Shock Collars for Little Dogs

Just because you have a little dog doesn't mean you have small behavioral problems. One way to correct incessant barking, chewing and other bad behavior is with a shock collar constructed especially for small dogs. Shock collars for little dogs are specifically designed for a proper fit, weight and intensity.

  1. Size

    • Shock collars for little dogs must be lightweight, small enough to snugly fit the dog's neck and have a receiver attached to the collar that's not too bulky or large. Some of the smaller shock collars are safe for dogs weighing as few as 3 pounds and most are designed for dogs that weigh no more than 40 pounds. The small dog collar's weight ranges from 1 to 3 ounces, rather than the 3 ounces or more for larger dog collars. The length of a small dog;s adjustable collar is often no more than 16 inches, compared to the larger dog's collar of 24 inches or more.

    Features

    • Small dog shock collars come in sets that include the collar with an attached receiver and a transmitter that sends the signals to the receiver. All run on batteries, some of which are rechargeable. Features include an automatic safety shut-off and a thumbwheel to easily and quickly adjust the correction level. Most are waterproof. Many feature a correction tone you can use with or instead of the stimulation. Collars work in ranges from 100 to 400 yards, depending on the model you choose.

    Intensity

    • Small dogs generally need a lower intensity of correction than larger dogs, and their collars are designed appropriately. Some small dog shock collars still have 10 intensity levels like the larger dog collars, but other small dog collars have only eight or four levels. Full-range collars usually offer settings from 400 to 6,000 volts. To compare different intensities, Pet Education says static electricity from nylon carpet in 50 percent humidity is about the same shock as 2,500 volts from a dog collar and is a low intensity. Nylon carpet in high humidity gives off a medium-intensity 9,000 volts and an electric fence emits a high-intensity 20,000 volts, the site notes. The stimulation from quality manufacturers only lasts 1/40 of a second, Pet Education adds.

    Manufacturers and Prices

    • A number of manufacturers offers shock collars for little dogs, with 2010 prices usually starting around $80 and going up from there. Two different PetSafe Deluxe Little Dog Remote Shock Training Collar kits retail for around $120 and $90, with the more expensive model being rechargeable. Innotek's Toy and Small Dog Trainer goes for about $100. Venture Series Little Dog Trainer costs about $150. All costs reflect retail pricing in 2010.

    Considerations

    • Shock collars for small dogs, or any dogs, can be a useful tool, but only if used correctly and with common sense, Pet Education says. Using it correctly means setting up a consistent training plan that includes not only the shock correction for unwanted behavior but rewards for positive behavior. The site also notes the overall goal is to change the dog's behavior, not punish him for misbehaving.