It's a controversial topic among dog trainers and dog owners alike. Whether to use an electric collar or not. First of all, most trainers and dog owners who use an electric collar do not like the words shock collars. Although that's what an electronic collar does, deliver a small electronic shock to your dog or puppies, it's not like your dog or puppies have entered a prison and are being administered a near electric chair shock voltage experience. Electronic collars are much gentler than that and can be an invaluable method of training your dog.
What is an e collar for dogs?
Again, and it can't be emphasized enough, an e collar is simply a normal collar that fits around your dog's neck, and is capable of delivering a minor electronic jar around your dog's neck to remind them they are going astray in their behavior. And of course, the benefit of an e Collar is that it will work for any type of dog, they are effective for small dogs, large dogs, for chihuahua, husky, and puppies.
Oh, and one thing that doesn't matter, it can be an AKC large dogs such as a German Sheppard, or a Heinz 57 dog obtained at the pound. It doesn't matter.
How to train with an e collar
A big part of the controversy over the use of electronic collars is not the collars themselves, but the fact that trainers misuse them. Whether you are using an e collar for big dogs or for small dogs, the trick is to know and understand how an electronic collar can help, and when not to use them.
Let's start with when not to use them
- Start with the basics
- There is no point in starting out with an electronic collar if your dog or pup does not understand basic skills and commands such as "sit," “down”, “stay” and “come.”
- Many people try to rely on electronic collars to teach their dog these basic skills, but these are skills that are best learned without an electronic collar.
- Train your dog without an electronic collar as much as possible.
- Dogs naturally want to please their owners. They view making you happy as their job.
- Therefore, as much as possible, train your dog without an electronic collar. Remember, that electronic collars do not provide positive reinforcement in the way of pats on the head or a dog treat, they only work to discourage negative behavior.
- But first, your dog needs to be absolutely clear on what you want. So when it comes to
- "sit," “down”, “stay” and “come.” you will need to physically show your pup in particular, the basic moves many times over.
So you're saying that there is no use for an electronic collar. Not at all. Just that you cover the basics first. After that:
Try the vibrating method first
- A dog does not need to have a shock from a collar to be clued in that something different is going on.
- Often there voice commands fail, (in particular if the dog's owner is unable or has a limited ability to speak.)
- All electronic collars have a vibrate mode only, and once your dog gets used to it, a gentle tickle rather than a stronger shock can clue them in on behaviors you'd like them to imitate.
- An example of this, for big dogs and small, is off-leash walking. If your dog can get used to a simple tingle to alert him that he is running too far ahead, you will be so much more ahead.
- The same goes even for your backyard. If there are areas you want your pup to avoid, try this simple vibration technique.
- When do you go beyond vibrate to elementary shocks?
- Only if your dog doesn't seem to get the idea will you need to advance to shock therapy.
- For example, if your dog is barking incessantly you might need to move to small shocks to nip this behavior in the bud.
One question often asked is if electric collars are waterproof. The answer is yes, they are waterproof, although you do not want your dog swimming in a pool or lake with one.