Hi friends… I recently got a shock collar to help with training my dog, but I’m unsure about the best way to use it. My dog is a bit stubborn, and I’ve heard mixed opinions on shock collars. Can someone please share their experience or tips on how to effectively train with a shock collar without causing harm?
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I find that using positive reinforcement training with treats, praise, and play is a wonderful method for teaching your dog what you want them to do.
I know you’re an e-collar user, but until the dog is essentially situation-proof, I would advise you to utilize a leash and training collar for that particular use. When used skillfully, an e-collar can be useful, however unlike a leash, it doesn’t provide any preventative or directional advice. Sure, you can “proof” the dog eventually (and decide whether to use the e-collar as a negative reinforcer or a positive punisher for jumping), but if you use it off-leash for behavior that seems to be the result of over-arousal, you can end up confusing the dog more than educating him about what he SHOULD be doing. Initially, at least. That’s my two cents, whatever. Salutations!
I’m grateful. This is beneficial. Do you know any tricks for doing that? Again, I apologize for my ignorance; I am extremely new to this. He’s trained, and when there’s food involved and not too many distractions, he listens well (obviously). Can I utilize it to make him follow the orders he already knows? For the jumping, I will research collar and leash training.
Hi Nick, Consider shock collars only as a last resort, following positive reinforcement and professional guidance:
Before Use:
- Prioritize Positive Reinforcement: Begin with positive methods to foster good behavior and avoid potential negative effects.
- Consult a Trainer: Seek advice from a certified trainer to assess suitability and ensure humane usage.
Usage Steps:
- Introduce Gradually: Familiarize your dog with the collar on low settings to prevent surprise.
- Adjust Settings Carefully: Use the lowest effective intensity promptly after undesired behavior.
- Keep Sessions Short: Maintain positive sessions, ending with praise or rewards.
- Phase Out: Transition away from the collar as behavior improves, focusing on positive reinforcement.
Combining unpleasant training—like shock collars—with a positive incentive is the most efficient way to employ them. Reward your dog as soon as they pay you attention, for instance, if you’re using a shock collar to obtain their attention. The way you use the shock collar is comparable to how you use a clicker.
