I know it sounds mean...but has anyone ever used a shock collar on a dog? Is it effective?

Question

I have a 6 month old weimaraner. She's a great pet but we cant seem to keep her from jumping up on people when they come close. Its only because she's so friendly but some people get scared. We've tried everything to break her of this!!! We are considering a shock collar...has anyone ever used one? Is it just cruel? Or does it work?

Answer 1

They can be good training tools when used properly, and most have different shock levels for you to use. My dobie had a couple of behavior problems and was greatly helped be the collar. I have also tried the bark collars in the past and they seem to work well too.

Answer 2

I lived in an apartment building and my dog barked constantly when I wasn't home. When I finally found out about the barking I got the bark collar. It worked almost immediately. There are different settings and the dog is given 2 or 3 beep warnings before the little shock. The shocks gets a little bit stronger as the barking continues. I also have friends who have the yard security and it is fantastic. I couldn't believe that it would keep this one dog confined but it did and it didn't take much work to be effective. I've never heard of one for dogs jumping up on people. Have you tried keeping the dog restrained and not letting it get too close to people? Don't allow it to jump up and if it tries just say "no" very sternly. How about obedience school?
Good Luck.

Answer 3

I've used the bark collars and it worked. Only had to get shocked once and she got the hint. As for a collar where u control the shock i don't know if it would be a good idea. If she felt a shock when she saw a person she was happy to see, she would relate them with pain. I might make things worse.

I would tell the person walking into the room to ignore her when she jumps up and not to pet her until she calms and sits down. I had to do the same thing for one of my dogs and she is doing so much better since we started asking our guests to do this.

Answer 4

Yes, it's cruel, and I honestly don't know if it would work. Wouldn't consider it.

BUT - you will very successfully make your dog scared of you AND the people she's so happy about meeting. Think 'scarred for life'.

She's 6 months old so this is completely normal puppy behaviour. The only problem really, is that she must be quite big and it isn't always that pleasant to have a huge puppy jumping on you!

What she needs is a bit of time and POSITIVE training. When people come over, reward her for being calm before she has actually gotten the chance to jump. Look into the details and principles of clicker training - we've been using this on our dogs for years and it's amazing how well you can get them to behave if you give the training a chance.

Try this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clicker_training

Remember that it's normal for her to be acting like this - she's just really, really excited to meet people and this is the most natural way for her to great them! This is a great time for training her to simply not jump on people. Using positive training is by far the best way to do it, and the result will be a happy dog who's still happy to meet people as an adult, and who will be very eager to please and do exactly what you want her to do as an adult, all thanks to positive training and a complete lack of punishment.

I've seen a lot of dogs and a lot of different ways of training and I have to say that the best results come from positive training and rewarding the dogs for the things they do well, and ignoring unwanted behaviour. Eventually - and this works in practice too, not just in theory - unwanted behaviour will go away on its own simply because it doesn't bring the rewards the dog knows might come if they do what you want.

Answer 5

They can be taught not to jump on you. As for the shock collar, out it around your neck and hit the shock button, see what you think of it. Personally I would never use one.
Be consistent with puppies and dogs; it's counterproductive to discourage your dog from jumping on others, while allowing her to jump on you and lick your face.

2. Turn all the way around and fold your arms when you first walk in the door and your dog leaps up on you. Don't even talk to the dog.

3. Wait until your dog stops jumping, and say "Good, no jump!" the moment she does.

4. Command your pup to sit if she knows the command (if not teach her), and don't touch her until she does. Again, be consistent. (I use the word "control" control yourself.

5. After she has control and you have greeted her tell her to go get a toy. That way she can use some of that energy in a positive manner.

6. Practice "no jump" with friends once your dog learns not to pounce on you. Have friends give treats and praise when your dog succeeds.

7. Anticipate potential jumping situations, and tell your dog to sit or redirect her attention to something else.

8. Praise your dog when she doesn't jump, especially during situations that might give her reasonable cause.

Answer 6

Shock collars should be as last resort only!!! and only under the advise and supervision of an animal behaviorist. They can be misused, causing harm to the dog and not solving any problems.

Answer 7

if you don't abuse it,yes they can and will work...it is not as cruel as some think,whats cruel is a dog that does not listen..dogs are happier when they have boundaries...they also have a no jump harness at any pet store they work very good to..

Answer 8

Friends of ours use one on their dog..started using it about 6 months old. Sure they work...his dog is very obedient however... The dog has severe irritation on his neck from the bolts that are jammed in his neck, and, When the owner raises his voice, or grabs the handset...the dog cowards and pees.

My hubby put it on his leg and shocked himself on low and it hurt...and our friend sets his higher on his dog. Hubby even thought it was mean to use them after he felt it.

Answer 9

I have never used them but i know a friend that has. She got the invisible fence thing. At first they didn't understand but now they will never leave the yard and they know where the invisible fence is installed!

Answer 10

yes, my neighbor... now his dog is scared to death of him.....
they bark just like we talk... i have one that barks at everything including flies....that's just him... my does the sames things...it doesn't bite just happy to see you. many walks and park socializing will calm it down a bit. she is just happy to see people because she doesn't get to , too much.... when she goes to jump pull her away from that person completely. they can no approach her until she is setting down... it will take time...but hey some people are loud....some are quiet.