Dog Training

When you have a dog, odds are you will have to train them in one way or another. Dog training takes time, patience, and work from both of you, but you may find yourself searching for an easy way out.

Unless you take them to a professional trainer there won’t be a simple way to train your dog but there will be things that can make the training process easier. Using positive reinforcement as a training method is a very rewarding method but may prove to be a slower learning curve for your dog.

If you have thought about using training collars but are worried about the stigma around such types of collars, this article is for you! We will dive into everything that you need to know about dog training collars so that you can make your decision.

Dog Training Collars vs. Regular Dog Collar

Regular dog collars are typically made from leather or nylon and are simply used for ownership purposes to show that a dog has an owner. Of course, they are also used to hook a leash to and take them on walks. They’re also perfect for adding tags with owner information and updated vaccination information.

A dog training collar is typically made from metal, nylon or thermoplastic and is used for, you guessed it… training purposes. The training collars that are made from nylon or thermoplastic are the shock collars that go with an underground fence or a remote.

Are They Safe?

The biggest stigma around shock collars and metal chain collars is that they aren’t safe to use or that they cause harm to dogs. When the collars are used properly and not abused, they are in fact, a safe method to train your dog.

Keep in mind that these collars are not to be left on a dog at all times of the day. They should only wear the collar during the time that they may need to be corrected such as on walks and when you let them outside alone but want them to stay in your designated yard.

It is best to be sure that you know how to properly use them, otherwise, stay away from them. They’re effective ways to help with dog behavior training. Once you thoroughly know how to use these collars, they can be a tremendous help in training your dog.

Why Are They Used?

Is your pup showing behavior you’d like to nip in the bud? Dog training collars are used to correct unwanted behaviors and to teach them not to do specific things or go out of specific areas.

Some people use them for excessive barking or aggressive behaviors. Other people use them to keep their dog in the yard without the cost of putting up an actual fence or on walks to keep the dog by their side and from showing aggression to other animals.

Whatever training need you have, these collars will come in handy and can help you quickly and easily train your dog to have or not to have certain behaviors. You can keep your fenceless aesthetic without worrying about your dog running away.

Pros vs. Cons

Just like anything else, these collars come with a variety of pros as well as cons. In most cases, the pros outweigh the cons but in the end that is for you to decide.

Remember, the training collars aren’t for long time use and once the dog is thoroughly trained, the collars can be removed.

Pros of Using Training Collars

The pros of using these types of training collars on a dog have greatly impacted the end result in many dogs and many people training their dogs.

The pros include:

• Fast results – It usually only takes a couple of behavior corrections for the dog to learn what it should or shouldn’t do. After that, it’s a piece of cake and just a warning beep from a shock collar will stop them before they make their next decision.
• Adjustable Intensity – The shock collar has lower levels of intensity that you can try to be sure that your dog will react well in that instance. You can adjust the intensity levels without harming your pup.
• You don’t need to be present (shock collar only) – When using a shock collar, the collar does the work for you and there is no need for you to be around to correct any behavior. Even the collar that requires a remote can be used from afar and you would just need to be keeping an eye on the dog. This is only for a shock collar and a dog should not be left unattended with the metal training collars.
• Affordable – Using a professional trainer or putting up a fence can cost a lot of money while these collars are a one-time payment and are budget-friendly. No need to worry about breaking the bank!

Cons of Using Training Collars

The cons of using these training collars are pretty self-explanatory and aren’t always the case. The entire experience depends upon how the collars are used and how often.

The cons include:

• Shocking or pinching – Some people don’t like the idea of their dog having a shock effect or the pinching effect used on them. However, a dog typically only has that happen under certain conditions and is only done a few times before the dog learns the correct behavior. It’s a quick shock, and then it’s over.
• No reward – Reward systems are a known training method that some like to use on their dogs. These collars don’t use the reward system but there are ways that you can choose to reward your dog once they correct the behavior that is taught by using the training collar. Combine the two methods for an effective training experience for your pup.

Final Thoughts

Dog training collars aren’t a bad thing to use as some people would contest. Just like anything, you must know how to properly use them and do not abuse the power behind them. These collars are recommended to only be used on older dogs and should not be the basic training method for young puppies.

If you are considering using a training collar on your dog, it can prove to be a good investment and you will see the difference in your dog’s actions in no time. Also, if you like the idea of positive reinforcement but still want to use the collars, there are ways to include positive rewards such as treats and praise after the collar corrects their behavior.