You may have considered a shock collar to teach your dog to stop barking or remain in the yard (electronic collar, e-collar, or remote training collar).
Every behavior modification strategy has benefits and downsides. We’ve set out the facts to assist you in picking the best way for you and your pooch.
DO NOT use these dog training collars unless your dog can sit and stay. You’ll know they understand and can link undesirable conduct to the “shock.”
Dogs are great. They’re love balls we can’t live without… Are they always angels?
Example: mine. I think she’s the prettiest cockapoo. However, she barks a lot (particularly when I’m writing and not playing with her). When she’s not barking, she’s digging in the garbage or shredding my shoe bottoms.
In your house, it’s annoying but not too severe. How about when your pets misbehave in public? Embarrassing at best. At worst, you seem reckless.
An additional dog training session is possible, but it’s not always the simplest or most successful approach. There are many handy tools. One is shock collars.
But aren’t shock collars or spray collars bad?
Call it a shock collar, electronic collar, prong collar, or remote training collar — it’s the same thing. Many have strong views on them.
It’s not what you think. A shock collar may be compassionate and effective if used properly. Learn how to train a new dog using a shock collar.
They’re divisive. Others think they’re safe and effective dog training techniques, while others say they’re cruel and injure large dogs physically and emotionally.
In the 1960s, when they were originally employed to teach hunting small dogs, they were powerful, and their shocks were dangerous. Modern shock collars are safer than they ever were.
Electronic collars are no substitute for fundamental training and must be treated kindly. If you’re reading this, you probably want the best for your dog, so carelessness shouldn’t be a problem.
How Does a Shock Collar Work?
Shock collars are thicker than conventional collars or pinch collars to accommodate a tiny box and radio-controlled gadget. When prompted, probes against the dog’s skin provide an electric current shock. Manually with a remote or automatically using a proximity sensor.
People dislike this jolt (or stimulation). Despite the word shock, these aversive stimuli are innocuous. Most amounts of shock are similar to a moderate tickling while still grabbing a dog’s attention.
Suppose you refuse to use a shock. It’s not necessary.
Most shock collars include sound, vibration, and smell punishment techniques. Because dogs’ sense of smell is more sensitive than ours, the fragrance choice may not be safe. All shocks, noises, vibrations, and odors may be modified.
Pros & Cons of Using a Dog Shock Collar
Pros of Using a Dog Shock Collar
There are a few reasons someone could decide to utilize an e-collar despite their unfavorable image. The first benefit is that you can remotely correct bad behavioral issues. Other training techniques only work while you’re near your dog, but there are other times when he could exhibit undesirable behavior.
With an electronic collar, you may call your dog’s attention even when he is far away. You’ve encountered the scenario when your dog spots something and starts racing erratically and barking uncontrollably after it. You may shout, but he won’t pay attention.
A shock collar might be useful in this situation. He will become aware of it and quit the inappropriate conduct. This is also beneficial for dogs that don’t react to spoken instructions.
You don’t have to be there, which is another advantage of how shock collars operate. While you use an electronic fence together with a dog training collar, you may stop your dog from acting aggressively, barking, and from often running around the neighborhood when you’re not home.
You don’t want other people to take care of that problem behavior; if you don’t, they will. Dogs who exhibit violent behavior regularly might endanger other wild animals or humans. That might imply that you could be required by law to put your cherished pet dogs to sleep.
However, shock collars have the added benefit of providing your dog with immediate feedback while effectively inhibiting undesired behaviors. Another benefit of shock collar training is that it may even be used without your physical presence. You may use a remote control to gently shock your dog, preventing him from associating you with unfavorable comments.
Lastly, e-collars are inexpensive training tools that are significantly less expensive than hiring a professional trainer. However, you should remember that you need to do more than stop the behavior. Thus dog training may still be required.
Try Positive Training First
You may need to employ something more extreme if mild training techniques and positive rewards aren’t working. Negative reinforcement training techniques are often not the best ways to teach stubborn dogs. However, when it comes to certain habits, you must utilize successful training methods, or you will be harming your pet.
But it’s crucial to understand that although a shock collar could stop the unpleasant behavior, it doesn’t deal with the root cause.
For instance, inappropriate or insufficient socializing is the cause of several aggressive behaviors in dogs. You would need to work with your dog to socialize with him to solve that issue effectively. Additionally, your dog can become more aggressive due to the shock, not less.
Cons of Using a Dog Shock Collar
Now that we’ve seen many benefits of employing shock collars as a training tool, what about the drawbacks?
First off, positive reinforcement training is the most efficient method for teaching dogs, according to scientific research.
According to an ancient proverb, honey attracts flies more effectively than vinegar. The same is true for human behavior as it is for dog good behavior. Therefore, you should first give a humane training program a try.
