Electronic Dog Collars

From LoveToKnow Dogs

When used properly, and with consideration for your pet's well-being, electronic dog collars can be handy training aids.

Introduction to Electronic Dog Collars

Electronic dog collars are training devices that can be used to provide reinforcement during your initial dog training efforts, giving your dog that extra incentive to comply with your commands.

These collars are worn in place of a regular collar and, on your signal, typically deliver a variable amount of static electricity or other type of electronic stimulation via metal discs located on the inside of the collar to your dog. The discs must be in contact with your pet's skin in order for the collar to work effectively.

Some types of electronic collars are actually made specifically for use with invisible fencing and/or automatic dog doors, and are sold with these units.

Because these are merely training aids and not automatic devices that can use to train your pet without your participation, it's important to learn all you can about them before deciding whether your situation warrants their use.

Warning: Not every dog is a good candidate for collar training. Generally, dogs with unstable personalities, fear or abuse issues, or physical impairments should not be exposed to shock collars.

Before You Put a Collar On Your Pet

You're not ready to put an electronic dog collar on your pet until you've done two things.

Basic Dog Training

Step one is to personally work with your dog to teach him the verbal commands you intend to use and what he needs to do to comply. This includes commands such as "No", "Sit", "Stay", etc. Say the command and show him what to do until he gets it. Without this training basis, you have nothing for an electronic training collar to reinforce, and your pet will have no understanding of what is happening to him.

Learn How to Properly Use the Collar

Step two, you'll need to read and understand the specific directions for the collar you choose. You also need to fully understand the concept of collar training so you can do it properly without undue stress and injury to your pet's physical and mental well-being. It's also highly advised that you seek personal training from a professional well versed in electronic collar training, as learning through trial and error on your pet is not an acceptable option.

With both of these points in mind, let's move on to the nuts and bolts of electronic training collars.

Choosing the Right Electronic Dog Collar for the Job

The type of electronic dog collar you choose should be directly related to what you want to train your pet for. The main categories are:

Correcting Problem Behaviors

Is your dog making you crazy by barking all the time, chewing up your personal goods, digging his way to China in your backyard? These are all examples of problems behaviors that need to stopped, An electronic dog collars can help you reinforce the "No" command by delivering an unpleasant stimulation that will help you get the message across.

Training for Performance

This is an entirely different issue than problem correcting. Electronic dog collars used for this purporse can help reinforce your commands to perform a specific task or behavior. These dog collars can be useful in obedience and field training or any other type of training that requires your dog to do something, rather than discourage him from being a nuisance.

Types of Collar Stimulation

Electronic dog collars can provide different types of stimulation; some are more useful in certain situations than others.

Momentary stimulation is just a small quick zap that immediately signals your dog to respond. This is great for reinforcing a command your pet already knows but needs a reminder to follow.
Continuous stimulation allows the owner to keep the stimulation going until the dog responds. This can be useful when training dogs off leash in the field where they might be reluctant to respond, thinking you can't catch them.
Tone stimulation is an audio reinforcement that can be used in place of a verbal command. It can be useful but confusing if your dog mistakes other surrounding noise for the command. Other training dogs in the area may also mistake the audio command as meant for them.
Vibration stimulation is useful for giving silent commands, lessening the chance of confusing your pet or other dogs training around him.

Multi-Dog Collar Units

If you wish to work more than one dog at a time, you can opt for a multi-dog unit. These collars are sold in sets of two or more, and all are controlled with the same remote unit. The key? Each collar is a different color, and responds to the coordinating color button on the remote, so you can deliver a correction/command only to the dog who needs it.

Cruel or Not?

Whether the use of an electronic dog collar is cruel depends on the user. Static shock style collars deliver a zap that is similar to touching metal after you've walked on carpet--uncomfortable, but not really life threatening. Since the amount of stimulation delivered is controlled by a dial, it is up to the owner to set the stimulation at the lowest possible level and only increase the power until the dog shows a slight response to the discomfort.

When used with restraint, and in conjunction with prior basic training, an electronic training collar is a useful tool for reinforcing the kind of behavior you want from your pet.

Remember, the power to train without cruelty is always totally in your hands.