Electronic Dog Collars: Safe Training or Cruelty to Pets?

What Are Electronic Dog Collars?

Among most dog owners, electronic dog collars are abhorred as a cruel method of dog training. In the hands of a novice, this is too often true. Also known as shock collars, this type of training equipment should be left in the hands of professional trainers.

They have the knowledge of dogs and of the product to use the collar effectively with no harm or stress on the animal. Dog owners most often use this training tool to keep their dog on their property.

Invisible Fence Systems and Their Risks

Called an invisible fence, the collar is part of a system that administers a shock to the dog should he attempt to leave the boundaries of your yard. A wire buried just below the ground triggers a shock to the pet when his collar comes too close to the buried trigger wire.

This containment system was very popular a few years ago but has lost its newness and is not used extensively now. One reason is the realization that a shock can hurt the animal. Another is that an animal in a full adrenaline chase mode may violate the invisible fence without being able to stop in time. Later, in a calmer mood, he may then be afraid to return as he remembers the shock when crossing that area.

The cruelty factor cannot be ignored. The snugness of this collar can be irritating to the dog's neck, especially in a hot climate. For most pet owners, the desire to have a lovely lawn free of fencing has given way to the wish to avoid harm to their dog.

Why Some Pet Owners Avoid Shock Collars

While electronic collars may seem like a convenient solution, many owners have recognized the downsides. Beyond physical discomfort, they can create fear-based behavior and long-term anxiety in pets. For most dog lovers, avoiding harm outweighs the benefit of convenience.

How Professional Trainers Use Electronic Collars Safely

Professional trainers, however, can use this electronic collar effectively. It is especially useful when training a dog to avoid dangerous behaviors such as car chasing or fence jumping. Correcting these actions is critical to keeping a dog safe.

Trainers start with the lowest possible electric shock. Usually, a dog will only twitch his ears if the shock is administered correctly. If a dog barks or howls, the level is set too high. The trainer gives the dog a command just before administering the shock – that step is essential to the training process.

Bark Collars: Do They Really Work?

Some pet owners also use training collars to stop dogs from barking incessantly. Although not harmful for a short term, dogs usually bark for a reason – though we may not always understand it.

These bark collars can be set not to activate for 30 seconds, allowing for the occasional normal bark. However, if your dog is barking for an extended period, it may signal a problem with the dog’s health or environment. If your dog barks only occasionally, he is simply being a dog and no discipline is needed.

Final Thoughts: Safe Training vs. Potential Harm

In short, electronic dog collars are useful tools of the trade for some professional dog trainers and, when used properly, are not damaging to pets. But in the hands of an inexperienced owner, they can easily become tools of cruelty.

Electronic Dog Collars