Most dog owners find it difficult to imagine hurting their closest pet in any way; thus, they often choose positive reinforcement techniques. E-collar training uses a negative reinforcement approach to training. As a result, it is less appealing, but what about its potential for effectiveness?
As already indicated, E-collars may help curb inappropriate behavior in dogs, but you need to focus on the root of the problem truly. E-collars also have the potential to be abused or even used improperly.
Although it may happen, it’s more likely that automated bark collars and electric fences might give too many shocks or even shock your dog accidentally since you cannot manage the electric shock frequency.
Reinforcing Unwanted Behavior
If that occurs, your dog won’t be able to help but get confused, and they could even start to feel worried. Other behavioral problems may arise if your dog begins to identify fear with certain people, things, or circumstances due to the e-collar.
For instance, if your dog doesn’t understand when he is shocked, he can start to avoid being outdoors. He connects it to being outside.
That completely contradicts the behavior adjustment you were aiming for. Additionally, if you have an electric fence, remember that it shocks your dog when it enters and exits your yard. Consequently, once your dog leaves the yard, he may not want to return. The expected behavior is not shown in this entire way.
Many animal lovers have condemned the usage of shock collars as cruel since they have so many negative effects. Since you’re not always in control of the unfavorable input your dog gets, there is a great likelihood that something may go wrong.
As a devoted dog owner, you wouldn’t want to consider your pet getting repeatedly shocked while you are away. You may be curious if there are fewer unpleasant options, and the answer is yes. Let’s examine some milder options.
How to Introduce a Shock Collar to Your Dog?
A shock collar may help teach your dog. They’re not magic and need work.
Shock Yourself First
Before giving your dog a new toy, test it on yourself if a shock is too powerful for you, picture how it would be for your dog.
Know the Fundamentals
The first thing to do is to make sure your dog is capable of following simple obedience instructions like “sit,” “lay down,” “stay,” and “come.” Try to familiarize them with clickers and vocal markers; for instance, they need to understand that saying “yes” or “good boy” indicates success and the possibility of receiving a reward.
These are essential actions you must do before employing a shock collar. They aren’t used for suppression since doing so might negatively impact your dog’s personality and mental health. They should be utilized to communicate successfully with people, not to prohibit inappropriate conduct, but to encourage greater compliance.
Take it Slow
The trick is to go slowly. A common question is when a dog is old enough for a shock collar. Although in principle, they may wear one as early as 10 weeks old, it is advised to wait until your dog is at least six months old.
Start the stimulation on a low level of stimulation level when they initially wear their new item to ensure it is not uncomfortable. If they don’t feel it, gradually increase the pressure until they do; if they do, they could abruptly alter their countenance or perform that cute head cock.
But keep two things in mind.
- Although larger dogs may need greater amounts, start modest.
- Please pay attention to how sensitive they are to emotions since anxious people may respond more strongly.
Keep in mind that it will take time, so have patience. Since your dog has a big, hefty shock collar around the dog’s neck with a few protruding contact points, it must become accustomed to it.
If they don’t comply, do not, under any circumstances, raise the intensity. Your dog will only experience pain and fear as a result. And they can even grow worse rather than better in terms of adherence. Additionally, it will destroy the crucial link between the two of you.
Make Them Like It
Shock collar use is comparable to fundamental positive reinforcement training and the understanding that they will be rewarded if they comply. They know they must act immediately to get a reward when they sense a stimulus, such as a shock, vibration, smell, or sound.
To get them started, you need to get them used to and like it. Try buzzing it once, saying something encouraging (like “Yes!”), and then rewarding it. The greatest method to persuade children to link the stimulus with a reward is doing this.
How to Properly Train a Dog with a Shock Collar?
Educating your dog to utilize a shock collar effectively once they have used their new training device might be difficult. Consider each step as you go, and watch your dog’s reactions.
Purchase Quality Product
A good shock collar makes life simpler for you and more comfortable for your dog. Poor-quality equipment may shock your dog inconsistently, or even worse, it may malfunction and shock him randomly.
So, get your dog the greatest collar you can. We know that even a cheap shock collar may be rather expensive, but high-quality items are still available for a variety of budgets. So, start by doing your research!
Begin with Basics
It takes some effort; a shock collar won’t suddenly change their behavior. Start slow and go through basic instructions like “come,” “lay down,” “sit,” and “stay” with them.
Recall the power of positive reinforcement; use the same vocal marker, such as “Yes” or “Good boy,” and reward them with the use of foods. This is the greatest approach to begin; if it results in goodies, your dog will be more receptive to utilizing the shock collar and will continue to trust you.
Show Your Dog a Behavior You Want
Don’t simply buzz your dog when they misbehave or disobey basic commands or verbal commands. They won’t learn anything from this; instead, it frustrates and confuses them. And that’s not what we want!
