There is no universally agreed upon way to train a dog. As methods change over the years, each new innovation comes complete with avid adopters and doubting detractors. Training collars are increasingly gaining acceptance as an effective tool for obedience and behavior training – but are they as safe, effective, and humane as some say?
The Pros of Training Collars
For those who believe in training collars, the benefits are quite persuasive. They allow dog owners to have control of their pet’s behavior without actually having to be next to them, a big addition to the “pro” side 0f the argument.
- Training collars are typically hands free, making them more hassle free and allowing anyone to work with your pet. For instance, it is sometimes difficult for a child to gain control of a larger dog during a walk, however they can exert the same control as an adult when using an electronic collar. (Be sure to train all member of the family so that the dog has consistent commands and cues.
- Training collars allow for a more natural setting for training. Your dog can run and play at the dog park, but be brought under control if necessary even if he is across the field. This allows the owner to observe actual interaction, without having to stay right by the dog’s side.
- Electronic collars allow owners to deliver consistent, reliable stimulation that the dog will come to understand very quickly. You can lock and set the impulses and monitor with an LCD readout. used in conjunction with voice commands, the dog will soon learn to obey to the voice command without the electronic pulse.
- Training collars are generally water proof, have rechargeable batteries, and work for up to several miles ( a feature most dog owners will not need to test out). Collars are user-friendly, easy to program, cost-effective, and reliable.
- Proponents of e-collars mandate that the training collars are in keeping with acceptable medical standards, and are safe and comfortable for your pet.
The Cons of Dog Training Collars
Dog owners and trainers who resist the use of training collars generally cite their disbelief that the use of electronic waves, stimulation, vibration or shock waves can possibly by safe for the dog.
- There is a worry that the constant vibrations around the dog’s neck are affecting the mental and physical health of the canine; citing a belief that these pulses have the ability to affect the mental and physical health of the dog.
- Some people feel that “shocking” a dog when he misbehaves will lead him to mistrust his owner, not to develop the trust which is the basis and joy of all canine-human relationships.
- Some owners have reported that the collars have burned or chafed their dogs neck after a few weeks of use. It is unclear as to if they feel this is due to the electronic pulses or simply the presence of a device on their neck. Either way, if your dog appears to be developing a reaction to the collar, it should immediately be taken off.
To date, it seems more likely that the regulated electronic pulses are not causing any harm to the dogs, but ultimately the use of a training collar is up to the discretion of the owner. If you have any questions are to training methods, obedience classes, or our view on electronic training collars- call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We always have the health and well-being of your dog as our first priority.
