Should You Use a Dog Training Collar?

2008-05-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to train your dog you may be a bit overwhelmed by all the different methods and bits of advice that are out there today. Some advocate a very domineering attitude toward your dog and say that you need to firmly establish yourself as the alpha dog so your dog has a proper fear of you. Others say that you simply need a dog training collar in order to get your dog to do the things you want her to do. These different methods and accessories might seem a bit harsh to some new pet owners, so how can you tell if one way of training your dog is the right way or is too traumatizing or even downright cruel to your dog? Let's take a closer look at a dog training collar and how it works in order to figure out if these are good items to use when training your dog.

Keep in mind that there is more than just one type of dog training collar that a person may purchase for their dog. Some are remote controlled meaning the owner can send a signal when the dog is misbehaving to giver her a shock. Others are sensitive to barking and give the dog a shock when she barks. And others are connected to an invisible fence that sends a radio signal and when the dog gets near it, the radio signal activates a small shock on the dog training collar.

Most of these collars have different levels of response, as it's called. They usually start with a very mild shock and then progress to something more uncomfortable and downright painful for the dog. If and when shopping for a dog training collar it's a good idea to get one that does have this adjustable rate so you can set it yourself.

But you do need to ask yourself if a dog training collar is appropriate or abusive to your dog. Much of this will depend on the level of shock it will administer. Even a very mild shock can be upsetting to your dog and of course if the collar is activated many times during the day this can be downright traumatizing to her. Most professional trainers have given up the use of a dog training collar and many animal advocate groups have called for their boycott or ban.

Rather than simply opt for a dog training collar you might instead consider more proactive methods of training your dog. Concentrate on rewarding her for good behavior rather than shocking or punishing her for misdeeds. Most dogs respond much better to rewards and reinforcement rather than punishment. There are also much more humane ways of punishing a dog if that's needed. Excessive barking can be controlled by occasional muzzling which is not painful for the dog. Or she can be put in another room when misbehaving. All of these types of methods of training are much better for your dog than any dog training collar.

If you are looking for more information on dog collars and Dog Care in general check out www.dogcareprofessional.com

Dog Training Collars

Should You Use a Dog Training Collar?