Shock collars were developed in the 50’s and used to be a very popular training device. These ancient collars were exactly as they sound, and used as high level knock your socks off corrections for dogs chasing deer or practicing other dangerous behavior. This is where they got their name from, and the stereotypes have continued ever since. Now, Enter the modern remote collars. While many like to compare it to its predecessor, it is nothing of the sort.
There is no electrical “shock” involved, but is compared to blunt stimulation as one would describe as a tens unit that chiropractors would use. The new collars are highly adjustable and is used for communication between human and dog while the dog is off leash. We simply use remote collars for communication to help dogs identify correct behavior from incorrect behavior at a level where is appropriate for each individual dog. These collars are not abusive corrective tools as some may say in an attempt to vilify them and those who use them.
While these collars are not a good idea for dog owners to try using on their own without the guidance of a trained professional. Dogs (and owners) that can benefit from this type of training, but doing it the right way is key. Like any training tool, these collars can be used incorrectly or in inappropriate ways so do your research and find a dog trainer in your area who is trained to use such tools. (A great place to start this search is the International Association of Canine Professionals dog trainer database).
Some of the benefits of remote collar training:
1. The best choice for training soft (sensitive) dogs
While most people believe that the remote collar is the “biggest stick” in the training toolbox, it is actually the opposite. These collars are highly adjustable so finding the right level for every dog is easy. From the most sensitive to the most stubborn, remote collars are appropriate for both types of dogs and their training. When using a leash on some sensitive dogs, the pressure you use can be too much. A remote collar can communicate in the most subtle manner causing less stress and anxiety for your dog. With the more stubborn dogs where food and leash correction is meaningless in high drive states, the collar will be able to appropriately communicate to these dogs in a heightened state of mind.
2. Makes off-leash training easier
Using a leash is a requirement in most situations, but around the house, yard, hiking or at the beach dogs can enjoy more freedom without dragging a leash behind them. We begin by using the leash as a tool for communication because we can give the dog direction. Once the dog understands communication with direction, we layer in the remote collar as another means of communication. Eventually the leash comes off and the remote collar is the main mode to communicate with our dog. It is important to become fluent in these languages before just jumping to abandoning the leash altogether. Off leash training is a process, but when done well you and your dog can enjoy the freedom life has to offer. Being able to reach out and “touch” your dog from a distance to influence their decisions is an awesome thing to help keep them safe.
3. Multi-featured
Many remote collars can be expanded for multiple dog homes where one remote will control multiple collars.
Collars even have a fun flashlight feature when walking in the dark to help make your dogs more visible. Modern remote collars should have high levels of adjustability (stimulation levels 0-100) with a tone and vibrate feature. These particular features are not used in most pet dog training, but you can do some pretty fancy stuff with these features once the basics are taught and the foundation is in place the possibilities are endless!
