When you’re new to dog training, there is a lot of information to consume. Personal opinions, internet searches, and professional insight can be knowledgeable, but they can be overwhelming. The easiest way to determine the best training plan for your new dog is to take it question by question. Start with the first: is dog shock collar training safe? Essentially, yes, shock collars are safe for dogs. However, there’s more to it than that!
Will a Shock Collar Harm My Dog?
Physically, no, a shock collar will not harm your dog when used correctly. As far as mentally or for training purposes, there may be a time to use shock collars and avoid them. Understanding why can help you determine if a shock collar might work for your dog.
Dogs that have no obedience capabilities cannot understand what shock means. Dogs that are six months or younger and cannot perform basic commands such as sit or heel cannot grasp the meaning. If your dog cannot obey in minor ways, a shock collar will only cause damage.
Shock collars can also be overcorrected when owners leave them unattended. Accidental shocks can occur in automatic collars. If you plan to use a shock collar, it is better to use one that administers a shock by remote. This way, you have control over when the collar shocks the dog. Shocking should always be to redirect bad behavior and not for punishment.
How Does a Shock Collar Work?
A shock collar delivers a slight jolt to a dog when reaching a boundary line from an invisible fence or when the owner presses the remote button. How the collar works depends on the type purchased. The dog receives the shock and learns that his behavior caused a jolt, thus preventing similar conduct in the future. Most dogs only require a shock a few times before the behavior is corrected.
Shock collars work for rushed training. Many dog owners use shock collars to train dogs quickly because it does work. However, there are alternatives to choose from.
What are the Available Alternatives?
Obedience training does not have to involve shock collars. Many successful trainers avoid the use of these collars and train dogs well. However, it can be expensive to pay for a dog trainer, not to mention time-consuming. Other options include bark control devices, which emit an ultrasonic frequency that humans cannot hear. The sound is audible to dogs and is known to stop barking from occurring.
Other products used for dog training include training clickers that teach dogs to perform certain activities when clicked, treats, and additional positive reinforcement. Should you choose to avoid dog shock collars, plenty of options are available to train your dog!
Which is Best for Dog Training?
There are pros and cons to using a shock collar. There are also pros and cons to traditional dog training. Examining both can help you to decide which path to take.
Shock collars can help with faster training. They can be adjusted to fit the dog’s needs based on size. Collars are also incredibly affordable, and owners can program them for when they are not home. Unfortunately, shock collars fail to use any positive reinforcement, which creates long-lasting dog/ owner relationships and obedience. The shock can also create fear in a dog, becoming dangerous in some K9s. Finally, accidental shocks can confuse and make problems worse for the dog and owner.
Traditional training achieves long-term success for dogs and owners. It helps develop a bond between the pair and is proven to work. Training your dog by yourself at home is incredibly affordable, as many people can find helpful resources online. It also results in a loving relationship that you will value immensely. However, professional trainers can be expensive, and although you may obtain better results than going it alone, it requires the owner to learn from the trainer.
Who Can Help with Dog Training?
If you find training on your own to be too difficult and you want to avoid a shock collar, for now, there are resources available to help you get started. Canine College is a wonderful resource willing to assist you with dog training. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, we are prepared to help you and your pet today! Give us a call at 781-767-3908 today.
