dog trainer device
dog trainer device
Is it bad to use an electric “shock” device to train my dog?
We are interested in training our dog, themost recent trainer we have met uses a small device that gives a small electric shock to the dog? Is this common?
To answer your question lets look at the pro’s and con’s of shock training.
Pro’s
-Instant results. The dog learns instantly from harsh correction that it can not do certain things. Works very fast for showing dog what not to do.
-the dog learns that by not listening to a command they are reprimanded. Such as the command come and the dog does not come.. he recieves shocks until he comes.
Cons
-Very diffucult to teach do what they should be doing. Teaching anything advanced is impossible.
-dog develops fear complex and becomes increasingly fearful. Most dogs that recieve harsh corrections are fearful of everything such as thunder lightning, people, toys etc.
-Physical damage to the dog. Often burning and scarring are common with damage to glands in the neck and other structures. Many dogs develop heart arrhythmia do to repeated corrections.
-Dog will associated training with collar and if the dog is not wearing collar they will not perform.
Ok now lets look at what many experts are considering the best way to train a dog now.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT!
Pro’s
-Dog learns that doing good things get treats, toys and play time!
-Dog learns that doing bad things get no rewards and a sometimes a light correction if neccessary.
-Dog learns that behaving correctly around people or at home gets treats, affections, rewards, playtime and food! Such as laying down on there bed will get them a good treat. If you give them a treat everytime you see them on there bed, they will more likely stay on there bed because they know they get treats for doing this behavior.
-dogs learn to be confident and not fearful about trying new things.
-dog becomes confident in new situations and around people. Dogs quickly learn the correct way to behave around people and strange things!
Cons
-Positive reinforcement takes time and more time…And lots of patients
-Lots of treats, you might have to vary your dogs diet because all the treats you give. My dogs don’t get breakfast or dinner, instead they get it during our morning and evening walks, one peice of kibble at a time when she is behaving properly, walking nice, sitting at my side, doing a trick infront of people or kids, accepting petting from strangers. DOgs need to learn that nothing in life is free and everything is earned!
-Positive reinforcement must be practiced everyday with every member of the family!!
-Patience… did i say Patience…
To find a quality trainer look through the listings of the American Pet Dog Trainer association.
www.APDT.com
That website has search tool for local trainers. Look for a trainer that is CPDT, a certified pet dog trainer, that uses only positive reinforcement. A trainer that also teaches a AKC CGC classe, american kennel club canine good citizen certification, is very usefull!!
Good luck and remember only YOU will limit what your dog can do! Dogs learn very fast and starting out right will help you and your dog have a long, wonderful relationship in which you are the center of their world!
I hope that was as objective of an answer as possible.
I recomend reading the book “Don’t Shoot The Dog”, readily available on amazon.
How To Decide On A Dog Training Collar
Many dog owners find that their efforts toward training their pet are greatly aided by the use of a training collar. There are many types of collars available and each employs a different mechanism meant to guide your pet, restrain him or discourage bad or disobedient behavior. Some training collars can harm a dog if they are not used appropriately or are the wrong size; so, you should research training collars thoroughly before choosing one and consult with a training expert if you are unfamiliar with how to use a chosen collar. Some common dog training collars are: the prong collar, the Halti, the Gentle Leader, the choke collar and the electronic collar.
Prong Collar
The prong collar looks a lot more painful to the dog than it actually is. This collar is made up of metal prongs that have been linked together. When you apply a pulling pressure to the collar (via the leash), it gives the dog a little pinch that is meant to duplicate the effect of a mother dog’s teeth when she grabs here pup by the scruff of the neck. The prong collar is a safe and effective training tool as long as the fit is correct and the collar is used appropriately. The prong collar should not be used if your dog is one to consistently yank at his leash.
The prong collar should fit snugly against the dog’s neck. As most prong collars can be adjusted by simply adding or subtracting prongs, the correct fit should be easy to achieve. A properly fitted collar should leave approximately half of a finger space in between your dog’ss neck and the prong tip. A collar that is any looser than that will not do its job and will needlessly chafe the dog’s skin.
Halti and Gentle Leader
Both the Halti and Gentle Leader head halter devices look a lot like the harnesses that are used to control horses. While the prong collar is designed to condition behavior and movement, the head halter is designed to restrict or restrain your dog’s movements. The thought behind the halter’s design is that if you can control the head, the body will follow its movement. When you pull on the attached leash the device closes the dog’s mouth and restrains his head. These types of collars are great for dogs that lunge, bite or display other aggressive behaviors.
There are drawbacks, however, to using a head halter device. Most dogs will not take very easily to any device that positions a strap over its nose. You may have to struggle with your dog many, many times before he will submit to wearing it. Another drawback is that pulling at your dog’s head makes it a lot more likely that you will inadvertently injure the dog’s neck or back. To avoid injury, you should always make sure you are restraining your dog in the correct manner.
Choke Collar
The choke collar is one of those dog training devices that is often surrounded by controversy. Proponents of the choke collar point to its humane effectiveness, while critics say that the collar is more torture device than training tool. The truth is that what the collar becomes is largely dependent upon who is using it.
A properly fitted choke collar works by tightening around the dog’s throat when the trainer pulls on the leash and then releasing pressure when the trainer does. If the collar is not put on correctly, however, the pressure will remain and the dog could truly choke to death. These collars are not meant for dogs that consistently pull at their leash or for inexperienced trainers. As is the case with head halters, the choke collar has the potential to cause injury to the dog’s neck.
Electronic Collar
Just mention the option of an electronic dog collar and many dog owners (even some people with no pets at all) will look at you as if you have suggested training your dog with a stun gun. The reality is that electronic collars can be a very humane way to train a dog. As with any other training device, however, whether or not it is used for purposes of cruelty is totally dependent upon the intentions and experience of the trainer.
The electronic collar works by allowing the trainer to give the dog small, electric shocks (via remote control) in order to modify its behavior. The intensity of the shock is left to the trainer. In general, the setting should be strong enough to make the dog’s ears twitch. If the dog howls or yelps when the shock is delivered, then the setting is too high. Again, the electronic collar should only be used by experienced trainers.
About the Author
Paul Duxbury writes extensively on dog and pet care at http://www.pet-care-centre.com and http://www.my-dog.co.uk