(I’m going to start out with a huge DISCLAIMER because every dog is different and every training style is different. How you train your dog depends on their temperament and about a dozen other factors, but being safe and effective should be number one priorities ALWAYS. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and every dog owner has a different perspective; let’s all respect our disagreements and focus on the fact that we are all trying to do the best for our dogs.)
I’m sure you’ve heard of the phrase “the terrible two’s”, usually used for describing the difficult phase of children at two years old. I’m not so sure that anyone has really stopped to think about whether or not dogs have a “terrible two’s” phase, but I definitely feel like mine is going through it right now.
It can be hard to discipline your dog when they are great most of the time, but then struggle with certain things. In the moment of the issues, it’s obviously very important to be firm and let them know that their behavior isn’t what you’re asking of them, yet sometimes that isn’t quite enough to get the message across, and it can be confusing for them when they don’t know what’s expected.
As a ~professional~ dog walker, I’ve used a shock collar (e-collar, electric collar, remote collar, etc.) on a few clients and I saw how effective it can be for implementing impulse control. All of the dogs had received training with a professional to condition them to the collar and the commands, which made it easy for a dog walker to come in and pick it right up to keep the training consistent.
It’s super important to know your dog well enough to know what will be safe for them. I know that Millie is a super intelligent pup and she learns very quickly, so I was confident that I’d be able to implement the new training tool by myself. *I would recommend consulting a professional dog trainer if you are unsure about starting a new tool like a shock collar.*
Which Collar Should You Get?
Once again, if you’re not sure where to start, consult a dog trainer or do extensive research online. There are tons of different shock collars and tons of reviews on each, so either get help from a professional or compare until you find the right fit. You can also go into any pet store (support a small local store instead of a big chain!) and ask the sales associates for help. I went into a local pet store to ask about different types of collars before I made my final purchase from Amazon and it was super helpful to get some insight in person.
Knowing Millie, I know she’s very sensitive (read: she’s a big baby), so I knew that even a minimal amount of strength would get the point across. I also know that she’s a fast learner, so I wanted to get one that had a warning beep so that she could learn the warning signs and I wouldn’t have to actually shock her as much.
This collar from Amazon was one of the top rated and was a very reasonable $39.99. It has three modes: a warning beep, a warning vibration, and an adjustable strength shock. A lot of collars will set you back $100 or more, and some of those are definitely worth the price for shock strength and remote control quality. For my purposes, the cheaper collar was just fine, and if I had found it wasn’t strong enough, I could have returned it and tried a new one.
How to Begin Using the Collar
I want to reiterate that I am in no way a professional trainer and I’m simply sharing my experience with my dog. I did not enroll in any formal training for Millie, nor have I ever, and she’s always been very responsive to learning simple commands from us at home. I approached the new tool cautiously, because I wanted to keep her trust and ensure that she was safely being disciplined.
Luckily, it really only took Millie a couple of times for her to learn that the beep was her warning, and if she didn’t listen to that, she would get a harsher punishment. I strongly recommend a collar with a warning option, because you won’t have to worry about using excessive force. You’ll probably be surprised at how quickly they can put it together too.
It’s been a few weeks since we started and every time we see a dog, I can tell she acknowledges their presence, but once I say her name firmly, she stops and looks at me. It’s important to praise your dog when they give you the response you’re asking for, so I always tell her she’s a very good girl whenever she doesn’t react. It’s also a huge plus that she looks to me for guidance. I was so worried she would be afraid of me for being the one enforcing the punishment, but she still sees me as a “safe space” and comes closer to me when she’s worried and wants to do well.
I really don’t use the remote collar on a regular basis, but I always keep it on her just in case. We sometimes let her run around in un-fenced local parks along our walks, and she’s almost always very good about staying close and not wandering. On one occasion she looked slightly distracted and I didn’t want her running off after a squirrel, so after just a warning beep she came trotting back to me. I hadn’t even conditioned her to “come” on the beep, but it became instinct for her to come to me to avoid the bad consequence.
I know that e-collars are a pretty controversial topic in the world of dog training, but at the end of the day, you have to do what is best for you and your dog. Sometimes they might need a little extra force to learn, and that is perfectly okay. As with any method of training, it’s important not to use too much force that can be harmful and confusing for them, which can make the bad behavior even worse.
I firmly believe that my choice to use a shock collar has made Millie a happier and safer dog. I’m not worried that she’ll run off and hurt herself or get too aggressive with another dog and hurt them. I don’t use the shock collar as an easy way out or because I’m too lazy to enforce my training myself. I use it because it firmly sets boundaries and expectations for my dog that will make both of our lives run more smoothly and will keep us both prepared for any unknown scenarios we face. Having control of your dog is the key to a safe and happy life, and I am so glad that I tried this method on Millie.
Ultimately, the goal of the shock collar is to not have to use it anymore. It’s not as easy with every dog (since every dog is different), but I was so happy with our results. The dog needs to learn that there will be negative effects to misbehaving, and if they listen they won’t have to experience the consequences. Being a dog owner comes with almost as many responsibilities as being a parent, and it’s our choices that determine their futures. Above all, do what’s best for you and your pup and don’t be afraid to seek help!
*Once again I am not a dog expert, not a professional trainer, and am just sharing my own experiences. If you disagree with my views on shock collars, that’s fine, but there’s no need to be judgmental. EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT.*
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