Are dog training collars safe to use?
Animal rights activists often argue that it is cruel to subject any animal to pain as a means of correction is wrong. Just as people fought to get the cane removed from schools, the same logic is applied to raising puppies. Whether you agree with this argument or not, it is worth considering the evidence, particularly in relation to one type of corrective method, such as the dog training collars. People who use them swear that they are highly effective in achieving results, be it for training your dog’s behavior or reducing his tendency to bark. Yet there are those that although they may agree, but take the stance that it is inhumane to use this method, particularly when there are other obedience training techniques available which are just as effective and result in a far more positive relationship between dog and owner.
In order to clarify whether they are cruel or not, it is necessary to establish whether a dog training collars causes the dog any kind of pain or discomfort, or indeed even if it results in the dog’s unhappiness. So how do they work? In truth the answer to this question varies considerably, depending on which particular collar it is you are referring to. Generally, however, dog collars are typically two-part systems, with a collar and a remote device which is held by the owner. Thus whenever you see your dog misbehaving, all you have to do is press a button and the collars will emit small shock waves which will signal to your dog that his behavior is unacceptable and that you are displeased with him. The advantage of this is that you can do this from a great distance and obviously will minimum effort. Other collars work differently however. Some, most notably dog training collars which are designed to stop dogs from barking, emits these shock waves pretty much continuously, thus dissuading them from barking. Indeed when they bark the effect of the shock waves is greater, and they soon learn this. In this case the plus side is that you do not have to be present in order for the obedience training to occur. So if you suffer complaints from your neighbors who say that your dog barks when he is alone in the house, this could be the perfect solution.
Despite the clear advantages of using dog collars in this way, is it right to do so? It is feasible to suggest that this method of obedience training is not advisable as it focuses on the negative, rather than training through positivity. This can have a major effect on your dog’s wellbeing and indeed even his character. Furthermore, there is also the danger that the dog, the moment the collar fails to work, turns on his owner in an act of revenge. Indeed, if this tool, some may even say weapon, is relied on for control, the owner doesn’t really have control over his dog; the collar does. Yet, aside from this, the actual collars themselves are not damaging to the dog in the long-term. Scientific investigations show that dogs which have used the collar for many years are not at any more of a risk of cancer, epilepsy and so forth, than one who has not.
Considering the above points, it is now for you to decide whether the perks of using dog training collars outweigh the negative aspects of it, or vice versa. Of course it is not the only obedience training option available to you, but it might be the most beneficial. It is up to you!
