Will using a shock collar for small dogs help you train your little pup? So, your dog is starting to develop behavior problems and you want to correct them right away. If you’re considering using a dog training shock collar, then you must think about its safety and effect on your pooch first. You must also learn how to properly train a dog with a shock collar above all else. Check out our review on shock collars below and decide if this is the best collar for your puppy.
Shock Collar for Small Dogs | Do you really need it?
What is a shock collar?
A shock collar is a type of dog collar usually used for training dogs that developed behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing on furniture, food aggression, and even those dogs who won’t stay within the property line.
How does it work? Simple. When your dog misbehaves, the collar will deliver a shock to your dog encouraging them to stop whatever bad thing they are doing. Usually, pet owners who use shock collars do not shock their dogs right away. Instead, they start with a verbal reprimand. Then, if the dog is too stubborn, a shock will be administered to disrupt the unwanted behavior.
Is it safe to use a shock collar for small dogs?
Training a puppy with the help of shock collars has always caused controversy among pet owners and advocates. Some do not like the idea of hurting a dog to correct his behavior, while others have benefited from the use of shock collars.
To answer the lingering question of a shock’s collar safety, yes it is safe. Note, do not punish your dog with a shock collar. Use the collar as a training tool to deter or disrupt bad behavior. Your dog will associate the shock with a negative behavior. Then, they will stop doing it to prevent the uncomfortable feeling.
How old should a puppy be to wear a shock collar? There are shock collars for small dogs aged 8 to 10 weeks, which is the age group where puppies can start barking excessively. Use the collar specially marketed for this age group if you would like to start puppy training young.
Can it permanently hurt puppies?
Shock collars are not designed to hurt a puppy, but it is intended to give an uncomfortable feeling. The shock administered is proven to be safe for puppies, and it won’t do permanent or long-lasting harm to your adorable pooch.
However, do know that different shock collars come in varying levels of intensity, too. This is why it’s recommended to get one that is age-appropriate for your puppy.
So while the shock collar itself is safe for puppies, the usage is the questionable factor here. Obviously, if you abuse the use of shock collars, this will make your puppy feel stressed and anxious growing up. He might even feel traumatized when you misuse the collar. Thus, it is always best to talk to a professional trainer before using this puppy training device at home.
Doesn’t this one look dapper? A bow tie will always make a gentleman out of your furry friend!
What are the different types of dog shock collars?
Since all dogs are different and will probably have different behavior problems as well, pet owners can choose from different shock collars. The three types of shock collars for small dogs are containment systems, obedience collars, and bark collars. Read more below to determine which type is the best shock collar for your pooch.
1. Containment Systems
The containment system is used for puppies who need to stay within a certain perimeter of space at home (usually outdoors). The system is a collar and an invisible fence made from electric wire that is buried underneath the ground. When a puppy is near the boundary of the fence, the collar will sound off a warning noise, letting the puppy know that they should turn away immediately. If the dog continues to head to the fence, then he gets a shock. In addition, the level of shock can be increased if your dog is stubborn and crosses the boundary. Ultimately, the goal for the containment system is to keep the dog safe.
2. Obedience Collars
Obedience collars are also referred to as e-collars or remote shock collars. The collar is linked to a handheld remote, which the pet owner uses to manually deliver the shock if the dog misbehaves. The pet owner can also adjust the intensity of the shock depending on how badly the dog misbehaves.
3. Barking Collars
The collar has a built-in detection program that detects the dog’s barking volume. The pet owner can set the acceptable volume, as well. A shock is administered to the dog’s collar if the barking goes beyond the acceptable volume.
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What should you know before using a shock collar for small dogs?
There is a purpose for every dog collar. If you’re considering shock collars, these are some of the things you need to know before buying one.
1. The adjustability factor is good.
One of the good features of shock collars is that it actually offers a warning beep or vibration mode to start with. These collars don’t administer the shock immediately, and it actually gives the puppy time to reassess his behavior. For this reason, when your dog does misbehave and gets a shock, your dog will realize his wrong choice. On the other hand, spray collars are not adjustable.
2. It is effective when done right.
Using shock collars doesn’t have to take months. In fact, if your dog understands what’s happening, they will immediately associate the shocks with bad behaviors. There are pet owners who successfully corrected their dog’s bad ways with just a couple of shocks.
3. It works even if you’re not there.
That’s the thing with shock collars, they still work even if you’re not around. If you worry about your dog leaving the property or annoying the neighbor, you can rest-assured that the shock collar will work as it is intended to.
4. This is aversive behavior modification.
Many pet owners stick to positive reinforcement to train their dogs, which is why shocking a dog causes controversy. Shock collars are tools for aversive behavior modification. If that does not sit well with you, look for other means to train your dog. Furthermore, if you do want to move forward with this, consult a professional dog trainer first.
5. Avoid accidental shocks.
Whether you are in control or the shock collar you’re using is delivering shocks unintentionally, accidental shocks will leave your dog confused. Instead of correcting bad behavior, it may give birth to new ones so be very careful with that.
6. Pair it with positive reinforcement.
Shock collars will do their job of deterring negative behavior. However, it will never reward your pup for doing the right things like sitting quietly or following your commands. Of course, to not make your puppy feel bad, pair the shock collar with positive reinforcement, too. Show affection and give treats to your pup if he behaves properly.
Are you having a hard time training your dog to come when called? Let the Dog Guy teach you how using an E-collar:
Truth is, shock collars aren’t for everyone. For those with naughty and very stubborn dogs, there’s no harm in trying it out if your family will benefit from it. When using a shock collar for small dogs, it is important to make sure that you get the right one for your training needs and one that is age-appropriate. Also, make sure to talk to a professional trainer before using one. Bear in mind that you want to train your dog to behave properly and you do not want to instill fear.
Are you planning to get a small dog? Let us know what you think of shock collars in the comments section below.
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