Shock Collars have been around for a while, and some dog trainers swear by the results. A shock collar is an electronic device that delivers an electric shock to a dog's neck when activated by a remote control. Opposite to the popular positive training method of positive reinforcement, where a dog is rewarded for good behavior, using a shock collar is a form of negative reinforcement, where a dog is punished for an undesired behavior. In this article, we will examine the Pros and Cons of using this training method.

Pros

#1 - They can be effective for extreme behaviors

Unfortunately, specific environments that dogs were raised in may have resulted in them picking up some pretty unmanageable behaviors. For example, suppose a dog was mistreated physically from a young age. In that case, they would have picked up a trait to bark excessively and potentially behave aggressively toward people. While this behavior is undoubtedly a result of the dog's upbringing, these behaviors must be dealt with if they want to live in a stable home. In some cases, positive reinforcement is not enough to curb such behaviors, and people turn to shock collars. In many situations, these collars have been able to curb even the worst behaviors, such as biting, excessive barking, or excessive digging.

#2 - They can be used at a distance

For some dogs, certain behaviors that they have can result in them injuring themselves or someone around them. For example, if you have a highly energetic dog that needs off-leash play, there is no natural way to control them if they decide to jump over the fence and chase after a car. In these situations, having the remote shock collar can save the dog's life altogether, as one press of the button may very well curb the behavior. The idea behind the shock collar is that over time, the dog will associate the behavior with the shock they receive and stop doing it permanently.

#3 - They can be customized

The severity of shock that a dog receives can be easily adjusted on most devices. While it is obviously best to use no shock at all, some trainers may use minimal shock so that the dog does not experience much pain. Every dog is different, and the amount of shock that a dog receives will depend on their size, breed, and the severity of the behavior trying to be curbed. For example, if a dog has picked up a tendency to attack other dogs, then a severe shock may be the only option to prevent other pups from getting hurt. On the other hand, if you are simply trying to stop your dog from digging up your backyard, a small pulse might be enough to curb the behavior over time.

Cons

#1 - They can be painful and can cause fear and anxiety

Many animal welfare organizations and experts believe that shock collars are cruel and inhumane, as they cause physical pain and distress to the dog. Using these shock collars on a dog can not only cause them physical pain but can also make them feel very anxious. In their mind, they don't know where this shock is coming from, so they are anxiously awaiting the next time it will come. If we put ourselves in a dog's shoes, the thought of receiving a random painful shock at an unexpected moment is quite stressful. As a result, you may curb the dog's unwanted behavior, but you may introduce a new issue simultaneously.

#2 - They can be misused

If used incorrectly or inappropriately, shock collars can cause physical and emotional harm to a dog and worsen behavior problems rather than improve them. Since these collars have few regulations or protocols, they can very easily be misused. One way that these collars are often misused is that they will become the sole way that an individual trains their dog. Shock collars should not be the only training method used to modify a dog's behavior. Positive reinforcement, desensitization, and counter-conditioning techniques should also be used to build trust, establish good behavior, and encourage cooperation between the dog and the owner. Another example of misuse is using the collar as a tool for punishment rather than teaching. Shock collars should not be used as a tool for punishment or to instill fear in a dog. Instead, they should be used to teach and reinforce desired behaviors positively and humanely.

#3 - They can damage the human-dog bond

Shock collars can damage the human-dog bond in several ways. First, these collars rely on fear and punishment to modify behavior, which can lead to a breakdown in trust between the dog and its owner. The use of shock collars can interfere with these interactions, as the dog may become fearful or uncomfortable when their handler approaches them. Essentially, using a shock collar can undermine their entire point, as using the collar may curb the dog's undesired behavior but may compromise the positive bond you have with your dog altogether. Using these collars also undermines positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement training methods, which rely on rewarding desired behaviors, are often the most effective and humane way to train dogs. The use of shock collars can undermine these training methods by teaching the dog to fear its owner rather than trust and cooperate with them.

So, do the pros of shock collars outweigh the cons? Considering its age, breed, and health are all very important when deciding if a shock collar is right for your dog and is a decision that, in the end, has to be made by each owner themselves.