The shock collar uses a combination of both postive punishment and negative reinforcement (usually you can't have one without the other.lol.), and from the looks of things not too many people on dog forums like them. However this isn't always the case. What are your opinions regarding shock collars? Do you think they are ok to use in some situations?

Steven_L wrote:

The shock collar uses a combination of both postive punishment and negative reinforcement (usually you can't have one without the other.lol.), and from the looks of things not too many people on dog forums like them. However this isn't always the case. What are your opinions regarding shock collars? Do you think they are ok to use in some situations?

99% of the time I would be against shock collars. If you take the time to learn about your dogs likes and dislikes, and then build a trusting relationship, you should never need to use one.

The ONLY time I can see it as the proper tool is when you take on the responsiblity of working with an aggressive or visious dog with the goal of rehabilitating it. A shock collar can help to break fixation or an agressive reaction to training, but it should ONLY be used as a short term solution.

Used in a way to divert attention? One could easily use a sound deterent, no? (e.g. Bunch of keys or tin can filled coins). We also have to remember that most aggression cases stem from fear in which case p+ and r- techniques would be counter productive. However I whole heartily agree that if we get to know the dog better there is rarely a need to use them.

Steven_L wrote:

Used in a way to divert attention? One could easily use a sound deterent, no? (e.g. Bunch of keys or tin can filled coins). We also have to remember that most aggression cases stem from fear in which case p+ and r- techniques would be counter productive. However I whole heartily agree that if we get to know the dog better there is rarely a need to use them.

Correct, Sound IS the best way, and I ALWAYS suggest it. But in A FEW cases sound may not work so usung leash corrections or firm touch (like CM uses) or the collar may be the only other option.

I have ALWAYS told ppl that when making corrections it is important to use the "LEAST" amount of action nessessary to accomplish the correction. Example: You dont need to kink the dog if a simple "NO" will make it stop barkinng ...

In my prevous post I forgot to add: "The Electronic (shock) Collar" should only be used as a LAST resort. Unfortunately, most ppl who use it ... use it first because they are looking for the EASY way out. They obviousy dont understand that they are doing more harm than good!

I believe that the reason why the shock and prong collars have come under such disgrace is because people use them right off the bat and don't take the time to understand whats going on in the dog's head. Now I'm not saying that we are anything like dogs, but we have to remember that a dog-dog correction is swift and then its all over...we humans tend to put our emotions into our corrects (such as checking the leash too hard because we are frustrated) this is simply not done in the dog world.

Hehe you know, I'm a big advocate for sound deterent because its a good way to get a dog's attention but there are some people that think its too aversive...? Hmmm I'm thinking this should be a whole different topic itself. :tongue:

Steven_L wrote:

Hehe you know, I'm a big advocate for sound deterent because its a good way to get a dog's attention but there are some people that think its too aversive...? Hmmm I'm thinking this should be a whole different topic itself. :tongue:

Me thinks so too!!!

_________________
- Michael -

Full of Life ... and Herself - Visit Patchs' Website
My Best Friend & Faithful Companion - Visit Neka's Website
My Little Buddy for 15+ Years - Visit Chip's Memorial Website

Hey, just a while ago on Yahoo Answers there was a question about shock collars. Apparently a husky didn't want to stop noise making so the owners put a shock collar on him but when they took it off for a bath the poor thing has blood and puss around his neck, shock collars can do that?

Steven_L wrote:

Hey, just a while ago on Yahoo Answers there was a question about shock collars. Apparently a husky didn't want to stop noise making so the owners put a shock collar on him but when they took it off for a bath the poor thing has blood and puss around his neck, shock collars can do that?

Yes, Ive seen instances were the owner applies the collar SO tight (and leaves it on for months) that it eventually digs into the skin. Its JUST like an embedded collar. To me, this is simply ABUSE!!!

_________________
- Michael -

Full of Life ... and Herself - Visit Patchs' Website
My Best Friend & Faithful Companion - Visit Neka's Website
My Little Buddy for 15+ Years - Visit Chip's Memorial Website

Ya abuse, well I can't think of anything else to call it! Its so sad really, if they just invested a little time on training...

Steven_L wrote:

Ya abuse, well I can't think of anything else to call it! Its so sad really, if they just invested a little time on training...

That's the problem today. No one wants to do the work. They just want instant results. :x

_________________
- Michael -

Full of Life ... and Herself - Visit Patchs' Website
My Best Friend & Faithful Companion - Visit Neka's Website
My Little Buddy for 15+ Years - Visit Chip's Memorial Website