Shock Collar Information

Shock collars, also known as e-collars, are generally used to prevent a dog from crossing a boundary. According to the Humane Carolina website, "Shock collars work by administering an electrical impulse either when a dog crosses a boundary, barks or when the guardian administers the shock by remote."

  1. Function

    • Shock collars have different levels of motivation. They are beneficial for training purposes and to keep your dog under control. When the dog understands your commands and what you expect from him, there is usually no need for further use of the collar.

    Benefits

    • A shock collar may prevent your dog from uncontrolled barking, digging, chewing on furniture or jumping on houseguests.

    Invisible Fence

    • The invisible fence shock collar is usually used with electronic fences to keep your dog from crossing a boundary. A dog that approaches a boundary will receive a warning tone. If he crosses the boundary, he will be shocked slightly. Although this is usually highly effective at keeping your dog near, it is important to understand that it may not always work.

    Boundary Crossing

    • Shock collars may not keep your dog from roaming. Dogs who are familiar with the shock collar may quickly run past their boundary to shorten the shock. As a result, the dog can be at risk of getting hit by a car. In addition, he may not dare to cross back over for fear of getting shocked again.

    Malfunction

    • A shock collar can malfunction. Dogs have suffered lesions as a result of the electrodes against his skin. A collar may administer a nonstop current, which results in a constant shock to the dog. Someone can also get shocked when there is an attempt to remove the collar.

    Dog Training

    • Shock collars have also been used to train a dog. When an animal performs an unwanted behavior, he will get shocked. Some training collars are designed to shock a dog whenever he barks. Trainers may also use a hand-held device to administer a shock when the dog performs an unwanted behavior. Positive Dog Training notes, "The logic behind dog training shock collars is that if a shock or correction is administered immediately upon the unwanted behavior being displayed, then the animal will link the correction to that particular behavior and eventually will discontinue the it." In addition, your dog may fear certain locations that he associates with shock collar training.