Honestly, how are shock collars bad for dogs?

Question

I have heard so many good things about them, never anything bad. My friend fully house trained her black lab within a week and now it's 2 years later, I'm wondering-should I buy one?

My boyfriend and I have 6 dogs. Each dog has a problem, ie bad on a leash, jumps fence or bites when someone touches their bed etc.

I tested my friends shock collar on the lowest setting on my wrist, it is just a vibration.

I am mainly worried about my mini doxie and his size though.

Answer 1

All depends on the individual. We use them with varying success. On our english shepard (think boarder collie) it works on the lowest setting. On our huskies, they do not even feel it at the highest setting. Our pitbull mix needs something in the middle. We ONLY used the shock collar because our dogs will chase anything that runs, including going down the street. In that chasing mentality, they do not listen anymore.
The only reason people think they are bad is because they over anthropomorphize dogs. We (and some of our neighbors) have had the humane society called on us by a new subdivision that went up by our farm just because our dogs were being kept outside. (In an insulated shelter, heated water bowl, and large kennel).

Shock collars are good when used in moderation or for the right reasons.
Your problems are easy to fix without them. You are not dominant in the relationship with your dog. When a dog pulls on the leash, jerk him back and say no firmly. If that doesn't work, jerk harder. Do not let him walk ahead of you until he knows to respect you.
If they bite, you "bite" them back (tap on the nose, push away, etc)- be the dominant dog. If they bite you EVER (unless by accident)- then you are not dominant. If you were a pack leader, you would retaliate back.

As for the fence, that is one thing where an underground fencing shock collar would work. A remote one would be useless unless you sit there staring at your dog the whole time it is out.

Any more questions, feel free to email.

Answer 2

Shock collars are fine and do work. However there are other alternatives like training. I work with hounds on foot and can take 25 out at a time any problems are quickly sorted without a shock collar. Like sheep worrying etc. Most people who cannot train dogs resort to a shock collar. you need to persist and be dominant. You get a better dog at the end of the day.
You should adress each dogs problem first the go from there.

Answer 3

You have SIX dogs all with behavior problems that require a shock collar?

I mean, I believe that it is important to consider any and all training methods available to a dog owner, but I don't really think a shock collar is meant to be a blanket, generalized training device (or permanent solution) for any ol' hodgepodge of problems.

Have you tried other training methods first, such as obedience school? Positive reinforcement? Establishing yourself as the pack Alpha?

To answer your question, a shock collar will probably do no permanent injury to a large dog, but I too would be wary of using one on a small dog. Beware, too, that sometimes shock collars do not have the desired effect -- stopping an unwanted behavior -- on a particularly determined dog.

Answer 4

omg this is getin on my nerves. people theres nothin wrong with using a shock collar!!! an u DONT need to be qualified 2 use on!!! sheesh. my family an i use a shock collar on our miniature schnauzer ,gunthor, that way he wont ever run away from home or get hit by a car by goin 2 close 2 the road. skyler (our female) is just a little 2 young 4 a shock collar so she just follows gunthor everywhere when they go outside. ive had a shock collar on my arm And Neck and it didnt hurt me one bit!! this is so irritating lookin @ all these people who are saying that shock collars are bad an their not!! and for ur question bout ur little dog, just go 2 the store that sells shock collars and ask them if they have a smaller collar for ur dog. and the collars do adjust so u dont have 2 worry bout it being 2 loose or 2 tight. O an when u first set it up take ur dog(s) to the flag and make them cross it once or twice, of course have the shock thing on low! and theyll learn not 2 go past the white flags. Hope that helps good luck!

Answer 5

shock collars are quick fix they can be useful in the right hands like any training device but if used incorrecctly can exaggerate or make the problem worse, i would consider going to see a dog trainer to train yourself first because if you have 6 dogs and they all have a problem then you need to do something at a basic level, you. bad on a leash requires going back to basics heel work on their own, jumping fences the dog probably needs more excercise and stimulation and aggression the dog needs to know his place in the pack as well as basic obedience again. they will all require time to train, do you honestly have enough time to devote half hour minimum to each dog daily, will your boyfriend help as these are all things you need to consider. time and consistancy works better than shock treatment. i have had 8 dogs and a full time job and know it can be done and my dogs were naughty little buggers because i'd allowed little problems to creep in, i'm down to 4 and they are happier for the extra attention they get. it's probably not the answer you wanted but its the one you need to consider most, shock collars are a fad like choke chains and rattle bottles, if you cant train them yourself just ask for a bit of help to get you started. hope this helps

Answer 6

no no watch clips of people trying them out on themselves its all bad and does not look humane at all . all behavior problems can be fixed with training lots of books on trainng even classes just dont get shock collars its like shock therapy for humans not humane!!!

Answer 7

Try putting a shock collar around your neck and see what it feels like

Answer 8

Try not to put shock collars as they will feel uncomfortable..you are not a dog,so you don't know how they feel.

Answer 9

How bad are they for dogs? About as bad as they are for children.
Which is not to say they're bad, necessarily--the real issue is, can you get over your guilt for subjecting them to it? One thing--if you're going to use one, get qualified training on how to use it.