the dog and used as a safety measure only to allow the dog to be out with the other dogs) a remote (not automatic) collar (which was never even used) the dog simply had an allergic reaction to the collar itself (easy to see this by the pics) demanded I pay him a ridiculous amount of money or he would lie and slander me which I refused and here we are. He BTW is gong to be sued for a lot of money for slander / defamation very soon.
Please call us anytime with any questions!
Hey Shawn,
I really appreciate your continued posts on here. It actually helps people understand more completely who’s telling the truth and who’s full of crap. As you point out, the photos do clearly give some clues as to what actually happened — because the puncture wounds are right there in living color for all to see (take a closer look at the second picture). I’m no vet, but I’m not aware of any sort of allergies that cause puncture wounds or extensive bleeding. While it is likely you’ve seen a lot more bloodied dogs than I have, I’m going to defer to my vet’s diagnosis of trauma/puncture wounds and infection over yours if that’s OK with you.
As for your lawsuit I’m assuming you haven’t gotten all that far since you obviously don’t even have a layman’s understanding of the word “slander” and seem blissfully unaware of the word “libel.” Let me give you some free legal advice. Slander is spoken defamation. Written defamation is called libel. And, in order for something to be either, it has to be false. There’s nothing in this post but documented and provable facts. My dog was injured in your care. My dog did require immediate medical attention for puncture wounds and infected sores after being in your care. I sued you to recover my expenses relating to the injuries. I won. You didn’t pay. I recovered the funds anyhow.
Let me give you an example of something that might be more likely to be considered libel — falsely asserting on here that I demanded money from you or I would make up a story about you being incompetent. You’ll have an extremely hard time proving that because it never happened. See the difference?
So have at it, Perry Mason (or should I say Raymond Burr?). While you’re at it, why don’t you sue everyone who is reviewing you on Yelp and elsewhere online? No shortage of people voicing opinions.
As I clearly state in this blog, the reason it’s here is to help inform other pet owners about my experiences in dealing with you in the hopes that they — and their pets — don’t have to go through a similar ordeal. The more bullshit you post on here, the more people get to see the real you. A more sensible person would understand why that’s doesn’t help your cause all that much.
Anyhow, have a great weekend and thanks again for taking the time to post.
I generally believe in tough love type training for dogs that does involve the very occasional use of shock collars. They should only be used as a last resort and only ever at the lowest setting that gives the desired behavior and even then maybe used once every six months. The commenter above hit the nail on the head:
“1 – bringing dogs into a large social environment without a solid plan for managing the ones that don’t feel comfortable. 2 – using a remote collar to try to resolve this problem (a decision that will most certain exacerbate the situation.) 3 – using a remote collar on a dog without owner knowledge or consent. 4 – not checking for skin sensitivity and/or removing the collar after a few hours (as per manufacturer recommendations.) 5 – not treating the dog’s injuries. 6 – not taking responsibility for the injuries created by the “trainer’s” actions. 7 – not paying for treatment even after a judgement. …have a missed any? Yeah, probably. “
I am a dog trainer as well, in Washington State, and I have to say, I ABHOR shock collars for this reason, and for the simple fact that a dog WANTS to make its owner happy. I have found that positive reinforcement techniques and consistency win hands down over strong arm tactics in most animals. Yes, I said most. I am also a well known and often used kenneling facility and I have had dogs come in many times who have aggression tendencies. I have learned over time, that most often this is because the dog is not properly socialized nor properly introduced to the pack who may already be at my facility. Again, just like with children, consistency is the key. If you consistently reinforce good behavior with whatever your dog responds the best to (toys, treats, attention, clickers, whatever) you will find the dog WANTING to behave well to gain that reward.
Bottom line for me is this. BEFORE you put a shock collar on your dog, put it on yourself, then test it out and feel what your dog feels. I am serious. Feel the vibration, hear the noise near your ear, and feel the shock at all of the settings. If you can still use a shock collar on your dog after that, then there is nothing I nor anyone else will ever be able to say to you to change your mind. Do your research on the best training techniques, choose the one that fits your lifestyle the best, then remain consistent.
Just my two cents.
I’m in a totally different state, Maine in fact, and was doing research for a school assignment on shock collars when I came across this website. I feel awful about what has happened here and felt compelled to respond after reading each and every post.
Shawn: First I would like to point out that your posts drive me into the “your definitely guilty” stance. Why would you not post your responses here? Why must people telephone you? I can only assume it is because of your abilities to manipulate others with a kind, soft spoken voice. Either way it does not matter to me because I wont ever be in Oregon or utilizing your services. With that said, if I was in Oregon, I wouldn’t bring a hamster to you because you obviously do not care enough about the animals. Human decency alone is enough of a reason to help with medical bills; nobody should have to take you to court for the funds, even if it wasn’t your fault. You yourself have posted enough information on here to ruin your own credibility. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope you eventually get mauled by a stray dog that wont put up with your crap, this way no person can be sued by you.
eljugadorxxx, why don’t you just punch this fool in the face and get it over with. He’s obviously deserves it and more. What would you get for a first offense? $100.00 fine? So be it. Heck, I think everyone that reads this would take up a collection and help you pay the fine.
I’m totally discussed after reading this — If anyone reads this and then brings their dog to this place, they too are irresponsible.
Bob Grant,
Maine.
Thanks for the post, Bob. I’ve been a little surprised that Shawn keeps posting replies that make it more and more obvious the type of guy he is. But since that’s the whole point of this blog, he’s actually the most important and effective contributor. I’m actually glad he’s encouraging people to call and discuss this incident for the same reason.
The face punching, while tempting, seems counterproductive in the long run and not worth doing at this point (He should consider himself very lucky I wasn’t the one who picked the dogs up when the incident happened).
I would walk right into his establishment and shock the shit out of him. When he least expected it, wham. Good night douche bag.
What I cant believe is peoples willingness to believe what you read without really doing any research. For over 30 years I have and continue to have a very successful business because my rep stands for itself. If I actually did what this person says that would be impossible. What this person says is a complete lie. Anybody can write anything they want but that doesnt make it true does it. Do you believe what you read in the enquirer….hello??? Again if you really ever wish to know the truth, contact me anytime.
Why don’t you ask John Edwards about the accuracy of what’s printed in the Enquirer? I’ve got photos, testimony from the vet and court records to back up my story and I stand by every word of it. You don’t have squat except for your bogus claim that an “allergic reaction” somehow is responsible for two puncture wounds and infection.
You’re right about one thing, though, your “rep” speaks for itself.
Shawn:
If eljugadorxx is in fact lying, why wouldn’t you be suing him? Lets be for real. If you weren’t guilty, why are you being so defensive? I would ignore this site if I wasn’t guilty and I would sue the crap out of the owner.
How come no court documents are posted on here as proof?
Bob Grant,
Maine.