Controlling bad behaviour through the dog-collar

When I told my family that a range of recently-introduced dog-collars was about to be banned, they got the wrong end of the stick altogether.

I explained that the collars contain a radio receiver that, when activated by remote control, cause the wearer to receive a mild, but painful, electric shock. The manufacturers promote the device as a training aid, allowing indiscipline to be instantly corrected.

Perhaps because I was wearing a dog-collar of my own at the meal table, my family jumped to the conclusion that these were clerical collars, not for pets. I think they're still just about legal if the churchwardens want to follow this up.