What is A Dog Shock Collar and Why it is Used
When it comes down to training your pet in an effective manner, a lot of methods can come to use. You can either train your pet by rewarding them each time they complete a task correctly, or you can deter them from doing something wrong by providing some stimulus such as a slap to the nose or back. Another way to train a pet is by calling a professional to take care of it. This method can be expensive and unnecessary. https://positively.com/files/SHOCK_COLLAR_Featured.jpg
Here is where e-collars, or Zap collars come in!
Shock collars for dog training have been in use since the 1960’s where hunting hounds were trained by highly powered collars which in turn made them aggressive dogs. These collars are now available quite freely, in lower ranges of shocking, to correct pet behaviour such as understanding boundaries or basic obedience training. The defence forces of many countries use shock collars to deliver stellar service training to canines through these e-collars.
How Do Shock Collars Work?
Three types of shock collars exist. These are pet containment systems, remote trainers, and bark control collars. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/715lzfgqt4L.SY355.jpg
Containment System:
Containment systems needed to come into existence because many housing projects or living communities do not permit making fences or boundaries. A wire boundary can be put up for the dog with no voltage passing through, and a radio signal can be delivered by this wire to the shock collar to provide a shock. This will deter your pet from leaving the safe territory where they do not get zapped.
Remote Trainer:
A remote training devise is one which comes with a handheld remote to control when the shock is delivered to the pet. These collars can be used from a distance and a warning beep or vibration can be sent to get the pet’s attention before actual shocks are delivered. While this method may seem barbaric to some, it proves extremely effective in training a pet when coupled with positive punishment, reinforcement, and a low frequency of delivering punishment. Pet behaviourists can be consulted before making use of such collars as they sometimes cause negative behavioural traits to develop.
Bark Control:
The nuisance of barking dogs can be annoying and your dog may be doing so just for attention. To keep a check on this, bark collars came into being. These are activated by voices or vibrations which then cause the pet to be delivered a small shock. Good quality bark controllers are stimulated by both, a microphone as well as vibrations so as to prevent unnecessary shocking.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Collar
When buying a dog collar, keep in mind the following:
Level of Stimulation
The most important part of a shock collar is the amount of stimulation it can provide your pet. Be it a gentle beep to let the pet know that what they are doing is inherently wrong, or a small static shock to deter your pet from doing the action itself, the stimulation should be of an effective range and should be activated immediately for results.
Maximum Effective Range
Keep in mind the area of your home and consider it in comparison with the range of the remote receiver that comes with the shock collar. Make sure you purchase a collar which has the right range for you.
Waterproof
A pet treads on dirt and grime more often than not when left unsupervised. The shock collar contains a circuit which delivers the stimulation to the pet. It is best if this device is water and weather proof so as to prevent wear and tear, or excessive shocking due to malfunctioning.
Adjustable Intensity
The customization of the range of stimulation delivered to the pet should be wide and should come with enough number of warning stimulation before static shocking the pet. Consider the adjustability of the intensity of shock before your purchase.
Fast Results
The training results of this method are going to be relatively faster than experienced when training without them. This does not mean, however, that you shock your pet repeatedly, or with callousness. Keep a check on the amount of deterrence created, as this can often lead to devastating results of aggression in dogs.
Dog Parents Don’t Need To Be Present
The best part about a remote control device is that the pet parent does not need to be present physically at the time that the dog disobeys. This means that the pet continues to be trained when he is unsupervised.
Do Shock Collars Cause Pain to Your Pet?
Usually, shock collars deliver medium intensity shocks or vibrations, or even visual stimulation such as a beam of light to get the pet’s attention, or smell stimulation where a foul smell dissipates from the collar right into the pet’s nostrils. These training methods act as deterrents for the pet from practicing behaviour which is not conducive.
Shock collars do not necessarily give pain to the pet. However, callous use, or leaving the remote control around irresponsible persons can cause the dog to associate the shock or stimulation received as the normal reaction to his actions. This can make your pet aggressive and undesirably hostile.
7 Best Shock Collars for Dogs
#1: PET998DRB Dog Training Collar – Pet Trainer
https://www.amazon.com/Petrainer-PET998DRB1-Rechargeable-Rainproof-Electronic/dp/B00W6UVROK?tag=petresults-20
About the Product: The Pet Trainer dog training collar is an inexpensive option when it comes to behavioural training your pet. It allows you to choose the kind of stimulation to be given to your pet when training him. The reason that this product makes it to the top of this list are the excellent combination of affordability, weather and water proofing, lightweight design and remote control.
Pros:
- Excellent in terms of affordability and function.
- Wide transmission range.
- Used my many canine trainers.
- Superior quality weather proofing.
Cons:
- Only provides warranty for 5 years and not lifetime.
- No visual correction or stimulation shocks.
- Does not fit dogs whose necks are larger than 22 inches in circumference.
Special Features:
- Customizable range of shocks to be given.
- Comes with a light mode for visibility during the day.
- Effective range is 330 yards.
- Comes with a 5 year warranty.
Final Word: Within the price range, this shock collar makes a shocking splash. It is priced right, and functions better than most other shock collars. So buy your own and find out what dog trainers have been raving about!
#2: PET619S Waterproof and Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar – iPets
https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Rechargeable-Training-Vibrating-10-100lbs/dp/B07148Z1WH?tag=petresults-20
About the Product: The pet training collar by iPets is one which is priced higher up on the spectrum. However, the reason it falls to number 2 on our list is because for the price range, this device contains a shockingly small number of features. It does the job of correcting pet behaviour, but is it worth the money? Let us help you decide!
