A dog training collar is the solution that some dog owners choose to use. But if this supplement has made followers, then more and more educators and dog experts are warning about the dangers and futility of its use. Indeed, the positive effects of the training collar must be qualified, because even if the animal stops the behavior that greatly annoys its master, this aggressive tool is not without consequences for its physical and psychological health.
In this file, we invite you to discover the different models of dog training collars and how they work. We will also discuss the consequences of using it on the animal as well as other proven methods of education.
What is a dog training collar? How it works?
Before getting into the discussion, it seems important to us that we talk about the dog and evoke certain behaviors. When a dog suddenly gets out of control when encountering other dogs for a walk or smelling a trail, this is simply called dogs reaction. The dog thus manifests itself in excitement, frustration, or even fear at the sight of the stimulus.
To avoid this natural phenomenon, some masters prefer to choose a training collar. In fact, there are several types of training collars also called electric collars.
Bark collars
These anti bark collars are training collars meant to prevent your dog from barking frequently. Once the collar detects the vibrations of the dog’s vocal cords, it first emits a sound that is nothing more and nothing less than a warning.
If the dog continues to bark again, the device sends him electrostatic stimulation or a mild electric shock to encourage the dog to remain silent.
Other models of collars send a jet of product to the dog, which is unpleasant for him. Lemongrass is the most widely used product.
Anti-distance collars
These collars are used to order a dog that crosses a specific circumference defined by its master and thus veers far away from it. Equipped with GPS, anti-vile collars also trigger an audible sound system, electrostatic alert, electric shock, or citronella jet to encourage the animal to return to its master.
What are the consequences of a dog training collar?
Many masters believe that the training collar is a miracle solution, because their dog stops barking as soon as it is used. In fact, the animal is surprised by the whistling it hears, the electric shock it receives, or the jet of lemongrass that stings its face. As we do in this case, he stops his behavior and thus stops barking, pleasing his master who thinks he has found the cure for his problems.
However, the effectiveness of these training collars must be kept in mind. In some dogs, the effect wears off very quickly and the animal begins to bark again after a week or adopt other techniques, such as growling, baring its teeth, or attacking when it sees another dog, for example.
But the fact that your little buddy stops barking once and for all with a training collar is one thing. On the other hand, the impact of this anti-barking collar on his mental health should not be overlooked. why ? Simply because the message this process is sending him is not the message you think.
mixed message
In fact, if your dog sees one of his peers, begins to bark inviting him to play or to impose himself on him in fear, receives a whistling, a jet of lemongrass or electrostatic stimulation, it will stop calling to the animal due to the startle effect. But it’s by no means the idea that he “behaved badly” with the barking. The dog will associate a citronella jet or electric shock with the presence of the other dog.
As a result, your dog will associate the sight of another dog with an annoying or even very annoying sensation. On the other hand, your dog is punished simply for showing feelings. On the other hand, by associating a homonymous sight with some kind of aggression, he risks developing a more aggressive feeling upon seeing a dog.
inconsistent message
This is not all. Your dog is not meant to wear a training collar permanently. As a result, when you are away, your dog stays at home without wearing it. If he sees another dog through the window, he can naturally start to bark to show his surprise, fear, or even excitement. However, since he is not wearing a training collar, he will not hear a warning whistle or receive an electric shock or a jet of citronella.
In this case, how can your dog understand that you want him to stop barking because he can do so freely from time to time, especially when you are not around? The risk that your dog will associate your presence with the pain or embarrassment you are feeling these warnings is real.
It is not without reason that Many dog experts say they are against the use of training collars. In addition to disrespecting an animal’s well-being, they send out opposite and incoherent messages which can lead to bad associations by a dog and therefore lead to behavioral disturbances that are much more serious than a tendency to bark or stray a bit from it. Mrs.
Furthermore, it seems important to us to alert dog owners to the dangers of these devices when they are of poor quality. The risk of failure can cause physical damage (cuts, burns, etc.) to the animal, but it can also cause psychological damage (stress, anxiety, depression, etc.).
Positive education is a preferred method
Instead of using the principle of punishment, as a training collar does, dog training professionals recommend positive dog training. This technology, which has been widely developed for several years, has clearly proven itself. It is based on benevolence, encouragement and stimulation of the animal. By congratulating and rewarding the dog, the dog is happy to please its master and reproduce good behavior. Thus he acts of his own free will and develops a healthy relationship with his master, based on trust.
On the contrary, collar training, like any form of punitive education, uses coercion. The animal does not obey its will but rather for fear of punishment. He is gradually losing confidence in his master who is not a reassuring model.
Here are some keys to help you deal with an “overactive” dog.
Understand him to anticipate his reactions
When a dog is stressed, frightened, or excited, it shows some warning signs. His hair is standing on end, his ears are standing or lying down, his tail is wagging, his body is tense… These signs should alert you and help you adopt the right behavior.
Avoid the problem
It is best to avoid confrontation with another dog. It is best to turn around or distance yourself and go around the animal that excites or frightens your dog. Do not think that your dog will get used to this, his reaction is natural and instinctive.
work with your dog
If your dog tends to turn toward others or run away from you, work on the recall command. Many owners believe that their animals have mastered this, but this is generally the case at home or in the garden. In most cases, a dog does not master this to perfection, which is why they do not implement it in any context other than within their own home. Feel free to resume learning from the beginning.
In the meantime, be sure to keep him on a leash when you go out to avoid these inconveniences.
Make sure the dog is healthy
Some behavioral problems may have a medical origin. Thyroid disorders actually exacerbate feelings of aggression, frustration, and irritability in dogs. They are involved in over 60% of abnormal dog behavior and they are not alone. Feel free to talk about it with your vet!
Consult a dog trainer
Despite your best intentions and efforts, the situation may not improve. In this case, we recommend that you call a dog trainer who works on the principle of a positive method. He or she will be able to give you appropriate advice for your dog and identify the reasons for this behaviour.