Until recently dog owners had few choices in teaching their dogs disciplined behavior. If classes failed or the dog was particularly difficult it was often the owner that had to learn how to adjust. Today dog training collars make the process of training a dog much quicker and easier; however, there are some additional considerations that must be addressed.
Unlike choke chains of the past, you don’t have to depend upon your strength to control your dog. While choke chains only work when attached to a leash, dog training collars work at all time, without the use of any force. Training collars are a way to provide instantaneous feedback when your dog is misbehaving; there should be no doubt in their mind as to which action caused the reprimand.
For instance, the PetSafe training collars come in three basic varieties, although some mix technologies. Spray collars will send a jet of citronella toward your dogs head if they are triggered. A shock collar administers a small shock to your pet. Sonic collars use a noise that increases in volume until the negative behavior stops. All these collars are most commonly used to control barking, but can be used in other training endeavors. Combination collars utilize both sound and citronella with the intent of stimulating even more senses.
Many experts consider the citronella collar the best of the bunch. The spray grabs the dog’s attention at many levels, sight, sound and smell. While citronella doesn’t harm dogs, it is intense enough to cause an immediate cessation of whatever behavior they are currently demonstrating. The sheer shock to the system is enough to get them distracted. Since citronella isn’t an unpleasant scent, most people tolerate the system as well.
Opponents of shock collars are concerned that a collar might provide too intense a shock, hurting the dog, and that the dog may still not understand the reason for the shock. Most collars come with a self adjusting shock mechanism, upping the charge incrementally as the dog continues in their negative behavior until they stop. It is the same principal used in invisible fences. Only you can decide if this type of collar is appropriate for your pet, but it is not suitable for nervous, young or anxious animals. If you choose a shock style of collar make sure you follow the directions carefully. Your dog’s temperament and size will help you determine the most appropriate setting while training.
No matter what kind of training collar you use, the collar can not replace your involvement in training. Dogs, not unlike people, train best when rewarded for successes, not when punished for failures. Constant punishments can cause a dog to feel anxious, depressed and hesitant. When you incorporate training collars in teaching an animal it is doubly important to stress what they are doing correctly. Never leave your dog in their collar unattended, and certainly not for prolonged periods of time. Eight hours a day should be the absolute maximum for any animal. Incorporating a dog training collar may help you train your dog more quickly, but it should be managed with care.