Instead, only mark when they behave well and get a reward using the shock collar.
Combine the Collar with Positive Reinforcement
Your dog has to become used to the shock collar before you can use it to persuade them to quit undesirable habits. To do this, they must link the shock collar to positive reinforcement, much as when using a clicker. Because they know a reward is coming, they quickly pay attention to you and comply when they sense that buzz.
Negative reinforcement would result if the shock collar were only used to halt undesirable behavior; it may even have the reverse effect.
Use Vibrate Mode on Shock Collar
On older shock collars, the shocks have changed (thank god). However, you may want to think about avoiding the shock or fragrance choices completely and simply utilizing the vibrate or sound mode. Your dog is safe and content, thanks to this. Therefore, choose the greatest vibrating best dog collar for your pet.
You may gradually turn down the shock setting to the lowest setting if you think you would first need it, so it’s just on vibrate.
Know When to Ask for Help
What if your dog isn’t understanding? Whatever you do, resist becoming impatient, irritated, or raising the higher levels. This won’t assist with dog training and will exacerbate your bond with your pet.
Finding a qualified remote trainer could be worthwhile if you’re having no luck. Professional dog trainers are experts at getting the most performance out of dogs and often know of these resources. If in doubt, a qualified trainer can instruct you on how to teach a dog shock collar.
You’re already complaining, “But hiring a dog trainer is pricey!” True, but it’s worth it if your dog’s safety is in jeopardy. Additionally, they’ll provide you with some advice on how to keep doing it yourself.
And let’s face it, if you have the cash for a good shock collar, you probably have enough left over for a remote dog training collar trainer.
Know When to Quit
Remember that a shock collar is not intended to be worn continuously. Imagine having those points of touch with your skin all day long. If you’re not cautious, your dog might end up with sores. When shock collar training, it’s recommended to use them briefly before removing them.
Another thing to remember is that every dog is different. Although a shock collar could be effective for some dogs, there is no guarantee that it will work for you. It can be worthwhile to discontinue if your dog is very sensitive and not loving the collar.
What Else Can Be Teach to Your Dog Using Shock Collar
Shock collars are useful instruments that may be used in many ways, even if they only actually perform one thing.
A shock collar is often used to improve fundamental training and sharpen reflexes.
This is a great technique to master the fundamentals before progressing to trick more difficult sets, especially if you’re hoping your dog will pick up more difficult and advanced talents in the future.
They may also be used to teach walking off-leash. Those cool people who let their dog off the leash, sure that they won’t run off, get lost or irritate other dogs. We’ve all seen the dogs and dog owners we strive to be.
Shock collars may be a helpful stepping stone, even if they won’t get you there immediately. Even some individuals consider electronic collars to be a physical leash’s replacement.
Shock collars provide certain benefits over leashes, particularly in crowded dog parks with plenty of other canines. How often do leads tangle when they are near other people? That was put an end to by shock collars!
Using shock collars for invisible fences allows your dog to have some freedom while still having a barrier, although one you can’t see.
Shock collars are linked to an underground wired boundary, a radial boundary training from a radio transmitter, or even GPS when utilized as invisible fences.
A brief shock or vibration that signals them to halt and remain in their safe region is given to your dog if they go beyond the bounds.
Shock collars are often used to curb undesirable behavior. Although we like dogs, they sometimes develop harmful tendencies. My dog likes to bark a lot. Some dogs snap or bark at people, while others tug on the leash.
Shock collars may assist in communicating what’s not acceptable and serve as a gentle reminder of appropriate behavior if any of these troublesome behaviors get out of hand.
Shock collars might also be beneficial if you want your dog to have some athletic potential.
An agility course involves more than simply climbing and leaping over obstacles if you’ve ever seen a dog attempt one. These canines must be proficient at obeying directions rapidly since there is a timing component.
One method for assisting them in reacting to orders quickly and successfully and earning more medals is using shock collars.
Lastly, trainers prepare canines for work by using shock collars!
We’ve all seen dogs with more interesting occupations than our own, such as bomb-sniffing canines and canines employed by the police or military. Although we can’t tell how much training is involved, shock collars are often used.
Final Verdict
How about shock collars? Complexity abounds. Positive reinforcement is usually preferred. But what if things don’t work, and your dog might go lost or cause complications that need euthanasia?
A dog training collar may be a final resort. Using one of these collars, utilize the lowest shock level possible.
When utilizing unpleasant training, be careful and observant. The only use of shock collars while you’re nearby to control difficulties. You may pretend to leave and return to see if your dog misbehaves. This training gadget won’t damage your dog.
Invest in a good collar. A good collar works as planned and doesn’t give excessive shocks. Once your dog’s behavior changes, tweak the training.
Source