Dog shock collars are no substitute for proper training, but they can be effective tools if used correctly. The key is to create a situation where the dog experiences a negative reaction when engaged in a bad behavior but that sensation stops as soon as he returns to appropriate behaviors.
Setting the Starting Level
After you place the collar and make sure that good contact is available between the probes and the dog’s neck, start testing the shock at the lowest level possible. Slowly increase the level of the shock administered until you see your dog react in some manner. It can be as simple as a twitching ear, scratching, or a quick expression change. This is the level at which you should begin with.
Positive/Negative
If your goal is, for example, to stop your dog from pulling you down the street on walks, then make sure the remote is in your pocket where the dog can’t see it and the collar is turned on. Head out on your walk and as soon as your dog starts to pull say, “no” and administer a continuous shock until he stops pulling.
Immediately stop the shock and praise your dog when he corrects his behavior. The dog will quickly learn that whenever he pulls, something unpleasant happens. When he stops, something positive happens and the the sensation goes away.
Your goal is to make yourself the safe place your dog wants to go to. That means that you have to be diligent to stop correcting them as soon as they respond to whatever command you have given.
Shock collars can be used effectively, but the owners, and not just the dogs, need some training in proper technique before employing them.
