When it comes to training and protecting your dog, you want to choose an option that is effective and safe. Radio fence shock collars are quickly becoming a popular option for pet owners, but the safety of radio fence shock collars for dogs are often questionable. Should you decide to take this route, keep in mind a few considerations.
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Safety
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Radio fence shock collars for dogs are, generally speaking, safe to use. These types of collars emit a low-grade shock, which many manufacturers claim is little more than a tingle. These types of collars can become unsafe, however, if the shock strength of the collar is too high for your particular breed of dog, which is one of the reasons why it is important to thoroughly research your options before purchasing a collar.
Training Your Dog
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Training a dog can be a difficult task for even the most gifted, patient person. Dogs can become easily confused by inconsistency when it comes to receiving treats and being praised or scolded for their actions. Sometimes, the tone of your voice can also confuse your dog, especially if you aren't firm when you correct them. For these reasons, many dog owners and dog trainers use and recommend shock collars.
The History of Radio Shock Collars
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When dog training collars, or shock collars, were invented 30 years ago, they drew criticism, although several professional trainers still decided to use them. Today, the design of these electronic collars has improved, and most come with a hand-held transmitter that allows the owner or the trainer to vary the intensity level of the shock based on the type of correction needed.
Choosing a Collar
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Radio fence shock collars for dogs fall into two categories: continuous stimulation and momentary stimulation training. If you need to gain control of your dog in a training situation, a continuous stimulation collar is probably the best option, particularly if you are training a hunting dog. Momentary stimulation works well for most other training situations and provides quick, instant correction at a mild intensity level.
Other Considerations
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Consider other factors when choosing a radio shock collar, including the range of the collar. The more distance that your training and/or your property covers, the wider the range you will need. If you have a small dog, purchase a collar designed for puppies and/or dogs weighing less than 40 pounds to make sure your dog stays safe during training.
Radio shock collars for dogs may have a bad reputation historically, but, in reality, they are much safer and, for the most part, more humane than choke collars, which can cause sprained necks, tracheal damage, hind-leg ataxia and other injuries. Speak with your vet and your dog trainer before purchasing a training collar.
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