The shock collars that we are usually talking about include remote dog training collars, bark collars, and electric dog fence collars. They use static stimulation to help dog owners or trainers discipline dogs and reinforce positive behaviors to them.
But how to use a shock collar to train your dog? Let’s get started.
Step 1 Read the Shock Collar Instructions
There are many different kinds of shock collars available in the market. Shock collars differ in the way the shock is triggered. For instance, bark collars are triggered by the vibration of the dog’s vocal cords, or by the sound of barking. Other shock collars can be activated by a handheld remote-control device held by the owner or trainer when an unfavorable behavior occurs. You need to know what kind of shock collar you are having and how to operate it before trying it on your dog.
Step 2 Start with Training Without a Shock Collar
This may contradict with the title of this article, but training your dog about a particular behavior with traditional, non-threatening dog training methods should be something any responsible owners do. If your dog still doesn’t respond to simple recalls despite repeated positive reinforcement, then you might want to use a shock collar. If your dog can respond to your command, honestly you don’t have the need to use a shock collar.
Step 3 Attach the Shock Collar to Your Dog’s Neck and Have It on Your Dog for a Week
You need to make sure that the shock collar is tight enough that it won’t fall off, but not so tight that it causes uncomfortableness for your dog. When it’s done, do not use it immediately. You should have it on your dog’s neck and let him/her get used to it. Otherwise, the dog may immediately associate the uncomfortableness with the collar instead of the shock.
Step 4 Start Using the Shock Collar and Adjust the Level of Stimulation
You really need to start at the lowest level of stimulation and see how your dog responds to it. Your dog might attempt to get away from the collar if he/she feels the shock. If your dog doesn’t respond to this level of stimulation, set a slightly higher level and try again.
Step 5 Begin with Commands the Dog Is Familiar With
The shock collar should be first used to reinforcing commands that your dog have already learned, like “sit” or “come”. If your dog is not doing the command right, activate the collar and repeat the command. Also, don’t forget praising your dong as soon as he/she responds to the command.
Step 6 Stop Unwanted Behaviors
If unwanted or bad behaviors, like chasing your cat or digging holes, occur and you are using a shock collar with a handheld remote-control, activate the transmitter. Keep in mind that do not let your dog see you activating it. You want him/her to associate the uncomfortableness with the unwanted behavior instead of you.