The Truth Behind Shock Collars

As a professional dog trainer, my goal is always to ensure the well-being and happiness of the dogs I work with. Over the years, I have found that remote collars, when used correctly, can be a valuable tool in achieving these objectives. If you’ve spent any amount of time training with me, you’ve likely heard about my traumatised, under socialised dog that I was given as a teenager. I spent over a year absorbing everything I could and put in countless hours of work to remedy his struggles with aggression and teach him that he can enjoy the world around him rather than dread it. After a year of great progress, we still weren’t quite where I thought we should be. He was predictable, but there were a few too many situations where he had a short fuse. He was able to explore new places without turning into a puddle stuck to the ground, but he still wasn’t enjoying himself and he certainly didn’t have any semblance of freedom beyond a forty foot leash carefully unravelled from every overturned tree branch that we passed.

In comes the e-collar. For my sixteenth birthday, I asked for an instructional DVD, a mini educator, and a Doggone Good Treat pouch. Between those and unmonitored access to the internet, we were unstoppable. I read every single piece of information I could, scoured Facebook dog training groups to solve problems as they cropped up, and did my best. Some small mistakes were made, I unintentionally taught him to ignore me when I called him while he was sniffing, but I could call him off of any other distraction. During our very first conditioning session, I was hesitant, thoughts of my positive reinforcement only friends’ warnings kept popping into my head. As I dragged that first session on far too long, a dog that Riot would normally explode at began to walk past our house. He looked at the dog, I braced for impact, and I tapped his collar as we’d been practicing… he paused, turned his head, and it clicked. With the BIGGEST play bow, he turned toward me, wiggled his body into his tail, and seeing the surprise on my face, he took his opportunity to dive head first in my treat pouch and assign himself a jackpot reward.

Things were up and down over the next few weeks, we were both learning and even if we had done everything right, there are no magic wands. Within weeks though, I was able to call him away from toys that he’d previously bitten me over, I could take him into the woods and show him how fun the world is with freedom to explore, my neighbors slowly stopped picking their dogs up and hiding in their houses when they saw us coming. He went into Tractor Supply, he got to meet my grandmother and eat lunch at an outdoor patio with us, he got to go for a walk with other dogs. We got to do the things that everyone gets a dog to do, that dogs deserve to do.

Riot sparked a passion in me that hasn’t dwindled since we said our goodbyes. Remote collars are an amazing tool for building obedience, but if you’re reading this, obedience might not be your first concern. If you’re anything like I was, you have a fearful dog and you can’t afford for that confidence to get rocked. There’s only so much I can say without showing you, but just know that most trainers, at least most ethical trainers not only got into this industry because of our love for dogs; we got into this industry because of our love for helping dogs who are struggling. If you’re reading this and you are not local to me, reach out, I will find you a trainer. If I can’t do that, I will make sure you are set up with quality resources. Remote collars can be life changing tools if their use is treated with the respect and mindfulness of the dog in front of you.

Safety First: Proper Use of Remote Collars

One of the most significant benefits of quality remote collars is their safety when used correctly. There are many misconceptions about remote collars, often stemming from improper use or misunderstanding of the tool. Here’s how remote collars can be used safely:

•Education and Training: Before introducing a remote collar to a dog, it’s crucial to understand its functions and proper usage. As a trainer, I ensure that dog owners are well-educated on how to use the collar humanely and effectively.

•Low-Level Stimulation: Modern remote collars offer adjustable levels of stimulation, allowing for very mild, context appropriate tactile feedback that get the dog’s attention without causing distress. The goal is to communicate, not to punish.

•Positive Reinforcement: Remote collars should be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement techniques. This means that the dog understand’s their objectives and is rewarded for good behavior, ensuring that the collar becomes a tool for communication rather than fear.

By prioritizing safety and proper training, remote collars can help address behavioral issues without causing harm or distress to the dog.

Building Confidence and Enhancing Communication

Remote collars can significantly contribute to building a dog’s confidence and improving communication between the dog and its owner. Here’s how:

•Clear Signals: Remote collars provide clear and consistent tactile signals that dogs can understand. This clarity helps dogs learn what is expected of them, reducing confusion and anxiety.

•Immediate Feedback: Timing is critical in dog training. Remote collars allow for immediate feedback, which is essential for reinforcing desired behaviors and redirecting unwanted ones.

•Increased Bonding: When used correctly, remote collars can enhance the bond between dogs and their owners. The clear communication facilitated by the collar helps dogs feel more secure and understood, which in turn builds their confidence.

With better communication and increased confidence, dogs can navigate their environment more comfortably and respond to their owners with greater trust and reliability.

More Freedom for Dogs

One of the most rewarding aspects of using remote collars is the freedom they can provide for dogs. By ensuring reliable recall and better control, remote collars allow dogs to enjoy more off-leash time and explore their surroundings safely. Here are some ways remote collars contribute to a dog’s freedom:

•Reliable Recall: A strong recall is crucial for a dog’s safety, especially in off-leash situations. Remote collars help reinforce recall commands, ensuring that dogs return promptly when called, even in distracting environments.

•Exploration and Exercise: With the security of a remote collar, dogs can enjoy more freedom to explore and exercise. This increased activity is vital for their physical and mental well-being and biological fulfillment.

•Off-Leash Adventures: Whether it’s hiking, visiting parks, or simply running in open spaces where allowed, remote collars allow dogs to experience the joys of off-leash adventures while ensuring their safety and control.

By providing more freedom, remote collars help dogs lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Remote collars, when used correctly and responsibly, can be an invaluable tool in professional dog training. They promote safety, build confidence, enhance communication, and provide dogs with the freedom to enjoy their lives to the fullest. As a trainer, my commitment is to the well-being of the dogs I work with, and remote collars are just one of the many tools I use to achieve this goal.

If you’re considering a remote collar for your dog, it’s essential to seek guidance from a professional trainer to ensure proper usage and to understand how to integrate it effectively into your training routine. With the right approach, remote collars can make a positive difference in your dog’s life, helping them become confident, well-behaved, and free to explore the world around them.