Using shock collars for dogs can be helpful and expedient, and can also save a dog's life in an emergency situation when every moment counts. When used correctly, these collars are ideal dog training devices that can make training your dog a pleasure, instead of a nightmare. The controversy comes into play when people misuse these dog training aids or use them to punish their dogs; a job they are not meant to do. Training is much different than punishing and dogs learn best when trainers use non-aversive methods when introducing their dogs to new commands or behaviors.
Shock Collars For Dogs Aren't Meant To Administer Punishment
Dogs learn best when taught slowly, in incremental steps. This means teaching one small command or behavior at a time and building on your successes. Dog training aids are useful, and there are several types of aids available for teaching the first steps in any desired behavior. Leashes, long leads and clickers are all dog training devices that can be used when training you dog to do something new or adding to an established behavior. Using rewards such as praise or treats can work wonders during these training sessions. Keeping training sessions short and always ending on a positive note will keep your dog happy and eager to learn.
Shock Collars Should Reinforce A Critical Behavior
So, when is it appropriate to use those shock collars for dogs, anyway? The actual answer is that these dog training aids are best used to reinforce a behavior after it has already been learned by the dog. The collar has basically two main uses: to reinforce what the dog already knows and to stop a dog from putting itself in danger when it is off the leash. These are the two times when shock collars for dogs are the best dog training devices for the situation. A shock collar for dogs is a must-have for every working or sporting dog owner. These are the dogs that must be trusted to work with you, off the leash and at long distances.
The Shock Collar's Stimulation Level Is Important
Most shock collars for dogs have several levels of stimulation available. The trick is to use the lowest possible stimulation level necessary to get the dog's attention. The stimulation is simply used as a reminder; a way of letting your dog know that it is still under your scrutiny. Most dogs, once they know and understand what a shock collar is all about, will welcome it as a sign of heading out the door for some serious fun! Pull out the shotgun, the bell or beeper and the shock collar, and your dog will start going absolutely nuts. When you dog reacts in this manner, you will know that the collar has simply become a part of its working attire. After the first few sessions, many dogs never need the stimulation again; just wearing it is enough to let the dog know that you and it are still connected.
The Dog Doesn't Want To Disappoint You So Don't Disappoint The Dog
A good dog wants to please you and work with you. All dogs will occasionally need a reminder of what their priorities need to be. For the most part though, you need to be able to trust your dog to learn the game and play it with you, as your partner and companion. A good dog does not require a heavy hand. A good dog also should respond to you out of love and not because you have your finger on the button of its collar. There is no finer feeling than walking up on a pointing dog that is holding a bird and waiting for you to flush it because that is exactly what it wants you to do, not because it has to. Of course, there are fewer dirty looks that can make you feel worse than the one that same dog will give you if you miss the shot.
Keep Your Dog's Shock Collar Fully Charged And Ready
One final word about the necessity of using shock collars for dogs – even if you have not had to use it for a long time, always keep it charged and put it on your dog, whenever the dog is going to be working or out in the field. If your dog jumps a deer, chases a turkey or a squirrel or decides it might like to take a nip out of a porcupine; that is not the time to wish you had remembered to put the collar on your dog. A shock collar can save your dog's life in an emergency if you need to stop it or get its attention, in a hurry. Always have a fully a charged collar on your dog if it is off of its leash outdoors – you (and your dog) may just be very thankful that you did.