Pros:
- Fully customizable for your pet’s correctional needs.
- Comes with a power saver mode.
- Charges the transmitter and collar together for better efficiency.
Cons:
- Comes only with a 5 year guarantee, rather than a lifetime.
- No light/visual stimulation option exists.
Special Features:
- Different buttons for different levels of shock to prevent over-shocking your pet.
- 5 year unit replacement
- Maximum range of control is 9000 ft.
- Three main modes: static shock, beep and vibration mode.
Final Word: The iPets Dog Collar is a wonderful buy for those living in small houses, or cities, where the range of movement of the pet is limited, but training is necessary. Gift this or buy this for first time pet owners and watch the magic unfold!
#3: Rechargeable Shock Training Collar with Remote – Petronics
https://www.amazon.com/Petronics-Rechargeable-Training-Electronic-Vibration/dp/B018I5XQ2M?tag=petresults-20
About the Product: A relatively under-priced product, Petronics has created a dog shock collar which is smaller than most others, has a wider range and essentially possesses the same features as all other high end products of the same function. This product is a best-seller on ecommerce portals.
Pros:
- Easy to use and control the remote handheld.
- Controlled stimulation for your pet.
- Adjustable collar straps.
- Rechargeable batteries and transmitter.
Cons:
- Only comes with a 5 year guarantee.
Special Features:
- This product comes with four training modes – light, tone, vibration and shock training modes.
- All modes are customizable in range and intensity.
- Maximum range is 330 yards.
Final Word: This product from Petronics is the standard dog shock collar which can be customized, used with a relatively large range and contains some great features which make it a must buy on our list.
#4: Remote Controlled Dog Shock Collar – PetTech
https://www.amazon.com/PetTech-Controlled-Training-Rechargeable-Waterproof/dp/B01DUWWZ9S?tag=petresults-20
About the Product:
The shock collar by PetTech is a high- tech shock collar which comes with a relatively large number of customizations within the range of the three main settings. The USP of this product is the one on one expert advice which is imparted to first time owners. It may be on the expensive side, but it will help you train your dog as soon as possible, with minimum shocking.
Pros:
- Great transmitter range provides the pet with a larger area to move around while also being controlled by the remote control.
- Comes with 4 modes of training and can be customized 100 different ways.
- Provides Lifetime Guarantee.
- Power Protection mode can be activated to improve the safety of the pet from the circuit.
Cons:
- Costlier than other dog shock collars.
Special Features:
- Maximum effective range: 1299 ft.
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee and replacement
- Adjustable straps and backlit LCD.
- Comes with a complementary training session with an expert.
Final Word: The reason that this device is more on the expensive side of the spectrum should not deter you from buying it. It is a one of a kind service, where the shock collar is provided, one on one support is offered, and a lifetime guarantee is extended.
#5: PET998DBB Waterproof and Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar- Pet Trainer
https://www.amazon.com/Petrainer-PET998DBB2-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Training/dp/B00W6ZHZMI?tag=petresults-20
About the Product: The PET998DBB is similar to its brother, the PET998DRB. It costs lesser than the other product which is more high-end, and comes in a single colour scheme. The real difference is in the material used to make it. The PET998DBB is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, while the DRB is made of nylon.
Final Word: The PET998DBB contains the same specifications as its brother product on the higher end of the price range. The main difference between the two products is the material they are made of. Therefore, it comes down to personal choice for your dog when choosing between the two products.
#6: Dog Training Collar – CarePet
https://www.amazon.com/Training-Upgraded-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Vibration/dp/B075YSD61R?tag=petresults-20
About the Product: The training collar by CarePet is a great investment for those pet parents who are not on a budget. The device has all basic features and then some more. It comes with an added auto protector which will prevent the collar from shocking your pet too much. This is a great tool to use while training pups!
Pros:
- Simple design means it is easier to use and simple to understand.
- Comes with 4 types of stimulation modes.
- IPX7 rated receiver contained in devise with an auto-protect mode to improve safety of the dog.
- Long lasting battery.
Cons:
- More expensive than its competitors in the existing market.
- Heavier in weight, may weigh down or cause chafing in the dog.
Special Features:
- Over 100 levels of stimulation
- Battery lasts for at least 2-3 days post charging
- Effective Range of the devise: 1000 ft.
Final Word: CarePet’s shock collar comes with an inbuilt shock protector for your dog. The battery life is fairly long lasting, depending on how many times the pet is zapped.
#7: Dog Collar – Altman
About the Product: If affordability is in question while buying dog collars, the shock collar by Altman is the entire package in a small price. This device is waterproof as well as durable with rough use. It is remote controlled and is good for those aiming to obedience train their pet. Altman has several modes to train your dog, and should be helpful! https://www.amazon.com/ALTMAN-Training-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Vibration/dp/B01N6T1AHR?tag=petresults-20
Pros:
- Water proof shock collar means that it is more durable.
- Customizable range.
- Excellent remote control and range.
Cons:
- Does not have a light stimulation feature.
- Does not get activated by movement.
Special Features:
- Widely customizable ranges of modes.
- Three training modes available: tone, vibration, and static.
- The Range spans 500 yards.
- Recommended for dogs in any size.
Final Word: The Altman Shock Collar is a good buy for those looking for affordable options. This collar is great for basic and beginner level training, as it possesses three training modes.
