Myths About Dog Training Collars
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Dog training collars used to be called "shock collars." They were an effective way of training dogs, but considered to be "inhumane" by some people who did not like the idea of a dog receiving an electric jolt when they got out of line. Many handlers refused to use shock collars to train dogs. Those who did, usually kept mum about it as they did not want to get a reputation of mistreating dogs.
The early shock collars were rudimentary compared to the dog training collars that we have today. Today's dog training collars have multiple levels of stimulation, the lowest of which would not even make anyone flinch. They also time out after a few seconds, making it virtually impossible for anyone to intentionally hurt their dog by using this device.
Clearly, it is time to dispel the myths when it comes to dog training collars. Here are some myths and facts when it comes to dog training collars:
Myth: Shock collars are an inhumane way to train a dog.
Fact: Not true. Today's electronic dog collars are far from inhumane. To the contrary, they offer stimulation when needed so that the dog becomes a good companion. They are used in conjunction with other methods, such as whistles, so that the dog learns quicker than usual. No one wants an untrained dog and the older they get, the more difficult they are to train. The fact of the matter is that many dogs who are put down each year are done so because they were never trained by their owners.
Myth: Shock collars can burn your dog
Fact: Not true. Today's shock collars will not hurt your dog. They will deliver a sensation to them but are not harmful and do not cause pain or burns. Today's electronic dog collars will time out after about 7 seconds so that they cannot deliver any more stimulation to the dog than is needed.
Myth: Shock collars will create a mean dog
Fact: Not true. A mean human creates a mean dog. If you are trying to use an electronic dog training collar to train your dog to retrieve, flush out prey or hunt with you, you are creating a good hunting dog, not a mean dog. On top of that, the training collar will also help you create a loveable companion as well.
Myth: Shock collars do not work near water
Fact: Not true. There are shock collars that work in all types of weather. These are great for retrievers who hunt near and sometimes in the water.
Myth: Shock collars are all you need to train your dog
Fact: Not true. You can minimize the use of the shock collar by using a dog whistle at the same time. You will want to get the dog to associate the appropriate commands with the whistle and even your call, not because of the electronic collar. After a while, you will hardly have to use the electronic collar at all when you are out hunting with your dog as he will have learned appropriate behavior and be a fine gun dog.
Dog training collars will not hurt your dog. Instead, they will expedite the training of your dog and make him a loveable and well cherished hunting buddy.
Related HubPages
- Different Types of Dog Training Collars
There are many different types of dog training collars, this HubPage hopefully will help clear up some of the confusion they may cause. - Electronic Dog Collars-Buyer's Guide
Great source if you are looking into buying a dog training collar.
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I had some of the same hesitations about shock collars as you listed here. The fear of hurting the dog or being inhumane is huge. But, they have made such drastic improvements over time. Thanks for the great information. I will definitely pass it on next time I hear criticism over this form of training! Some dogs just do not respond well to human commands. This is a good way to keep your dog safe and well-behaved.
Interesting article. I can't say I've ever felt the "stimulation" from a shock collar. Have you? I find it difficult to believe it doesn't cause the dog pain. How does it let the dog know he is doing something wrong? This article makes it sound like a gentle massage. Call me crazy, but I don't buy it.
Do you have any specs on these collars regarding the output power of this stimulation the dog is subjected to? How does a dog react when subjected to this electric pulse?
Advertisements for these devices present it as a tool to turn your dog into a "happy companion." They go to great lengths to say that it can of course be abused, but in the hands of a responsible trainer, it is perfectly safe. It sounds much like the responsible spanker argument.
Either way, it looks like just a fancy toy for dog owners. Good old fashioned voice commands work well for most dogs. I think if I ever had a dog that required an electric shock to keep him in line I'd probably start shopping for a new dog.
A great article examining some of the pro sides of the e-collar debate. A really hot topic and of course everyone is entitled their opinion. I personally have felt almost every single remote dog collar on the market on a variety of places on my body (neck, hands, arms, legs, face). Call me odd, but I wanted to know exactly what it feels like.
The result? On small muscle groups (hands, face and even my neck) the collar actually works and feels like a muscle stimulator (aka TENS stimulator, as in a medical tool). On larger muscles it feels like varying levels of concentrated pressure. On the lower levels it feels like a pen being touched against your skin gently. On higher levels (depending on the model, because not all remote collars are the same) it can get quite strong and feels as though that same pen is being jabbed abruptly. I've felt most every model of collar on the highest level, and have never once been burnt, so I know that won't happen. I've tested them in water and even tried to burn tissue paper. There is no heat created by these devices.
http://www.sitmeanssit.com has a myriad of videos showcasing dogs in training and trained with a Sit Means Sit Collar (a branded remote dog collar). Watch those videos and read the articles to get educated first-hand. Look for the videos that feature untrained dogs working. Seeing a trained dog is not a fair assessment.
I love the collar but it did indeed burn the dog and leave huge open wounds on the neck where the two prongs where. I am very dissapointed with this. I feel bad that the dog was indeed injured.
that's just plain ignorant Chuck. the e collars do not produce heat, they don't burn. your dog's neck was injured due to your neglect. you either didn't have it on tight enough (most often the case)or you left it on overnight on numerous occassions or you didn't vary the position of the prongs on the collar from day to day. you caused that injury chuck!
actually Mark, your comment is plain ignorant! my dog recieved severe burns from her collar in just three days! the vet said it was most likely because her collar was too tight (most often the case of burns, or that the prongs were too long). I freaked out when I took the collar off and saw the puss and mess around her neck! I called to tell my buddy who recommended the collar, and he said "oh yeah that happened to my dog twice!" wtf! I totally understand the desire to get results quickly when it comes to training your dog, but if you don't have the time and patience to dedicate to positive reinforcement and humane treatment of a dog, then you shouldn't get one! I feel terrible for the pain I have inflicted on this poor helpless puppy. People should know the risks associated with these collar. THEY CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS!!!
Ace 3 years ago
I was always afraid of using shock collars because I had heard that they can hurt your dog or make him afraid of you. This article makes good points about the progress shock collars have made and their good points. Although I do not have a hunting dog, my dog runs out in the street a lot and is generally not well behaved. I am researching different ways to train him and this article has helped.