Shock collars for dogs are quickly becoming the most popular method of correcting bad behavior and training a dog to do as it's told. Hundreds of thousands of units are sold annually, and those units vary widely both in quality and in intensity. Pet training systems using low-grade shocks are often more effective than verbal reprimands and other types of aversion therapy. The trick isn't to use the collar forever, but to use it until your dog stops the behavior, then removing the collar.
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History
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Shock collars were initially used to train dogs not to fear or jump at the sound of a gun. These gun dogs were highly prized and worth a great deal of money, and the training equipment was far ahead of its time. The electrical devices used in the 1950s were larger and bulkier, but the shock they delivered was different than what is currently expected. The shock collars were limited in their sensitivity and range and to only a few settings.
Function
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Electronic shock collars work by a process called operant conditioning. Called "positive punishment," the shock should only be administered at the moment of the undesirable behavior. The collars work by emitting a short, focused electrical pulse into the animal, causing momentary discomfort and slight pain. The amount of shock is often variable, but is typically less than that delivered by a strong static discharge from walking across carpet and touching a piece of metal.
Time Frame
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Using the collar as a negative reinforcement, the dog should only be corrected at the precise moment of the misbehavior. This conditions the dog to believe that each time the behavior occurs, a shock will be administered. Of course, the collar can work as positive reinforcement, as well. By using a collar that allows only a low buzz or tone to be played, the turning off of the noise as soon as the dog performs the desired action acts as a positive reinforcement. The dog begins to equate the removal of the negative stimuli as the result of proper behavior.
Size
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Dog shock collars come in a wide array of sizes. While most of them are small, they can be effectively fit to any sized dog. A dog the size of a Great Dane or Mastiff can be trained just as easily as a toy poodle. Of course, the actual module that produces the shock is typically less than 1 inch wide by 3 inches long. The collars used for a larger dog can be adjusted to deliver a stronger shock, since large dogs often have a much higher tolerance and require more direct contact from the electrical leads.
Types
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Shock collars come in all shapes and sizes, and they are different in their application of force. While some focus primarily on the electrical pulse itself, others choose to add warning tones to the collar. That way, when the dog hears the warning tone, the undesired behavior will often cease without need for the application of electrical current. Quality models of shock collars will use pulses of only a short duration, though some collars can be reprogrammed to provide long-term discharge, though this is detrimental to both the dog and the life of the on-board battery.
Some collars are also tied into an underground fence. The fence wire is buried below the ground and emits a low electronic pulse. This pulse can be detected by the collar, which will emit a warning and eventually discharge if the dog attempts to cross the invisible fence. These types of collars are popular in suburban areas where local ordinances limit visible fencing.
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