About Shock Collars

The shock collar is a device used to train dogs. A small box attached to the collar delivers an electric jolt when the owner wants the dog to stop a certain behavior. Also known as electronic collars, these devices were initially used to train hunting dogs and police dogs, but now they are widely available. Shock collars also can come with built-in GPS and anti-theft systems.

  1. History

    • The use of the shock collar began in the 1960s. Hunters used them to control dogs that became overzealous when retrieving quarry. Though the early collars were not always reliable, the idea spread from sporting dog owners to regular pet owners. Unfortunately, there is no standard level for different brands of collars, and each dog has a different sensitivity to the shock. The more recent, top-of-the-line models allow the dog owner to control the intensity of the shock.

    Containment

    • Shock collars are most commonly used to contain a pet inside a certain perimeter. In lieu of erecting an actual fence, the containment collar creates an invisible barrier that jolts the pet when it crosses over the boundary. The most common variation runs an underground wire around the yard. The wire, often called an electronic fence, is harmless to anyone but the pet with the collar. Most containment systems actually warn the dog with a humming or a vibration before the actual jolt is administered. This allows the pet to realize the shock is coming if it continues across the line.

    Other Types

    • There are some collars that are designed to be controlled by a handheld device, which the owner uses to deliver the shock when the dog is misbehaving. It is a method of negative reinforcement that teaches the dog to stop a certain behavior or it will feel pain. Another type of device sits against the dog's throat, and through either microphone or vibration, emits a jolt when the dog barks.

    Effects

    • Some studies have suggested the use of shock collars have ill effects on dogs. The Polsky study, in 2000, found that dogs trained with shock collars have become aggressive and violent toward humans near the perimeter of the electric fence. The study also found that the dogs lost some of their fear of humans. A 2007 study found that the use of shock collars raises the level of cortisol in dogs, proof that the collars increase stress in the dogs.

    Controversy

    • Many animal rights proponents believe shock collars are inhumane to dogs. Some of these groups have started campaigns against the collars. For example, the Kennel Club in Great Britain has a group dedicated to ending shock collar use. These activists claim that collars are not only cruel but can be dangerous or life-threatening to the dog. In Australia, it is illegal to bring a shock collar through customs, but they are available for sale within the country.