It can be extremely challenging to train a dog to behave properly, particularly when it comes to teaching them to exhibit good conduct while off-leash. This task becomes even more difficult if the dog is highly energetic, driven by prey, or motivated to act out. You may currently be seeking a rapid training solution to issues such as chasing after livestock, jumping on strangers, or running out into traffic.
How Does a Dog Shock Collar Work?
An e-collar, shock collar, or remote training collar is a device used for dog training purposes. While there are alternative types of remote-controlled collar with foul-smelling sprays or high frequency noises, this article is specifically focused on electronic shock-delivering collars for dogs.
The trainer usually administers the shocks using a remote control. The shocks are used to deter undesirable actions such as escaping from a designated area or pursuing livestock. Additionally, they come in handy when a dog fails to perform the expected behavior in response to a cue.
Suppose you are training gundogs and want them to sit when you blow a whistle from afar. If the dog fails to sit promptly, they receive an electric shock to remind them to obey the command without delay.
Do dog shock collars work?
Proponents of using dog shock collars argue that it can considerably decrease training time as compared to relying solely on positive reinforcement methods, provided it is used correctly. They further claim that their dogs display improved concentration in response to their handlers and are more prone to follow commands or cues compared to those dogs that are given a choice through positive reinforcement training.
On the other hand, using the remote control incorrectly during training sessions can lead to significant behavioral and training issues in dogs. This is because a shock delivered at the wrong time can deter the dog from whatever activity it is engaged in, such as fetching a ball, drinking water, or urinating. Malfunctioning equipment and errors on the part of the trainer are both major factors that can affect the effectiveness of this sensitive behavior modification approach. However, these are only a couple of the downsides to using this training technique.
Other Risks Associated with Using a Dog Shock Collar
Dog training with shock collars is associated with extra hazards. There are those who argue that the employment of these collars borders on animal cruelty. Those who are against shock collars assert that they can exacerbate pre-existing health or conduct complications by subjecting dogs to physical punishment. Veterinarians caution that using these collars can cause skin irritations and necrosis.
What do the studies reveal? Over the last decade, numerous studies have been conducted to verify the mounting anecdotal proof from dog owners and trainers who claim that the use of shock collars can harm dogs both physically and behaviorally.
Using a Dog Shock Collar is Stressful
Dogs that wear electronic collars display increased indications of anxiety both during training sessions and in their everyday routines.
There have been several behavioral research studies that observe negative behavior responses in dogs that are trained using shock collars in comparison to those trained using positive reinforcement. One study in particular concluded that “being trained [with shock collars] is stressful” and “receiving shocks is a painful experience to dogs.”
In 2007, a research study discovered that the use of electric shock collars during dog training led to increased stress and anxiety in the animals, as evidenced by behavioral cues and levels of cortisol in their saliva.
Training with shock collars is capable of causing or aggravating fundamental behavior issues, such as aggression.
The use of shock collars during dog training has been found to potentially provoke aggression or exacerbate aggression in those with clinical aggression symptoms. Punishment-based training techniques were tied to increased aggression and other adverse behaviors, according to researchers Hiby, Rooney and Bradshaw.
A Dog Shock Collar can Injure
The use of electric collars may result in physical harm to dogs’ necks.
The risks associated with electric collars are clearly outlined in the warning labels contained within their instructions, such as skin irritation and pressure necrosis. In pet stores and veterinary offices, we have seen dogs with serious neck injuries as a result of wearing these collars. During grooming appointments, groomers often remove the collar and find that the skin beneath the prongs has completely deteriorated, exposing infected grooves in the flesh of the dog’s neck. This occurrence is actually quite common.
Frequently, they are utilized in an improper manner.
The labels that caution pet owners about the risks of skin irritation and infection also caution about excessive shock settings. Interestingly, some of these labels do not explicitly specify that a shock causing the dog to yelp is considered too high.
It was discovered through these studies that most pet owners disregard the instructions, warnings, and appropriate training methods for shock collars. There were reports of owners setting the collars to the highest intensity and then decreasing it gradually. In a particular study, nearly 30% of canines still vocalized even after continuous use of the collars, suggesting that owners did not reduce the settings as recommended.
A lot of owners acknowledged that they never read the instructions.
Dog Shock Collars Aren’t More Effective
Shock collar training is no more effective in training your dog than using positive reinforcement.
Research comparing the effectiveness of compulsion-based training, such as using shock collars, with positive reinforcement techniques has typically failed to validate the notion that shock collars are superior in dog training.
