Shock Collars & Shock Barriers for Dogs

Originally invented in the 1970s, dog shock collars and shock barriers are collectively referred to as "electronic training devices." As the name suggests, these devices use small electric shocks to train dogs, usually to stem undesirable or disruptive behavior. Over the years, shock collars and shock barriers have received some criticism by animal rights groups. There are three main types of electronic training devices that are commonly used by trainers and dog owners.

  1. Training Collars

    • Training collars, often referred to as "remotes trainers," are used to help curb destructive or disruptive behavior, such as jumping on furniture, digging holes or even biting. Remote trainers can also be used to help teach commands. Unlike other electronic training devices, a training collar requires active participation by the owner or trainer. A small receiving unit on the collar emits an electric shock when the trainer presses a button on a remote control. When the dog misbehaves or disobeys a command, you press the button. The intensity of the shock is adjustable to account for different dog sizes and scenarios. A low intensity is typically used for teaching commands; a higher intensity for misbehavior control. Sometimes the dog's neck hair must be trimmed for a training collar to function properly.

    Bark Collars

    • Bark collars, also called "no-bark collars" and "bark control collars," are used to control dog barking. If you have a neighborhood ordinance on barking or a giant dog that shakes your house when it barks, these collars are aimed at reducing barking. Most bark collars have sound and vibration detectors, so the sound of barking, combined with the throat-motion of barking, sets off a mild shock. Collars that activate by sound or vibration only should be avoided, because they can be set off by the sound of another dog barking or by non-bark throat movement. Like training collars, bark collars typically have intensity controls. The dog's neck hair must sometimes be trimmed for these collars to be effective.

    Pet Containment Systems

    • Electronic pet containment systems, sometimes called "shock barriers" or "invisible fences," are used to keep dogs within a restricted area. A long wire is used to create the boundary line for your dog. For outdoor use, the line is typically installed underground by digging a shallow trench along the boundary line; however these systems also work aboveground. The line is connected to a box, often placed in the garage, that acts as control unit for the device. When your dog approaches the "invisible barrier," the control unit activates a device on its collar. Most devices first sound a warning beep, and, if the dog continues to cross the barrier, they administer a small shock. There are also self-contained control devices for indoor use. As the dog approaches the device, it receives the same audio warning and shock. Neck-hair trimming may be required for effectiveness of these devices.