Dog training collars such as the electric dog collars have been sold in the market for some time now. This is evidenced by the number of raves and criticisms it is getting from the web. Like most gadgets and accessories, electric collars can be bad if they are not used the way they are intended to be. They can either be good or bad depending on how they are handled by the dog’s owner.
Here’s a few advice that you may apply to get the full potential of the electric dog collar:
1. Match your dog’s collar with his training needs.
Dogs are not equal and their needs differ from one another. Before buying a collar, you should first determine the amount of training that your pooch needs to learn a positive behavior. This can help you to choose the right collar that your pet should wear. You should consult a vet or a dog training professional before buying the collar.
2. Consider using a collar that uses the beep and tone.
Not all dogs need electric shock to learn. There are lots of dogs that are intelligent enough to know that he is not behaving well through a sound that the collar produces. Dogs that heed the sound don’t need to be shocked with electric impulses no matter how mild. A collar that produces shock may be used only on canines that refuse to obey with the use of warning sounds and tones.
3. Don’t buy a collar before the dog’s arrival.
Some dog owners keep a stack of animal toys, treat and some accessories that can be used for any dog regardless of size and breed. But buying an electric collar before the dog arrives is not an acceptable idea. As we have mentioned earlier, the collar needs to be matched with your pet’s personality and size. You also need to evaluate if the training collar is necessary for that particular canine before buying one.
Using a shock collar can depend on your personality and your dog’s behavior. You cannot determine your new pet’s need for a collar until you see his real temperament which shows only after he has adjusted to his new environment.
4. Don’t scare your dog with hand held devices.
Canines are keen observers and they can easily learn by association. You should not let you pooch detect that the device you’re holding has some association to the shock that he receives. If he misbehaves, do not be tempted to use the remote in his presence. It will make him develop a fear on the gadget instead of the user who’s actually controlling it.
5. Don’t tie your dog to a leash when using shock collars.
Electric collars are intended for dogs that have the liberty to roam freely. They are not designed to be paired with a leash. If you want to take your pet to a stroll with a leash, you must use the appropriate collar. Using the electric collar to hold the leash can damage the collar or cause injury to your dog.
6. Use the shock only if it’s necessary.
Some people say that electric collars are harmless, but according to some observers, this device is the cause of negative dog behaviors including fear, shyness, anxiety and aggression.
Another thing that you must remember is to avoid repetitive use of electric shocks. This can make your pet lose confidence to move. You don’t actually need to use that remote when a firm “NO! can make him behave.
Electric or shock collars are designed for temporary use. They are intended to make your pet develop good habits. You must not use it to punish your pet for a wrong move he makes.
If you want to know some more truths about dog behavior and electric dog collars, please feel free to inquire about it dogmaster.com.au.
Related Articles:
Dog Shock Collar – The Good and The Bad (shibashake.com)
How to Use an Electronic Dog Training Collar (wikihow.com)
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