Are electronic/remote training collars inhumane to use on dogs?
and yes these collars used to be (and still occasionally are) referred to as shock collars. BEFORE you ANSWER please read the myths on this page:
http://www.sitmeanssitcharlotte.com/blog/2009/12/09/debunking-the-myth-about-remote-collars/
Well I want to be able to keep my dogs off leash a lot more and give them freedom without sacrificing safety but I don’t think I could ever trust them 100% of the time and this seems like a good method of training because the electronic stimulus is gentler than a prong collar and a choke chain if used correctly.
The Dogtra collars use the pager mode which is only vibration that gets the dogs attention so the electronic stimulus is rarely used. It shows them that you are still connected in a way even though they are off leash …
Here are some training places that have had lots of success with this method
http://unleashedunlimited.com/videos/
http://www.sitmeanssit.com/dog-training-videos/ (watch the first vid it’s funny)
http://www.justrightdogtraining.com/blog/2008/10/dog-training-myth-using-a-remo.html (video is removed but the post is interesting)
What do you think about using them to train?
And please don’t say try it on yourself… because I have and it doesn’t hurt…
dmm99
28 Sep, 2010
I’ve used it with EXCELLENT results. And like the article says, after a while (a short while), all you need is the vibrate feature to see results. I seldom, if ever used the ‘nic’ feature and if I did, it was a low setting. I recommend it – especially if you have an aggressive/dominant dog.
♪Majestik moose© ★micro prong★
28 Sep, 2010
i love my e-collars. not in the least inhumane.
the vast majority of people against remote collars have absolutely ZERO concept of how one feels, how one is used, and the proper way to train with one. with proper use, it does not zap the dog, it does not render the dog electrocuted, unable to move, or even remotely in pain.
the proper level for most dogs is the level(generally a pretty low level) where when you gove a stimulation, the dog simply flicks his ears, or cocks his head to the side. if the dog is simply looking like a fly is bothering him, thats a good starting level. that level, on bare human skin does not HURT, it tingles, but its not painful in the least. Certainly not "inhumane". some of the same people fighting against using a remote collar are the same people that on every walk, their dog is GAGGING and CHOKING pulling on its collar, doing damage to the neck, cutting air supply, etc. they are the same dogs that fail to have a solid recall, and take off after a rabbit, into the road with oncomming traffic. THAT is inhumane.
sunnshine
28 Sep, 2010
it is perfectly fine if you are going to use them in a responsible and humane way, like for exp dont turn the shock all the way up to see dog jump. i use them on my bird dogs we have the one that we can shock/stimulate or also it has a button that makes a noise we use that to get there att, and if they dont come back then they get a small reminder
BeenThereDoneThat
28 Sep, 2010
I’m not going to say what is right or wrong for you and your dogs. What I would remind you is that taking your dogs off leash in most public places isn’t allowed and is illegal. If you do choose to go this route, I’d very much recommend you use a very experienced trainer to teach you and the dogs the correct process. Watching videos and reading books gives a false sense of knowledge and experience. Best of luck in whatever you do.
Chaos the Mutt
28 Sep, 2010
Nope, I don’t think they are inhumane at all.
As it goes with ANY training tool, when used correctly they can be extremely effective.
From what I’ve learned, they are used to correct at a distance to help proof a dog’s command, such as recall.
I’ll star for some of my contacts that use E collars. Maybe they can share their opinions and experience.
Schmemdog schools chunky labs.
28 Sep, 2010
i use them. Much more humane than pulling against a flat collar. Very effective and safe training tool. feel it yourself before you reach any conclusions, it’s no big deal.
Bumblebee
28 Sep, 2010
First I’ll say that it depends on the kind of dog, I’ll explain in a while.
First I want to say that they are often considered by experts to be inhumane, because owners tend to increase the intensity as the dog responds slower to the signal, and should only be used if other methods don’t work. For example in situations where you’re unable to see the dog or get the dog’s attention (like your driving or you’re in an enclosed space separate from the dog).
Second, it depends on what your doing. If you can get the dog’s attention with a clicker or with a verbal command you should use that. Using a collar whether set on vibrate, a 1 second pulse or continuous modes won’t get his attention any better.
Lastly, it depends on it’s breed. Larger breeds like pit bulls and terriers have more intense drives that override the collar’s shock and dog’s tend to tune out signals when their doing something they are focused on. If you try a shock to keep a Jack Russell Terrier from chasing a bike or a squirrel you will most likely not succeed and he can panic parents, children, other dogs and might run into traffic. That’s also the main problem with electronic fences, they simply don’t contain some dogs.
The best way to train a dog is to train him to pay close attention to you before anything else. This way he will be more prone to catch you’re commands.
Tessa *Spring FTW!*
28 Sep, 2010
It’s a TRAINING TOOL.
ANY training tool used un-correctly can work out badly. But in the right hands makes amazing results.
People say "oh but have you ever tried feeling it and knowing how it hurts blah blah" – well, I’m NOT going to chase my tail and smell the other dog’s butts… O_O