All dog owners would like their companion to obey them without needing long training sessions, or calling a professional. Fortunately today, there are technological solutions that make it easier to educate pets like training collars.
A training collar is very easy to use but requires discipline and reasoned use: using a remote control, you can decide to send a command to your dog, in the form of an electrostatic pulse, to ” a vibration, or a sound/voice signal (depending on the model to buy). This system is reliable and has proven its effectiveness, it is used by dressage specialists, hunters and now more and more by individuals.
HOW DOES A TRAINING COLLAR WORK?
These necklaces have different names. Some call them shock collars, electronic collars, remote training collars, etc., but the one thing they all have in common is the basic function they perform, and which allows the dog to experience it. of the most basic type of learning: called operant conditioning.
Psychologically speaking, this is a fairly simple idea. If the dog exhibits behavior that you want to eliminate or limit, you simply need to give It positive punishment.
So why a “positive punishment”, and how can a punishment be considered positive? Well, the “positive” part of the name refers to adding an aversive stimulus. And the “punishment” part is pretty clear to everyone; it refers to the desired effect, the purpose of which is to stop the unwanted behavior.
Basically, it’s like when a child behaves badly and his mother starts yelling at him, the child stops. This is a great example of positive punishment.
Now back to the dog training collar. It is a device made up of 2 electrodes that must be put in contact with the dog’s skin and through which the collar transmits electrostatic discharges in order to teach It a lesson. It may sound scary, but if everything is done correctly it will not hurt the dog and will lead to great results.
Using a remote control, the owner can adjust the frequency of the collar, its intensity, and the duration of the shock. In order to get the most out of this device, the owner will need to spend some time training with the dog, ultimately successfully getting rid of their dog’s unwanted behavior.
It is true that a collar of this type can sometimes be a little stressful for the dog, but it can also save Its life. After a while, the dog will normally no longer need the collar. It will have learned what can be done and what not to do.
ARE THEY SAFE FOR DOGS?
The main problem that some people have with these collars is that they believe that electric shock is something dangerous and it is a kind of torture. In fact, the shock suffered by the dog is just enough to get Its attention and make It feel a little discomfort. It does not cause injury, both short and long term. Of course, this goes for all collars sold when used correctly.
Numerous studies have been done on this subject, both with regard to the physiological and physical effects of the collar on the dog.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A TRAINING COLLAR
Stimulation Intensity Setting – you should look for a collar with different intensity levels (4 would be a minimum), as you don’t really know how your dog would react to the shock delivered by the collar. In some dogs, the slightest shock is sufficient, while in others it does not change the bad behavior.
The type of stimulation (continuous, momentary, or both) – There are training collars on the market that use what is called continuous stimulation, which allows the device to control the duration of stimulation using ” a button that can be kept pressed (limited to 5 seconds). There are also collars that use momentary stimulation, which just sends a little, brief shock to the dog no matter how long the owner presses the button. In general, the best machines have both types of stimulation and trainers get better results with continuous stimulation.
Workmanship and Brand – Finding a well-designed and durable collar is very important. You don’t want to have one that breaks too easily, malfunctions, or doesn’t work after a month. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to have one that’s waterproof, especially if you’re taking your dog out hunting. While it is true that such necklaces might be a bit more expensive, this is something you shouldn’t try to save on. Some brands are more famous than others and have recognized the know-how of several decades in the field such as Petsafe, Sportdog, Dogtra, Garmin… we advise you to choose a well-known brand or at least to consult the comments of customers in case of doubt about a model.
WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT USE A TRAINING COLLAR?
1. THE COLLAR SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS A PUNISHMENT
Remember that this type of correction should be used as an immediate warning, not a punishment. If your dog has been rummaging through the trash while you were at work, it is too late to correct It with the collar when you get to the House. The dog should have been corrected by the time It was rummaging in the trash.
2. NEVER USE A SHOCK COLLAR WHEN YOU ARE ANGRY
Someone who experiences a fit of brief anger should not use a collar of this type. If you are upset with your dog because It does not understand something, it is better to stop the training session and think about another way to proceed. There is normally always another solution even for older dogs.
3. DO NOT USE THE ELECTRIC TRAINING COLLAR WITH A VERY SENSITIVE DOG
Dogs that are snug, fearful, or easily panicked by sounds and unfamiliar events will be easier to train with positive reinforcement and desensitization. Tailoring the type of education to your pet’s character is important for their well-being and for better results.
WHAT COMMANDS CAN A DOG BE TAUGHT WITH A TRAINING COLLAR?
Training collars are a great tool that does not only serve to punish on the contrary:
- hunters use them to recall their dog by triggering an audible signal with the remote control, in this case, the collar is used as a recall tool.
- It can be used to learn to walk without pulling on the leash or without a leash.
- It is also used to stop the dog at a specific time
They are very effective in preventing inappropriate behavior such as a dog that:
- Jumps on people
- Barks excessively
- follows people, cars, or animals
- Doesn’t answer when called
- Go into the trash can or into the neighbor’s yard
- Eats what’s not allowed
- Jumps on the furniture
- Dig holes
In a hunting situation, we can make It understand which game is prohibited, direct passion, avoid excesses, learning the “boss” or for launching …
Note: Many people who are looking for a remote training collar to solve a barking problem would be better off choosing an anti-bark collar. You can of course use a training collar with a remote control to prevent unwanted barking, but this requires that you are always present and ready to press at the exact moment the dog barks. Most people would therefore benefit from looking at a bark collar first.
These devices activate automatically when the sensor detects the vibration of the dog’s vocal cords (in addition to noise on some models). They are safe, efficient, and more humane. They allow It to be more consistent by triggering each time in the same way, which allows the dog to learn more quickly to stop barking without risking disturbing It.
