The Truth about Electronic Dog Training Collars

If you look up dog training on the internet, it won't take long before you see all of the ads for electronic dog training collars.  They promise to be one of the easiest ways to train your dog.  Some even say they are the most humane training tool.  With all of the supposed advantages, you might be wondering if you should use one to train your dog.  This article will explain what these collars are, how they work, and if they are the best way to train a dog. 

Electronic dog training collars are one of the most controversial dog training tools used today.  So what are they?  Basically, it's a standard collar that has a small battery operated box attached to it.  On the back side of the box are usually small metal prongs.  When the collar is properly positioned on the dog, the metal prongs are placed against the front of the dog's neck. 

The collar usually comes with a remote control.  When you press a button on the remote, a small electric shock is delivered to your dog via the metal prongs on his neck.  Most remotes have a few levels to choose from, some with as many as 10 levels.  The higher you set the level, the worse you shock your dog. 

If you have ever tested one of these collars on yourself to see if it hurts, you understand that these collars are no joke.  Even on level one, you will get a good jolt and know it's there.  I can't imagine what a dog must feel on level ten.  Painfulness aside, there are other disadvantages to this type of training.

Probably the biggest one is the high rate of misuse.  If used incorrectly, the collar can really injure your dog.  Unfortunately, there is no training required to buy these collars.  What happens if a child gets the remote and doesn't know what it's for?  The child could hold down on the button and continuously shock your poor dog.  This is not confined to children either.  Anyone who finds the remote laying around your house might be curious.

Another disadvantage is that the dog might associate the shock with you.  He could end up fearing you and not wanting to get near you.  This is usually not the kind of relationship you want with your dog.  It's also possible that the dog will only behave when he sees the remote.  You want your dog to behave in any situation, not just when he's threatened to be shocked. 

Of course electronic dog training collars do work.  If you shock any animal enough times it will get the hint to stop what it’s doing.  But there are much better techniques to train your dog that don't cause physical harm.  Click on the link below to find out how you can fix any of your dog's behavioral problems with positive training methods.