Is it challenging to train your dog because she keeps becoming sidetracked from what you’re attempting to teach them? A shock collar may be an effective method to attract your pet’s attention. Here’s all you need to know about using this kind of collar on your dogs.
Shock Collar Training with Positive Reinforcement for Dogs
Shock collars may be used as a training tool to teach your dog the basics of obedience. If you consider your shock collar as a clicker, you’ll get better results. It’s a tool for getting your dog’s attention while he’s preoccupied. It is particularly beneficial if your dog is easily distracted by other dogs, humans, or animals.
Positive reinforcement training using a shock collar consists of the following steps:
- Command
- Because they are excessively enthusiastic (e.g., leaping on someone, barking, rodents!), the dog ignores you.
- To capture your dog’s attention, activate the collar.
- Rep the command.
- The dog performs the order or takes a tiny step toward it.
- Praise and Reward
Step 1: Turn on the collar’s tone or buzzer.
Always start with the lowest setting and work your way up if necessary.
Step 2: To activate the collar, press the remote’s button and then give it a treat. This will teach your dog that wearing a collar means getting goodies.
Repeat 10-20 times more. Do this in 5-minute increments throughout the week.
Step 3: Carry out obedience training. You may utilize the collar to help break through distractions now that your dog knows wearing it implies paying attention to you for rewards.
Follow the instructions below to teach your dog any trick or talent. Starting with the seven fundamental obedience instructions is a good place to start.
- Command
- Since they are excessively enthusiastic (e.g., climbing on someone, barking, foxes!), the dog ignores you.
- To attract your dog’s attention, activate the collar.
- Rep the command.
- The dog performs the order or takes a tiny step toward it.
- Praise and Reward
Negative Reinforcement Dog Shock Collar Training
This post would be incomplete unless we also discussed how to use a shock collar for problem behavior training correctly. Though we prefer positive reinforcement, as stated above, this is another popular training technique that may be effective if done correctly and without causing harm to your dog.
Negative reinforcement uses an unpleasant stimulus to encourage your dog to cease performing a negative behavior and then remove the stimulus when they do the right action.
The procedure is as follows:
When they engage in undesirable behavior, use a very low setting to attract your dog’s attention when they are engaging in undesirable behavior.
- Use a verbal order while physically directing your dog to do the job.
- As soon as your dog starts to comply, release the control.
- Thank your dog for being obedient.
- Repeat.
- Begin with instructions your dog is already familiar with.
When you initially begin training, keep in mind that your dog has no idea what the word “shock” implies. It’s a good idea to start shock training with a command your dog already understands. This helps children realize that the feeling of a low shock is associated with undesirable conduct, while the absence of a shock is associated with desirable behavior.
How to Restrict Adverse Behavior?
Can a shock collar be used to stop your dog from digging or barking? They may be extremely helpful during training, but they aren’t very beneficial if you put it to shock and leave your dog unattended.
All you have to do is follow the usual shock collar procedures. Remember:
- When your dog is misbehaving, use a low-level shock to calm him down.
- Use verbal instruction and physical action to reinforce.
- As soon as your dog obeys, reduce the shock.
- Reward the dog for his excellent behavior.
How to Transition from Shock to Vibration to No Collar Training?
Like many other dog owners, you are hoping to someday get rid of the collar. If you buy the appropriate collar and properly teach your dog, you should be able to progressively decrease the shock level before switching to a vibrating setting.
The key to success here is to always use vocal instructions during shock collar training. This guarantees that your dog connects their training with a signal that you can mimic even when they are not wearing a collar.
Shock Collar FAQ
Do you still have some questions? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
1. What Shock Collar Level Should I Use?
When doing shock collar training, set the collar to the lowest setting. This is the tone or beep option for the majority of models. Suppose the tone isn’t loud enough to get their focus when you give an order, up the level by one. The next stage is vibration, which comes after tone-setting. Static correction is required at higher levels. Continue to raise the level until you discover one that catches your dog’s interest.
It would be great if you spent some time instructing them that a tone or low static correction indicates that they should look to you for instruction. Train them to comprehend tone or static corrections in the same way as you would a training clicker. You’ll need to use the remote to generate a tone or correction, then wait for them to glance at you before treating and praising them. Repeat this until they understand that a tone or vibration on the collar indicates it’s time to glance over at you for a command.
2. How powerful is the shock?
A low setting only releases 0.000005 joules of energy, which is hundreds of times less than the shock of an ab toning device.
3. Is it safe to use electric collars?
Yes, as per The Humane Society of the US, they will not cause bodily harm when used correctly.
4. Is it possible for shock collars to be waterproof?
Check the description of your gadget carefully, although most should be.
5. How do you choose a collar?
Pick one with various intensity, shock, and vibration levels, and then choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.
6. Are shock collars effective for dog training?
The Companion Animal Welfare Council studied over 60 dogs and discovered that shock collars performed equally as well as treat-based training.
When used in conjunction with owner input, shock collars are an excellent training technique. Nevertheless, they are ineffective for dog training if you just put the collar on your pet, set it to shock them whenever they bark or leave the yard, then ignore them. When you use a shock collar incorrectly, you wind up upsetting your dog and making them nervous without really teaching them whatsoever.
7. When is the best time to begin shock collar training?
It is theoretically safe to start using a shock collar on a dog at ten weeks. Still, it may be ineffective. As per expert breeder Matthew Wilson, shock collars are usually not recommended for pups since they cannot comprehend them and get frightened and anxious during this crucial developmental period.
A shock collar is usually only useful for training when your dog is old enough to understand that the shock is connected to their behavior. Typically, dogs must be at least six months old before they comprehend what is going on and learn to modify their behavior.
8. Are prong collars effective for training?
When you pull on the control loop of a prong collar, the metal is bluntly pointed and gently pinches your dog’s skin. The unusual metal form may seem odd, but it is intended to startle, not hurt, your dog. This makes it an excellent tool if your dog pulls and makes any stroll tiring for you.
Nonetheless, you should bear in mind that the possibility of abuse is somewhat greater than with a shock collar. The prong collar may be extremely harmful if it is not properly fitted or if you leave your dog tied up.
9. Are shock collars inhumane?
The thought of giving your dog pain seems harsh, which is why many people attempt to avoid them. When used correctly, a shock collar, on the other hand, should never be harsh.
A shock collar should be used to attract your dog’s attention, not to punish them whenever they do anything you hate harshly.
Here are some guidelines to follow to keep your dog safe:
- Never keep your dog’s collar on for a prolonged period.
- Clean the contact points on your dog’s neck regularly.
- To prevent pressure sores, rotate the collar every three to four hours.
- Don’t employ powerful, unpredictable shocks as a method of punishment.
- Always begin with the lowest possible setting and gradually raise as required.
- When you are unable to monitor the effects of a shock collar, please do not use it.