I am considering using one of those dog collars to try and train my dogs from some of their bad habits (barking, jumping, etc.) I have tried everything and I was wondering if anyone has tried the collars? does it hurt them?
2007-03-07 06:57:11 · 14 answers · asked by S 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He is a german shearpard/pittbull mix, so he is pretty big guy...
2007-03-07 07:05:15 · update #1
There is absolutely no need for negative reinforcement.
Have you tried clicker training? Do a search for it.
2007-03-07 07:04:34 · answer #1 · answered by Nate A. 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course they hurt. If they didn't there would be no use for them. That's the entire point of punishment - something unpleasant happens as a consequence of the behavior. I am totally against them and think the only possible excuse for using one is in the case of life and death, as in the earlier poster whose dog killed the chickens. Jumping up and barking are nuisances but not deadly.
Jumping is super simple to correct - the dog gets absolutely no attention from anyone unless four paws are on the floor. If the dog jumps, petting, praise, etc. should all be removed. Turn and walk away and ignore the dog until he stops jumping. When he stops, turn back to him and praise and pet him. This can usually be dealt with in a couple days as long as you are consistent.
Barking is trickier because it depends on why the dog is barking. Address the cause and the dog is quiet. There are too many possibilities for this to list here. If you don't know why your dog is barking or how to deal with it, contact a trainer for help. Using a shock collar is one of the worst solutions for barking, as you are only covering up the symptom and not getting to the root of the issue. Terribly unfair to the dog, and likely to lead to other behavior problems.
2007-03-07 08:26:34 · answer #2 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am now training a dog with a zap collar. My dog is very jumpy and it barks alot so I decided to get a zap collar. The first time I used the zap collar on my dog she whimpered and was shocked to feel it. In my opinion it depends on the dog. My dog isn't really learning from it but you can try it. When I zapped her she noticed what she had done but yet does not stop her bad habits. Check it out...maybe your dog may learn from it.
2007-03-07 07:48:08 · answer #3 · answered by country chic 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I got zapped by one of those collars once (worked in a pet store & someone was returning it claiming it didn't work) & wouldn't do that to any dog. The collars that release a spurt of citronella is much more humane (that's to cure the barking). Knew a woman that used one because she was going to be kicked out of her condo - it worked on her chihuahua.
Jumping - step on their hind feet whenever they jump up or grab their collar & force them into a sit position making them stay until you give permission for them to move - usually when the person they are trying to greet is in the door and comfortable.
Barking. There is a company out there called Bark Busters. They hold classes on how to break your dog from barking. I have heard nothing but good things about them.
2007-03-07 07:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by Lucy 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Last year my dog unfortunately killed some of my chickens. I used the shock collar for 2 days, giving him a 5 second full blast shock twice as he neared the chickens. I have not had to retrain yet, but it is a good idea to retrain every year for very bad behavior. This does hurt momentarily, but the shock gives a quick refrence to "object/behavior=pain" They recover in seconds. Good luck.
2007-03-07 07:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by quicksilvergirl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you should use a zap collar. Instead spend the money on training classes. Go to your local vet for listings.
2007-03-07 08:33:25 · answer #6 · answered by Shadow 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have one for barking and everytime he sees it he will stop barking, they learn from the first zap and they can be adjusted to the right stregth, they do not hurt the dogs, i lived in an apartment and there were complains about the barking so i got one and even when its on they wont even try and bark, i put it at the lowest setting it would not hurt to try, good luck
2007-03-07 07:46:37 · answer #7 · answered by Jamie 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They don't hurt any worse than a bad static electricity shock (which can be pretty uncomfortable). When you say "everything" does that include a certified trainer? That might be a better option.
2007-03-07 07:06:55 · answer #8 · answered by erinn83bis 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have had one. Mine is part mastiff and lab so he's a big guy too. It doesnt hurt them...just gives them a surprise! You do want to make sure he doesnt get it in water cuz thats wat broke ours! It works rele well tho! Just make sure you get a good kind too becuz one of ours also wouldnt work unless it was rele close to the dog!
2007-03-07 08:42:36 · answer #9 · answered by singingcutie369 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I persoanlly dont like these collars. I woukd only use them on bigger dogs. They can hurt the dogs if you dont know how to use them properly.
2007-03-07 07:03:28 · answer #10 · answered by iluffyouuu;]] 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