How to Decide Whether to Use a Dog Shock Collar When Training Your Dog

Consistent, positive training techniques produce well behaved, well adjusted dogs.

Modern shock collars are relatively safe and do not shock the dog with actual electricity, but instead provide an unpleasant vibration to deter the dog. The question is whether or not it is necessary to use one of these collars on your dog. When used correctly they can provide an alternative means to solve tough training problems. However, shock collars can produce disastrous results when used by inexperienced people. There are several factors to consider before deciding to use a shock collar on your dog.

Instructions

1. Understand why your dog is displaying an unwanted behavior. All dogs are different, each motivated in different ways. Some are genetically predisposed for particular behaviors based upon what that breed was bred for. For example, some dogs are naturally barkers, some diggers and some chasers. To correct a behavior, or to know what your limitations for doing so may be, this must first be understood. Bad behaviors also result from boredom, fear, anxiety or stress. When that is the case, applying a shock collar only increases the problem by adding to the dog's distress. Shock collars are only effective when a specific action can be linked with a specific behavior or action, such as barking when someone knocks at the door.

2. Evaluate, explore and exhaust all other training methods. Shock collars should be a last resort, when all other methods have been tried and failed. All dog training methods, including shock collars, require time, commitment, consistency and sufficient skill to be successful. Training equipment should start out simple with a standard collar, or one of many training styles like choke chains, head collars or prong collars. Advancing to a shock collar may be necessary when these styles do not work. A shock collar is not a "quick fix" and should never be the first method used, as it leaves no other options to try if it also fails.

3. Practice your timing and reflexes. The principal behind shock collars is to administer a pulse at the exact time when an unwanted behavior occurs. Timing is crucial, and the method is not effective if it is administered just before or after the behavior. Dogs do not associate punishment with their actions, but rather what is happening around them. If a shock is applied at random, or is not associated with a particular event, your dog may become neurotic and fearful of what is causing its discomfort. A good test of your timing skills is to practice with a clicker. Sit in a room with your dog quietly and observe it as it walks across the room. Click the clicker every time the dog lifts its right paw off of the floor. If you are unable to be precise and consistent with the timing of the clicker and the paw, you should not use a shock collar.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a dog trainer or behaviorist for help with behavior problems.

• Take an obedience class with your dog.

• Exercise and stimulate your dog regularly to alleviate boredom.

• Aggressive behaviors sometimes occur as a result of misused shock collars. Dogs that feel threatened often resort to aggressive acts as a means of defense. Aggressive behaviors include growling, baring teeth, ears laid back, and tail held straight. Dogs that are already aggressive, or are genetically predisposed to potential aggression, should not be trained by this method.

References

• Positive Dog Training: Dog Training Shock Collars
• 4 Paws University: Shock Collars-Quick Fix?
• Puppy Training Solutions: How to Choose a Dog Shock Collar
• Dr P's Dog Training; The Electronic Collar; Sgt Lou Castle; 2002