There are responsibilities associated with being a dog owner. One of which is being able to train and discipline your dog adequately and effectively. No two dogs are exactly alike. Each trainer has a different experience in taking care of their dogs. Hence, the development of various dog training tools and materials.
Electronic collars or remote shock collars are considered as one of the most effective technique by dog training professionals today. It is often used to curb stubborn and unwanted dog behaviours such as barking too much, aggressiveness, and teaching to stay within property lines while off leash.
The use of e-collars being associated as a form of punishment to dogs is still widely discussed among dog owners and professional trainers today. For those who have exhausted all traditional methods possible in training their dogs have resorted to shock collars. Although it seems like a drastic approach, this device can be very effective if used correctly.
Before you actually buy one, it is best to research more on the subject of using e-collars for training. Knowing basic information on the types, how it works, and the advantages & disadvantages associated in using such method. Here are 10 things to know before starting to train your dog with shock collars.
1. What is an E-collar?
This collar is an electronic device with two small shock points fitted into a dog’s neck for training purposes. It helps in setting boundaries for your dog’s behaviour.
2. How does it Work?
The two electronic points on the e-collar delivers a light shock to the dog’s neck every time it does something aggressive, destructive, and dangerous. E-collars of high quality emit a sound (i.e. beep) that serves as a warning for the dog that a shock will be delivered unless the current behaviour is changed. Being smart animals, dogs eventually associate the beeping with the shock. As a result, dogs are trained to restrain the act before it develops into something worse.
3. Types of Dog Shock Collars
There are many types of shock collars and there is often a big difference in the features and capability depending on the quality of the device. When training with e-collars, quality matters a great deal. Look for collars tested by dog owners and recommended by professional dog trainers.
- Dog Containment Shock Collar System
This collar works like an invisible fence that keeps your dog from going outside the yard and beyond your property. The shock collar works with installed electric wires along the perimeter of the designated area. As the dog approaches the boundary line, it receives a warning sound advancing to a shock if it ultimately crosses the “underground fence.”
- Barking Collars
There are times when dogs show an uncontrollable behaviour of excessive barking. If you are such owner, you can explore the option of using a barking collar. Its main function is to send a light electric shock when there is loud vibration on the dog’s neck from incessant barking. These collars usually have adjustable settings to set the acceptable level of barking.
- Obedience Collars
Obedience collars or remote shock collars work in conjunction with a hand-held remote. It specifically targets misdemeanour for owners to correct with a push of a button. Shock intensity can be adjusted by the owner to match the severity of the dog’s behavioural offense.
4. How it Affects Your Dog
Although the electronic shocks are light and proven to have no dangerous effect on the animals’ health, some owners do not accept the idea of inflicting pain to their dogs. When looking at it negatively, it is an aversive type of treatment and the last alternative for dog training.
5. Sensitivity
As mentioned, the quality of the e-collar you buy is very important. These collars are sensitive to the instructions you set such as intensity of barking and vibration. However, all electronic devices have the possibility to malfunction. Your collar settings may get mixed up or fence collars may fail if not installed by a professional. Dogs may receive unnecessary shocks again and again. Redundancies may confuse the dogs in detecting the right problem.
6. Infliction of Fear
Redundant shocks may also cause anxiety into the animals instead of as a form of discipline. If you are not sensitive enough to the reactions of your dog, using shock collars for training may result into them fearing you and other people. You will lose the benefit of the tool’s purpose to correct dog misbehaviours.
7. It Can Always be your Last Resort
Although the device comes with adjustable settings, remote shock collars do not have the capability of enforcing dogs with progressive rewards such as treats and affection from people. Using e-collars for training is a drastic approach that you need to avoid as much as possible. Pet owners and professionals always encourage positive support when training animals.
On a positive note, dog e-collars also bring a lot of advantages to owners and trainers alike.
8. Accessibility & Affordability
There is a wealth of information on dog ownership and training that is widely available. As such, e-collar devices have been developed to come in many types and are sold in different qualities. High-quality collars offer durability and have more features to match with your dog’s personality. Buying it comes at a cost but is still cheaper as compared to hiring a professional dog trainer or installing your property with a corporeal fence.
9. Convenience
Remote shock collars are called as such because you do not need to be present for it to work. Dog containment systems and barking collars are effective when leaving your dogs at home or with other people. Leaving your dogs unattended for extend periods is, of course, highly discouraged.
10. Effectiveness
Shock collars must indeed be effective to earn its place in the market and to be recommended by professionals. One main reason dog owners love to invest in an e-collar is because of its fast results. Delivering electricity to the body is both shocking and troublesome for dogs forcing them to correct their behaviour immediately. When used properly and effectively, your dog may be able to quickly adapt to disciplining itself without the need for shock collars.
Conclusion
Remember that dogs behave depending on their environment. As a responsible owner, you have to determine the best way to train and correct your dog’s demeanour. Utilizing a shock collar does not mean that you are ruthless. It pains pet parents to see their pups getting shocked but it hurts, even more, to see their misbehaviours end in violence.
Continue to develop the bond between you and your dog. Do not forget the use of positive reinforcement by exploring other training methods and showing your unrelenting affection for them.
