Dog Training Shock Collars

 Dog Training Shock Collars

Dog Training

When dog training, shock collars are among the most controversial tools available.  Do they harm the dog?  Are they humane?  Do they work?  Should you consider using a shock collar to train an aggressive dog or does that make the problem worse?  All these questions and more are worth answering when you are training your dog: you want to do what is best for your pet’s health and happiness.  Here is some information on dog training shock collars that may help you decide.

Dog training shock collars are used to help you modify your dog’s behavior and can be used to deter him from developing habits like digging, chewing, jumping on people, or barking.  A typical shock collar has two main components: a remote control and the collar, which is fitted with an electrical unit.  When you are training your dog and he is engaging in an undesirable behavior, you simply push the button to administer the shock.  The shock is very mild and feels like static electricity.  Remote shock dog training collars allow you to quickly and effectively modify problem behavior.

For those of you who are worried about possibly harming your dog, there are new and improved models of dog training shock collars available.  For instance, the Innotek IUT-300 has a tone only option.  This means that instead of administering a small shock, the collar makes a vibrating noise.  The noise is a reminder to the dog not to engage in the behavior and can be as effective as the physical shock.

Another benefit for collars like the IUT-300 is that they help take away the risk of harming your dog through improper usage.  With a dog training shock collar of yesterday, it was possible that an ill-fitting or incorrectly placed collar could hurt your dog.  Now, collars like Innotek’s are made to fit the contour of the dog’s neck, and it even has a self-diagnostic option that ensures that it is on properly.  With older models of shock collars it was recommended that the average person stay away and leave it to the professional trainer.  Now, with advancements in technology which make the collars easier to use and to know how to position correctly, the average dog owner can take over the training.

A common complaint among those who are opposed to shock collars is that the dog will associate the shock with whatever he is looking at when he receives it.  For instance, if he starts barking because he sees a cat, he’ll receive a shock.  Then he’ll associate it with the cat and not with his barking.  This, however, is not the case.  Because consistency is so important in any type of dog training, you’ll discipline him whenever he barks.  He will learn to associate barking with the shock.  The term “shock” is really a misnomer anyway.  It is more of a correction.  The “shock” is more of a tingly sensation.  Just to give you an idea of the level of shock: a static electricity shock from a nylon carpet on a day with low humidity can be twice as severe.  This is why dogs do not become aggressive when you use shock collars for dog training.  It is not painful or frightening.  It is unpleasant. Because it is unpleasant, it stops the misbehavior.

Using a dog training shock collar is a personal choice. They are not meant to replace other sound methods of training, such as praise and reward.  They are meant to supplement the training process so you get results more quickly.  Used properly, dog training collars can be very effective and humane.