Shock collars

[flip195]

My XBF, my 2 year olds dad, says that I should invest in a shock collar, because of Zoe's rambutus (sp?) behavior. What do you think of shock collars? Do they work? Are they cruel?

Could really use your viewpoints or your experiences with them.

15 minutes training a day will solve and issues Zoe may have and it's a lot kinder than using a shock collar... those things hurt.

[mruffruff]

I'm sorry that some people have had bad experiences with shock collars. When used properly, they can serve a purpose.

They need to be set to the lightest possible amount of shock before even trying them. At this level the shock will feel like a static shock. Usually that is as much as a dog will need, and will only need it a couple of times to control behavior. They should not be used continuously.

I have a dog that felt he had to bark all the time while I was at work. I tried everything I could, but I couldn't be there everyday. And this is a stubborn dog. I finally put a shock collar on him when I was home. When he barked without reason, he got a reminder (light shock) and a yell from me. After three or four times, he got the message....until the next day. Then it only took once. After that, I would put the collar on, but without the battery. He hasn't barked during the day without reason since. He no longer needs the collar at all.

I used it on another dog (foster) and had the same results.

I don't recommend them for every problem dog. They have to be used very carefully and briefly for only certain dogs. Like a lot of other things, it's a training tool.

A two year old still is a puppy. Besides needing a lot of exercise, they need to be taught basic commands.

Have you been able to teach her sit, stay, down, quiet?

[lisahumphreys882]

I'm sorry that some people have had bad experiences with shock collars. When used properly, they can serve a purpose.

They need to be set to the lightest possible amount of shock before even trying them. At this level the shock will feel like a static shock. Usually that is as much as a dog will need, and will only need it a couple of times to control behavior. They should not be used continuously.

I have a dog that felt he had to bark all the time while I was at work. I tried everything I could, but I couldn't be there everyday. And this is a stubborn dog. I finally put a shock collar on him when I was home. When he barked without reason, he got a reminder (light shock) and a yell from me. After three or four times, he got the message....until the next day. Then it only took once. After that, I would put the collar on, but without the battery. He hasn't barked during the day without reason since. He no longer needs the collar at all.

I used it on another dog (foster) and had the same results.

I don't recommend them for every problem dog. They have to be used very carefully and briefly for only certain dogs. Like a lot of other things, it's a training tool.

A two year old still is a puppy. Besides needing a lot of exercise, they need to be taught basic commands.

Have you been able to teach her sit, stay, down, quiet?

I agree, I'm not saying that using shock collars isn't bad in some ways but when used they usually work right away. To tell the truth I haven't actually seen one used but I've heard that they work almost right away, so it shouldn't take too long to cure the rambunctious dog. Besides, even if you feel that the collar isn't going to do anything, you don't have to keep using it. I already tried training my dog but when he goes outside he still goes crazy barking at everything so we are going to try the shock collar. However, if you feel that the shock collar is inhumane, don't use it, this is just my opinion.

[critter crazy]

they can work even when not worn!! my friend has 6 very rambunctious dogs and all she has to do is show them the collar and they listen to whatever she says!! I have never used one never had to! so I realy dont know how they work! But i would imagine that they are like anything else, as longa s used properly they are okay!JMO!

[jennawing]

I am sorry, I cannot agree. Shocking a dog- even to the equivalent of an static charge- is cruel. Dogs misbehave due to what people have either done to them or let them get away with. Shocking a dog with violence in its background is the most inhumane thing I can imagine- if you can't handle the dog, give it to someone who can. But shocking a dog because you are too lazy to train it properly is even worse.

[flip195]

I am sorry, I cannot agree. Shocking a dog- even to the equivalent of an static charge- is cruel. Dogs misbehave due to what people have either done to them or let them get away with. Shocking a dog with violence in its background is the most inhumane thing I can imagine- if you can't handle the dog, give it to someone who can. But shocking a dog because you are too lazy to train it properly is even worse.

I totally agree... perhaps someone can explain to me why they would choose causing pain to a animal, rather than proper training.... the word barbaric springs to mind.

[Sevaede]

I am sorry, I cannot agree. Shocking a dog- even to the equivalent of an static charge- is cruel. Dogs misbehave due to what people have either done to them or let them get away with. Shocking a dog with violence in its background is the most inhumane thing I can imagine- if you can't handle the dog, give it to someone who can. But shocking a dog because you are too lazy to train it properly is even worse.

I agree.

[Vela]

Dogs misbehave due to what people have either done to them or let them get away with.

Therein lies the problem. Dogs are not born knowing the difference between right and wrong. As their owners it is our obligation to teach them, and pain and negative reinforcement really isn't the way to go about it. If someone came into my home and scruffed my dog like has been described as being done to this dog, I would scruff them and show them the door. Real training takes times and patience. My dogs have never seen a shock collar, pinch collar, choker, or any form of abuse, hitting, or yelling, yet they both behave how I want them to and if they don't I spend my time teaching them what is expected, not yelling at them when they do it wrong. If a dog is too full of energy, that is because the owners aren't providing it with enough exercise and a job to do to burn off the excess energy. That is not the dog's fault and he should not be punished beause his owners don't want to take the time needed to exercise the dog. They aren't toys, they are living beings and it is OUR responsibility to train them how we expect them to behave for us. If a person can't do better than resorting to painful stimuli and negative reinforcement, they either need to find the help of a professional to show them how to train their dog properly, or they need to find that dog a new home with someone who will. Just because they make things like shock collars, doesn't mean it's in the dog's best interests.

[mruffruff]

When every other path has been followed and the dog is still not responding, a static shock to get their attention is not cruel, nor is it abuse. Continuous use would be.

The dog I used the collar on was a 10 year old stray that the shelter felt would never find a home. He was in poor shape when I got him and had a bad habit of jumping 6 foot fences. I finally got him healthy, housetrained, contained and accepting of people. I was his last hope and the neighbor next door was threatening his existence. This was a last ditch effort. And I don't feel guilty about using it in this instance. I have not needed it on the other three dogs I have had.

In a perfect world, the shock collar would never be necessary. Unfortunately I live in the real world. I've learned to be less judgmental as I've gotten older. And I never say "Never".