Did you ever consider using a shock collar to train your dog? Well, if you did, then you’ve probably wondered if they’re really good. The truth is that the answer depends on the method. Dog training collars are not something you should perceive lightly simply to keep your dog at bay, but rather as a stimulating addition to the exercise only to be used on certain breeds in emergency situations.
Misusing this particular gadget can lead to not only anxiety in dogs but also increased aggression.
So, the question is, why a training collar is not our favorite method, and when and how you can use it. We’ve researched to find all about the methods which include training collars, so here is what we found. However, when it comes to whether you’ll use this as a method or not, it’s up to you, even though most of the vets advise against it, you’re the only one who knows your dog.
Training collars and efficiency
While training collars are available on the market, using them without a consultation with a professional trainer is not advised, unless you have a prior experience in training. The main concern lies within the fact a method you use may not be suitable for your dog.
Most of the vets advise caution when using shock collars in training due to the fact certain breed react to the pain differently, which means that this particular method may have an opposite effect on the whole process. Here are two methods commonly used by the professional which may include training collar in the process.
Here is a video portraying a simple approach to training by using a training collar.
Strict regime
Training your dog to be a guardian asks for a different approach, and while you may consider it as something you can easily handle, a strict regime is only to be implemented in a controlled environment. Your dog will not stop barking at the strangers on the street just because you’ve introduced a shocker to his daily walks, but it just may get used to it when you’re training him in the open field.
Even though strict regime may be a better option for those looking for a concrete result, it does leave an effect on your dog and their mental state.
Rewarding method
Also known as a combined method, this training technique allows you to introduce shock collars to the training process while also adding a reward system. Even though punishment is considered a part of the process, overusing it is not advised, simply because your dog then loses a touch with their identity, especially at the young age.
While introducing a training collar along with the treats may be the best method if you’re not looking to train your dog to be completely heartless, it still has an effect on their behavior.
Training collars and health concerns
Training collars do raise certain health concerns, mainly because they get you to the point where the only way to control your dog is to inflict a pain upon them. Apart from the pain association, here are some issues that come with a misuse of a dog training collar.
Distress
Just like in humans, pain causes stress, and dogs react to stress with aggression. While a good approach may help you avoid consequences, bear in mind you’re still hurting your dog with this method. The fact is you cannot avoid the damage caused by the pain since the whole idea of a training collar comes back to a control.
However, if you still believe your dog can handle it, we recommend you pick a method carefully, because one wrong step, and you’ll end up losing control you never had in a first place.
Behavioral changes
Another serious risk is a shift in behavior. Training collars are intended to help you develop dog’s natural sense of submission, but sometimes it can take a different path, resulting in your dog only responding to a shock collar, and not your voice. Still, not being able to control your dog will be the least of your concerns, as the main concern will be on your relationship.
Most of the owners tend to use shock collars way too often, resulting in these training collars becoming the only way to keep a dog from acting out. This doesn’t mean they won’t act out, which is why it is advised to use training collars in different periods to keep your dog from associating them with obedience. (rentalry.com)
Conclusion
While it is up to you whether you’ll try a training collar out or not, our advice is to give it a thought before implementing it in the training process. Dogs are not as tough as we consider them to be. (Provigil) Let us know if you’ve used the training collar before and if you did, how did that work out for you? Also, let us know if you have any questions in the comment section below, and keep in mind, dogs too hate the one who hurts them, no matter the reason behind it.
SOURCES:
https://www.wideopenpets.com/everything-need-know-training-e-collars/
