Despite a negative stigma associated with dog shock collars, they are proven to have a significant influence on training results. Clearly, it’s not something we would recommend to everyone. In most cases, shock collars are the last resort, as most dogs are fit for learning commands and tricks by a simple method of treats and rewards.
Historically, this aversive method appeared in the 1960’s and was initially used to train hunting dogs. Nowadays, shock collars have different levels of intensity, which makes the electric charge more controllable than back in the day. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that now a wide range of more humane but still effective training collars is available on the market.
Some collars use vibration instead of electric waves. A vibration sends out a slight pinching sensation on the intramuscular level and does not burn a dog’s skin. Other collars transmit a distracting ultrasonic sound only your dog can hear.
The more we learn about dogs, the more we understand about the way they think and act. Scientists theorize that a dog’s memory works differently than ours. On average, it takes dogs about 2 seconds to associate behavior with a conclusion. In other words, the reward or punishment for a certain act has to be implemented within 2 seconds from the moment it’s been done, in order for a dog to draw a conclusion from the experience.
One of the main benefits of shock collars is that they have proven to speed up the learning process and make training more efficient. To the owners of especially stubborn or aggressive dogs, initial training sessions are not only time-consuming but also emotionally exhausting. Sometimes several months of training only result in slightest behavioral changes. With a training collar, in a combination with the right training strategy and enough patience, the training results can be noticed in the matter of weeks or even days.
This important detail can’t be stressed enough – choose the safest technology available, as the training point is not to hurt your dog, but to help it learn and associate unpleasant sensation with unwanted behavior.
Every pup is different and needs a personalized learning approach. Training your dog using a shock collar is definitely a controversial subject, and a decision whether to utilize this option depends on specific circumstances. For example, for dogs with hearing or seeing disabilities, training collars are the only option.
If you consider this option for your dog, we strongly advise getting your trainer’s opinion and/or instructions. There can be instances when your dog’s disobedience or barking is caused by a more serious physical or mental issue, that needs to be addressed or treated.