According to further research, positive and reward-based training methods have shown to be just as effective in the training of pets and working dogs. In general, the findings of studies regarding the use of shock collars in dog training align with the conclusions stated in the report on Applied Animal Behavioral Science by researchers Schilder and van der Borg.
Despite using relatively benign training programmes recommended by e-collar advocates and conducted by professional trainers, the study discovered behavioral proof that the employment of e-collars had a negative impact on the well-being of certain dogs during training.
Other Training Methods Are Available!
The effectiveness of positive reinforcement training methods for dogs is backed by research, which is why it is frequently emphasized. When training sessions are enjoyable for both the owner and the dog, they are more likely to be enjoyed and successfully completed.
Novice and professional trainers alike face minimal severe consequences for making training errors. The ethical treatment of dogs during positive reinforcement training is widely accepted without controversy.
Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Kayla Fratt, owner of Journey Dog Training and a certified consultant for dog behavior, considers making a dog feel at ease in its skin, along with its lifestyle – a fundamental objective for every dog.
Regardless of the circumstances, training can benefit all dogs, whether you have just acquired a puppy from a breeder or have been a long-time owner.
Wondering how to initiate the process? If you’ve looked for “nearby dog trainers” on the internet lately, it’s likely that you felt inundated by the alternatives, qualifications, and terminology right away. There’s a plethora of knowledge available! To address this, we asked some professionals for their opinion on the right place to start. Here’s what they recommended:
Identify your training goals
There exist two main categories of dog training. If your goal is to teach your dog fundamental skills, such as sitting, remaining still, and lying down, then you avail the services of a dog trainer. However, if your dog is experiencing behavioral difficulties like anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression, then you should seek the assistance of a dog behavioral consultant, such as Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
It is recommended to begin with behavior training if you require both skills training and behavior training. This is because a dog behavior consultant is knowledgeable in teaching dogs how to sit and can also assist in managing separation anxiety, which is not a strong point for dog trainers.
Be realistic.
Fratt points out that not all dogs will enjoy visits to the dog park, much like some humans may not enjoy attending raves.
Kim Brophey is the proprietor of The Dog Door Behavior Center and an accomplished applied ethologist and family dog specialist. Additionally, she authored a book entitled “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior.” Brophey employs L.E.G.S (an acronym for learning, environment, genetics, self) as a structure for describing dog actions. For instance, if your dog is barking at your visitors.
Brophey suggests that the dog breed may have been specifically picked over hundreds of years to guard against intruders who enter through the front door. As a result of this genetic trait in German shepherds, it may be necessary to adjust your expectations rather than attempt to train it out.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are several training methods to consider, including group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training. Group classes are more cost-effective, but lack personalization. According to Fratt, board and train facilities are pricier and come with more risks.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
The decision you make will be influenced by your budget and objectives for training. For instance, if your dog displays aggressive behavior towards another dog in your household, it may not be effective to have training sessions outside of your home.
It’s important to understand that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, however, this does not have to consume a significant portion of your time. Fratt mentions that she only spends about five minutes training her dog each day. Much of the exercises assigned by trainers can be enjoyable and effortlessly integrated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or inexpensive online resources for dog training if you wish to avoid spending a large sum of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training is entirely unregulated, allowing individuals with a website, storefront or Instagram page to assert themselves as dog trainers. Consequently, there is no authoritative guide on the techniques to utilize while training a dog, leading to a lack of consensus among trainers. In general, trainers can be divided into two main categories.
One category of trainers, such as Fratt, utilize positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your dog with something desirable, like a treat, when they exhibit good behavior, thus encouraging them to repeat the action. Additionally, this technique can also be employed to help them overcome fears by associating them with positive experiences.
Balanced trainers, such as Brianna Dick, employ positive reinforcement techniques, while also being open to integrating corrective measures such as e-collars into their training methods.
According to Dick, E-collar training comprises a collar worn by your dog and controlled by a remote that administers a correction through a stimulus to the neck, including a shock, sound, or citronella spray. The use of E-collars, especially those that deliver shocks, is a controversial topic within the dog training community.
Dick warns against trainers who utilize e-collars on all dogs, as it is a generic approach that yields unsatisfactory outcomes. He advises seeking a trainer who takes the time to understand you, your bond, and your dog’s lifestyle.
Find a good trainer.
A helpful starting point to find solid positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your vicinity is to refer to the compilations of different professional organizations.
