should i buy electric shock collar for my restless dog?

Question

my husky is too unstable and restless. he keeps running here and there all over the house for no reason at all, when he should be relaxing. he just seems to have too much extra energy in him. should i buy electric shock collar? the manufacturer claims the electric shock on neck will be mild and doesn't harm the animal.

Answer 1

As others have said, this is a breed that needs exercise. You may think "he should be relaxing", but he knows that he hasn't got enough time to run today!

This breed was developed to run 100 miles a day, pulling a load. He may be your housepet, but you can't deny his genetics. If you expect to "shock" him into relaxing with an e-collar, you will be sorely disappointed.

Get off your butt and exercise your dog!

Answer 2

BECAUSE HE'S TOO RESTLESS? And what do you suppose an electric collar will achieve? The first answerer is right, you know nothing. Electric collars are a training aid, and a controversial one at that. They're banned in many countries now. Sure, you start off with a 'mild' electrical impulse - which the dog then becomes desensitised to so you have to keep turning up the current! You need to enrol yourself on some kind of dog knowledge course. Chalice

Answer 3

Electric collars are meant to be used as a training tool when all else fails. They aren't meant to be used as punishment to an animal due to an owners lack of training.

Exercise your dog more. Spend time training him and reward his CALM behavior. (I often drop treats or give belly rubs when my dogs are laying quietly on the floor doing nothing at all.)

Question: How do you and others in your home react to his "unstable and restless" behavior? Also, what else is going on in the house when he does this?

Added: Being that these are high energy dogs, one or 2 daily walks may not be enough to satisfy his needs. There are many things that you can do to help him expend more energy though out the day, that actually require very little effort on your part. Buy him a backpack and have him carry weight when you walk him. (Don't overload, or else you'll cause back and other health problems.) Buy a laser light and spin it across the yard or floor, most dogs love to chase these things. A $4 cat toy from PetSmart will keep a dog entertained for as long as you're willing to play with it, and they are great exercise. My dog LOVES these things! A treadmill... if introduced properly, will allow your dog to walk without your having to exert yourself too much. A lot of people don't think they can play fetch with their dogs unless they have a secure yard to do so in. You can buy a 50 ft lead, and teach him to play fetch while attached. This way you can take him to an open field (if you don't have a yard), and burn off some extra energy. Just be creative! But be safe! :-)

Answer 4

Shock collars when use properly can be affective, but have you tried ALL other less aggressive training methods? And does your dog get enough exercise? Huskies are high energy, strong and built for endurance dogs so it is not fair to reprimand them for acting themselves. I would say your dog needs at least one 45 minute to an hour of vigorous activity like hiking ,running, or flyball EVERY DAY. It's like punishing a child for having energy. It's Your job as the parent or owner to meet their physical and emotional needs. That being said, the shock collar is not MILD. I've seen dogs whimper from pain or become afraid of the collar.

Answer 5

e-collars are wonderful tools, if used correctly. I use them on 2 of mine, and it was worked wonders for things like rule enforcement when they're across a field and they know i can't reach them(hahaha, you can't make me stop humping, you're all the way over there, ha) that kind of thing.
However, restlessness is not something that needs correction, as it is not a behavior, but a lack of excercise. Huskies are made to go, for much longer than you can.
A much better investment for the 200 you will likely spend on a good e-collar(i use innoteck, very good collar), buy a used treadmill from a play it again sports type store. many in there are under 150, less than a collar, and you can put him on it when he gets restless in the house.
The treadmill is no excuse for not walking more, as nothing substitutes a good hour+ walk, bu tif your dog is anything like mine who would need to walk for 5 hours to be tired, this is great.

Answer 6

PLEASE do not even consider using an electric collar. No matter what the manufacturer says, it does inflict pain and frighten the dog. It will do nothing to calm your dog. Instead there is a very real chance that he will become aggressive because of the pain and fear. It sounds like your dog needs more exercise. Can you take him for long walks, teach him to play frisbee or find a place where he can safely run about and expend all that excess energy. You could also try clicker training him to provide some mental stimulation. It will be fun for both you and your dog. There are many yahoo groups which you could join where you can get help from experienced trainers, for example, peaceable paws or clicker solutions. Also many websites and books. At present I am training my dogs with the help of a book called "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller. The exercises work like magic and we really enjoy our training sessions.
Best of luck with your dog!

Answer 7

sigh. He is not running for 'no reason at all'. He needs to expend energy. Just like we need to pee.

NO, do not shock him. What's your goal? A relaxed dog? Animals do not 'relax' after an electric shock. And what behavior are you trying to extinguish - his need for exercise? Why would you shock him when he has no idea why he's being corrected? It's unfair and downright mean.

All dogs need exercise, and huskies more so. Taking him for daily walks will fulfill a basic need. You will find your dog is more relaxed.

Exercise is as important as food, water and shelter. If you can't deal with it, give him to a husky rescue.

Sorry for the harsh advise - you must be frustrated, but really, you've got to give it a shot.

Answer 8

The Husky is a working dog breed, they are very active, very high energy that is what they were selectively bred for. Your dog breeder or person who sold you this breed has let you down badly if they have not passed this information on to you.

Your dog will need to go for walks twice daily. Also you might consider getting a Kong and putting treats in it, or a treat ball, they need their mind exercised as well.

To use an electric shock to repress a breeds natural energy level is just plain wrong, as with tranquilizers (in the case where the dog is normal for the breed).

Also you might consider keeping the dog busy by training it to do tricks, or agility.

Answer 9

NO
Shock collars are cruel and do harm the dog. They cause pain. Pain even in mild forms is still pain.
There is never a good reason to punish a dog for being a dog.

It is clear that your Husky needs more exercise and activity. Husky's are a very smart breed and they were bred as working dogs not lap dogs.

Either join an obedience class for your dog or contact the national Husky rescue--they will take the dog off your hands.

Answer 10

I don't know if you should buy a shock collar, xp48. From what you have writtn I would suggest that you would be better served by investing in a 'novice' level odedience course (which includes: heel, come, sit, down, stand, and stay - both on and of leash in areas of reasonable distractions - plus problem solving and basic manners for home, away and while traveling).

Novice courses are generally ten to sixteen weeks of training. And be sure to search for a qualified ('N' endorsed) instructor. Again, from what you have written, I am thinking that this pursuit will be a better use of your investment dollar than simply buying a shock collar.

Incidently, there are 3 or 4 Sibes qualified for the prestigeous AKC/Eukanuba National Obedience Invitational Championships this year - be sure to root them on!

Tony Ancheta

Answer 11

You have a working dog - give him a job! He's begging for something to do. He'll be happier (so will you). Even if the job is only a daily one or two mile walk (let him pull against a harness, that's what he's bred to do) it will give him something to look forward to, use up some of that healthy energy he was born with, he will learn to relax. But a warning - both of you will become more fit!

15 years of using electronics has made me a fan. But ONLY if you are properly instructed on its use - it is not the be-all, end-all of problems and the introduction to the product must be with great care and discretion. Electronics are simply a reminder of previous training. The are not to be used to force a dog to do (or not do) something. If the dog does not understand what has hit him, and why, it becomes not a training tool but an instrument of torture.

Londa