Shock collars and training collars are used to train dogs, especially stubborn ones. They are a working technique through which pet dogs can understand their owner’s command and remember all the skills they have already learned.
These collars are beneficial if you use them correctly and for the right breed. Many pet lovers use shock collars as an additional trick for simple training. However, use them only for adult dogs.
People who want to use a shock collar for their pet dog but don’t know how to use it should read this article.
When should you start shock collar training?
It will not be a good idea to use a shock collar within 10 weeks of a dog’s age. Instead, you can use it at 14 or 15 weeks of age or wait until your pups are at least six months. However, this isn’t a standard rule and you can get advice from your vet.
Matthew Wilson, an experienced dog breeder, says that a shock collar is not meant for puppies because a puppy cannot understand your commands. These devices can make a puppy scared, something that can increase the stress level.
Stress and scariness at an early age may restrict or affect brain development, and your puppy will not grow well mentally. Therefore, while this collar is a helping tool that we use to train dogs, use it on an older puppy. At a younger age, pups may not get trained well.
As per many professional breeders, six months is when a dog understands what is happening around him and how to react. Also, it is the age when a pouch starts to recognize his master, making it a perfect time to start training.
How to train a dog with a shock collar?
Besides age, if you want to gain from all its benefits, it would be good to know this handy tool’s proper usage. For instance, did you know that this training device will give instant results if you use it with kindness? Actually, a shock collar is much calmer and harmless than a regular harness or dog collar.
However, an impatient person should not use a shock collar on his pet. Otherwise, it can be a painful and scary experience for a dog.
1. Quality product
Before starting the training, I would suggest you purchase a good quality shock collar with various functions. A good brand should be easy to wear and functional.
Markets are full of good shocking collars to buy. However, do some research before choosing the best brand for your furry friend. Also, when buying it, keep in mind that the collar must be compatible with your dog’s skin, nature, and size.
2. Initial start
Once you select a top brand, it is time to let your dog adjust and familiarize himself with it. For this purpose, your dog may take up to a week; once you see him comfortable with the collar, you start the training.
Ensure the initial start has basic commands like come here, go back, catch this, and other social activities. Please don’t force your pouch to learn all these commands at once. Instead, let him know one thing then you can proceed with another.
3. Desirable behavior
The shock collar is best for dog training, especially when you want a particular behavior from your dog. Using the remove control that comes with this device, apply a shock each time your dog doesn’t follow your commands or forgets (to remind him) but don’t overdo it.
This can be a long process and may take a few weeks. Often dogs are very obedient, but some of their behavior may not be what you want. Use a shock collar for basic commands and let your dog obey them.
4. Shock collar as a backup:
Once you have trained your dog as per your requirement, don’t discard your shock collar, but it as a backup tool. You can also use it again to teach him something new.
Shock to vibrate collar
You probably also want to know how to move your dog from shock collar to vibrate collar. If you have done all training and you are happy with it, you can have a little bit of transition from shock to a vibrating collar.
Before moving ahead, reduce the shocking level and then introduce a vibrating collar to your friend. Use this collar only in this condition when your friend ignores your verbal commands. Regular usage of a vibrating collar or shock collar can make your dog irritate.
Are shock collars safe for my dog?
As per my research and experience, shock collars are easy and safe to use. I have tried many types of shock and vibrate collars; if you use them well, you can make your stubborn dog obedient without hurting him.
Today a lot of breeders and dog trainers will suggest you use shock collars for training. The majority of dog specialists recommend including them to improve your dog’s behavior.
Why shouldn’t you use a shock collar?
Every gadget has some cons, and shock collars also have. Ordinary shock collars can harm a pet dog due to electric shocks. The electric shock may lead to psychological distress in dogs and even phobias. Also, this collar may burn sensitive skin and increase their heart rate.
People who don’t know how to shock collars may get many undesirable results; if you don’t encounter anything rare, then read this article once at least.